Describes a project in which selected minority students interacted with adults over 60-years old in an Elderhostel program. Discusses the origins and implementation procedures of the project. Provides suggestions for adapting the program for use in social studies classes. (CFR)

A meta-analysis of 20 studies (1975-1995) indicated positive effects for alternative grouping formats for teaching reading to students with disabilities compared to whole-class instruction, particularly for student pairing. In addition, analyses indicated that outcomes for students involved in cross-age tutoring varied significantly by students'…

Describes how wordless books can help struggling and reluctant readers of all ages, linguistically and culturally different readers, and in cross-age tutoring programs. Discusses the teacher's role in using wordless books. Argues that, because of their visual appeal and lack of words, these books ensure successful reading experiences because they…

Describes a collaboration between two high school English teachers that linked sophomore and senior English classes in using literacy for real purposes in the "Magazines for Change" project. Discusses the process of collaboration between the teachers, and describes the project itself. Notes the many benefits that resulted, and describes how…

Uses excerpts from children's conversations to illustrate talk that occurs in three regular contexts in which struggling readers can work: weekly visits to a day care center where they read to younger children, daily partner reading, and daily inquiry project time. Suggests ways to promote talk in each context that will empower these learners. (SR)

Describes a project that connected eighth-grade readers and preservice English teachers via e-mail to see how they would create their own world of talking and thinking about literature. Offers 2 case studies that examine how these dialogues helped preservice teachers develop questioning, modeling, and assessing strategies. Concludes that e-mail…

Describes strategies one elementary school used to improve the reading and writing skills of a group of low-performing second-grade students, including scaffolding, modeling, needs-based instruction, book-rich environment, cross-age reading, books shared with family members, and student motivation. (PKP)

This paper discusses writing partnerships consisting of preservice English teachers who are in the Composition (or Grammar) course for the English Teacher, a 300-level course, and students in Written Communication 101 or 102. The paper presents a concept of writing partnerships which does not merely replicate collaborative learning since the…

A study examined the effectiveness of a project to increase reading readiness skills. The targeted population consisted of kindergarten students in a growing middle class community located in northern Illinois. The problems of lack of reading readiness were documented through teacher observation and district assessment tools. Analysis of probable…

This practicum project developed and implemented a program to teach young children reading readiness skills before they entered first grade. A target group of 20 students ranging in age from 4 to 6 years old in an elementary school kindergarten class was established for the program. During the 12-week implementation, the target group participated…

Based on the study titled, "Siblings as Communication Trainers for Prelinguistic Infants with Down Syndrome" by Nancy B. Richard, this research abstract reports on a study of six sibling pairs in which the older siblings were 6 to 8 years old and their younger brothers and sisters, who had Down syndrome, were from 16 to 41 months old. The older…

As college students in a literacy foundation course became pen pals with third graders, individual voices from each group were heard and, on both ends, it was a meaningful, authentic learning experience. The college students from a homogeneous environment were able to communicate with a diverse population of children. The children shared book…

Dropping out of high school is a major concern for the nation. Dropping out of school, although it occurs at a specific moment, is the culmination of a number of factors, including problems from both home and school, and may begin before the at-risk student starts school. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of peer tutoring by…

This manual describes the benefits and procedures for implementing a developmental play program. It is intended to be used by both the leader--a counselor, teacher, or other professional--and students who have been trained in the peer facilitator skills. The manual does not include a detailed training program for peer facilitators, but the nature…

Computer instruction can offer particular benefits to the Indian child. Computer use emphasizes the visual facets of learning, teaches language based skills needed for higher education and careers, and provides types of instruction proven effective with Indian children, such as private self-testing and cooperative learning. The Hupa, Yurok, Karuk,…