Reports on five studies which investigated reading for pleasure. Finds that this reading is characterized by within-text reading rate variability, is more arousing physiologically than other waking activities, and gives readers a feeling of control. Also finds that the Fog Index of readability predicts readers' preferences and difficulty rankings.…

Discusses (1) the practice of giving examinations and how this contradicts current theory about the writing process, (2) how students spontaneously became involved in reading and writing activities, and (3) the implications of not teaching traditional grammar. (SRT)

Discusses factors that foster the development of young voluntary readers. Reviews studies that describe home and school characteristics that encourage voluntary reading and stresses the importance of providing young students with a rich literary environment in the classroom. (FL)

Through personal reminiscence and description of professional contacts, the author examines her philosophy of writing. (CRH)

The author describes what future teachers should know about the quality, opinions of, developmental stages in; and the variety, use, and availability of adolescent literature in the years to come. (CRH)

Reviews a variety of books, both fiction and nonfiction, for young, intermediate, and older readers. Contains a special section of books with Christmas themes. (FL)

Urges that a complete science education curriculum should teach the communication skills of reading, listening, writing, and speaking, as well as the practice of literacy in scientific areas. (AEA)

Inviting individuals and families, schools, libraries, educational, civic and government associations, labor unions, and others to join in building a nation of readers, this booklet lists ideas for organizing and supporting reading promotion projects that benefit all age groups. Ideas presented in the booklet include: teach someone to read; set…

This paper examines how students' independent reading of good books--one example is "The Phantom Tollbooth"--leads to improved reading performance. The paper also touches on the important factors that are impacting independent reading: priority and time. A literature review in the paper found, among other things, that the best predictor…

This report describes a research study in which motivational strategies were used to increase student enjoyment of reading and to foster a life-long love of reading. The targeted populations consisted of primary and middle grade students in three different urban midwestern settings. The problem of motivating students to read was documented through…

The purpose of this study was to study recreational reading in third, fourth, and fifth grade urban students in a school district in Southeastern Virginia. The widely-used Accelerated Reader (AR) was the tool examined in the promotion of recreational reading. The major research questions determined if recreational reading, using Accelerated…

A questionnaire concerning reading was sent to Indiana middle, junior, and senior high schools in 1992 and a report was written at that time. The same questionnaire was sent to the same schools in 2003. During this period of time increased interest was shown throughout the nation in reading achievement and high school graduation rates. The purpose…