The author attempts to develop a theory of learning to account for complex human learning using early reading as an example. (HMD)

This biliography contains annotations of publications relating to theory, research, and practice in early reading (reading prior to the time a child begins attending school). The 142 annotations are listed under the following headings: comprehensive studies, theoretical issues, pedagogical issues, empirical issues, reviews, and bibliographies. (RL)

This project report describes pilot programs of the Ames Community School District for two school years, 1973-74 and 1974-75. The purposes of the pilot programs were to ascertain whether objectives were met, to consider the appropriateness of activities and materials, to determine the validity of the test measure, to assess the degree to which…

Research on reading readiness is listed in two sections: Part 1, 1950 to the present, and Part 2, 1900-1949. Within each section citations are alphabetized according to author's last name and are followed by a descriptive abstract in Part 1 and a brief annotation in Part 2. A broad definition of reading readiness ranging from maturation as a…

This 34-item annotated bibliography was compiled to help professional educators decide whether reading should be taught in kindergarten and, if so, how the instruction should be conducted. The references include varying and even opposing points of view. The authors of the articles are teachers, administrators, professors, and researchers. (TO)

This book is aimed primarily at assisting parents, nursery school teachers, and kindergarten teachers with teaching their children to read prior to beginning first grade. The preface, "The When, Who, Why, What, and How of Early Reading Instruction," discusses the preliminary aspects of early reading instruction and provides background information.…

Discusses some of the common explanations for the effects of story reading at home upon children's later reading achievement, and offers an alternative explanation along with implications for classroom practices. (CM)

Describes approaches to involving parents in reading programs. (MKM)

The impress method, an oral reading technique in which the child and the teacher read aloud simultaneously, is a simple and effective method for improving the reading skills of students reading at below-grade levels. (MB)

Proposes that the illiteracy problem should be addressed by encouraging children's love of reading while they are developing reading skills. Analyzes why current programs are ineffective and recommends following the approach of the "Open Sesame Program" in New York City, which employs creative methods to teach English to Spanish-speaking…

Describes a study of early readers to determine the linguistic and social interactions in the homes of early readers that seemed to make a difference in their reading. (HTH)

Demonstrates the positive effects of instruction using environmental print to stimulate print awareness in preschool children. (FL)

Reports findings from a study that investigated preschool children's concepts about reading. Offers suggestions for adults who guide young children through their early experiences with print. (FL)

Examines the history of preschool reading instruction, what researchers recommend, and what is actually happening in preschools, then asks whether reading should be taught to young children. (FL)

Concludes that preschool children know that print conveys information, yet frequently use environmental cues rather than letter knowledge when they appear to read. (FL)