Describes a survey of seventh grade students' reading attitudes. Presents interviews with three of the surveyed students in which they each describe a book they have read and their response to its special meaning. (HTH)

A study investigated whether using literature circles in the study of non-fiction improved student attitudes about reading and improved comprehension while developing self-confidence and cooperation. A purposeful sample of five students from a combined grade 5/6 class were chosen based on their negative responses about attitude and ability…

A study investigated the influence of classroom experience on theoretical beliefs about reading as evidenced over a full year elementary classroom internship in a laboratory school setting. Five interns (three females who had just received their bachelors degrees and two males who held masters degrees and were engaged in other occupations prior to…

This paper provides insight into the history and growth of the National Reading Research Center (NRRC), that was charged to engage in research aimed at improving the reading proficiency of all students and to develop a broad, comprehensive model of reading acquisition that integrates the various cognitive, social, motivational, cultural, and…

This paper describes Georgia's Reading Challenge, whose goal is to provide a quality after-school reading program for students in grades four through eight with opportunities to improve reading skills and enhance their interest in reading. Sections of the paper describe the goals of the Reading Challenge; general information; responsibilities of…

Using the guiding question, "What is reading?," this lesson invites students to interact with a variety of different texts as they attempt to uncover the skills necessary to successfully interact with the text. Based upon the discussion that follows, students will create a living definition of reading. During three 40-minute lessons, students…

A survey was conducted to examine the reading interests of middle school students. Subjects were sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students in a metropolitan, public middle school located in a southeastern state. It was hypothesized that the data would reveal statistically significant categories of reading interest, and would reveal significant…

A study examined whether allowing students to make choices in their reading program significantly increased their self concepts as readers and the value they place on reading. The Motivation to Read Profile was administered to 20 fifth-grade students from a variety of socioeconomic families. After allowing the students to make choices in their…

Concludes that Black first-grade students from lower socioeconomic status homes would profit from a linguistically enriched classroom environment. (FL)

Uses data from the ERIC system to review the practice of sustained silent reading. (FL)

In attempting to define what constitutes a good children's book, the author looks at attitudes of those who have set standards in the past, such as Caroline Hewins, a Hartford, Connecticut, librarian of the late nineteenth century. Points that must be considered in evaluating children's books are made. (PP)

Award-winning author Madeleine L'Engle discusses issues concerning censorship and relates her own views about the role of children's literature in a rapidly changing world. Fiction should help make children aware of inward as well as outward change and should stress the individual's ability to make a difference. (PP)

Discusses research related to the relationship between interest in reading materials and reading achievement. (FL)

Discusses the written responses of children, who were taught to read using library books, to the stories they are reading and to reading in general. (HTH)

Proposes five "creative comprehension" strategies designed to challenge both gifted as well as average students. (FL)