Discusses the benefits of reading informational books with young readers. Topics include how to choose books that will interest young readers; books for reading aloud or reading alone; and collaborative reading, which connects an informational book to a recent experience, or connects a fiction book with a book of information. (LRW)

Analyzes state standards for early reading/language arts from perspective of what is known about early reading and about standards. Reviews standards of 42 states, with emphasis on subset for grades K-3 in areas of equity, content, and specificity established by Council of Chief State School Officers. Discusses implications for development of…

This paper describes a study evolving out of a collaboration between university researchers, special educators, classroom teachers, speech pathologists, and division-level administrators who were responding to a call from provincial administrators concerned with meeting the needs of children with reading disabilities. The primary goal of the study…

The National Early Literacy Panel (NELP) was appointed in 2002 and carried out its work under the auspices of the National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL). NELP's primary goal was to identify interventions, parenting activities, and instructional practices that promote the development of children's early literacy skills. The National Institute…

This review focuses on areas of converging evidence concerning the importance of phonological awareness and the corresponding curricular and instructional implications for diverse learners. Five areas of converging evidence are identified: (1) phonological processing ability explains significant differences between good and poor readers; (2)…

This study assessed the relationship between cognitive style and reading readiness, and examined effects of age and gender on measures of cognitive style and reading readiness. Subjects were 33 males and 27 females between 4 and 7 years of age. All subjects scored within the average range of intellectual functioning and were not color blind.…

This handbook presents brief descriptions of various aspects of reading instruction and related lesson plans and class activities. Sections of the handbook discuss readiness, word recognition, developing vocabulary skills, reading in the content area, and reading comprehension. The handbook also offers brief biographies on Emmett Betts, Guy Bond,…

Composing the first volume in a proposed series, the eight papers collected here focus on the general theme of allowing children to have a childhood. The first paper urges that educators of young children communicate that they, as professionals, believe in and act on the basis of principles of child development. The second paper points out how…

Readiness activities for entry into first grade are outlined and discussed in this teacher's guide for planning and implementing a relevant curriculum for early childhood. Designed to focus on language, mathematics, science, and social studies, the activities described are divided into two major subject areas: language and mathematics. The…

A study investigated the effect of a prereading strategy on the reading comprehension of foreign language students. Subjects were 62 French students in 5 classes at 3 suburban high schools. A rotation design was used within each class. A reading in the target language was assigned twice a week for two weeks. The treatment sample went through a…

Intended for parents, this paper shares tips for seizing opportunities to insure success in reading for children, observing that the three areas which have surfaced as most critical to reading success are all dependent upon what parents do with their children at home. The paper lists reading to children, talking and listening to them, and helping…

Designed for parents who want to know what they can do to help their child have a good start in developing prereading skills and early reading development, this booklet provides parents with information that will help them give their child a maximum opportunity for success in reading. The booklet includes a list of reading readiness skills,…

The validity of recent research concerning invented spelling, the developmental stages in children's writing, and whether children will attempt writing before reading and continue writing while learning to read were examined. Five developmental stages in spelling have been identified: (1) the precommunicative stage, involving the use of random…

Intended for parents, as well as school administrators, policymakers, and teachers, this digest discusses resources available for developing children's early literacy. The digest first discusses research indicating the role of parents in early reading experience, then discusses, in general terms, sources for literacy materials for parents,…

Intended for elementary school teachers, this article deals with reading readiness, handwriting, listening skills, and linguistics in the elementary school. The reading readiness section discusses utilizing pictures in teaching, using real objects in teaching, making picture dictionaries, placing labels on objects, developing experience charts,…