Considers the ways in which the processes involved in learning to read are inherent in art and music experiences; discusses visual arts activities as catalysts for vocabulary development, sensory control, and close observation; and provides an overview of such music activities as folk singing as motivaters for reading. (JL)

Provides several types of prereading activities that combine into one strategy stressing vocabulary, oral language development, and prediction. (FL)

Cites ERIC materials describing how music in the classroom can help improve reading readiness, recall, and creative writing. (HTH)

Concludes that, of several reading readiness factors, knowledge of alphabet letter names is the best predictor of phonics skills other than vowel recognition and of reading abilities involving words in insolation, and that number knowledge is the best predictor of reading abilities involving words and syntax. (FL)

Claims that Miller's book is admirably clear and comprehensive on current thinking in early literacy, noting Miller's refutation of the concept of reading readiness. Suggests the book would be particularly useful for students in initial teacher training courses, not just those intending to work with young children. Questions preoccupation with…

Offers strategies for preparing children for literacy in the early Montessori classroom through emphasis on phonemic awareness. Specifically addresses activities to develop phonological and phonemic awareness including song, the alphabet, rhyming activities, "I spy" games, word games, and word segmentation. Presents a case study in…

Compares the effectiveness of the Concepts about Print (CAP) Test and the Metropolitan Readiness Test (MRT) in assessing the literacy development of both normal and at-risk primary students. Finds the CAP to be an effective predictor for at-risk children. Finds the MRT not worth the time, effort, and cost of administration. (RS)

This article reviews research on training phonological awareness in kindergarten and first grade children and describes research-based intervention and assessment activities applicable to classroom and clinical settings. Intervention applications described include categorization activities, phoneme segmentation, and metalinguistic games. (DB)

Six basal reader programs were examined in an effort to address questions raised by an earlier study of kindergarten reading instruction. It was determined that basal reading material did not allow teachers to offer flexible individual instruction to children and that first grade preprimers had an erratic prerequsite reliance on the phonics taught…

Examined rhyming ability of 67 children, ages 3 to 6, who had experienced at least average language stimulation. Found that 4 years 2 months was pivotal age; 17% younger and 76% of children this age and older able to rhyme. Devised suggestions for rhyming books and a sequence of rhyming activities to develop and refine rhyming skill. (KB)

Examines three Swedish research projects concerning how reading and writing are viewed in the preschool context. Finds that linguistic awareness is a precondition, stimulating linguistic awareness fosters literacy development, linguistic awareness activities are common in preschools, and attitudes have changed about when and how young children…

Presents suggestions for early-childhood professionals to encourage reading aloud to children at home, including allowing parents opportunities to watch caregivers read with their children. Includes a list of benefits of reading aloud, a bibliography of read-aloud books, and sample book-reading project questionnaire. (LBT)

Documented reports of four Canadian teachers' experiences in kindergarten emergent-literacy program to determine the following: (1) changes in classroom literacy activities; (2) difficult and easy program components; (3) students' capacity for literacy learning; and (4) project satisfaction. Concluded that researchers need to involve teachers when…