Investigates the thoughts, judgements, and beliefs concerning literacy of two non-reading adults, parents of a son having reading difficulties. Discusses what was influential in improving the parents' willingness to attempt reading, and what happened as their perceptions of literacy evolved and changed. (SR)

Describes the rationale for implementing a book club or a book discussion in college developmental reading classes in order to offer both the instructor and the students a chance to interact with the text and peers. Gives instructions on how one can implement a book club including details about the entire process. (Contains 18 references and 2…

Considers how while some Robin Hood books are clearly intended for young readers, others blur the boundaries, sometimes in ways that help break down artificial boundaries dividing fiction for children from that for adults. Explores the legend's long history to help understand why the story lends itself to such a wide variety of retellings.…

Examines relationships between readers' implicit models of reading processes and reader engagement. Notes that a factor analysis produced factors corresponding to a transmission model or to a transactional model. Finds that endorsing a transactional model was related to higher recall of expository text, and that individuals high on the…

To determine change in students' attitude towards reading after using CD-ROM storybooks, 45 third graders were assessed before and after exposure. Although no difference in attitude was recorded between treatment and control groups after the treatment period, both groups demonstrated a similar positive development in their attitude toward…

States that reading incentives have not been critically examined as to their effectiveness in promoting positive attitudes toward reading, more frequent reading, or increased proficiency. Examines available evidence on the effect of reading incentives in school and library programs for students. Concludes there is no clear causal relationship…

Reports on a case study which shows how a middle school student was transformed through her interactions with her teacher, the novels she read, and her journal. Discusses how a single text, "Dicey's Song" by Cynthia Voigt, became the touchstone that the student returned to throughout the school year, generating the potential for…

Describes the organizational framework and implementation of a literature-based reading program with basal themes for a combination of students in grades five and six. Discusses students' attitudes towards the program, which were very positive. (SR)

Finds that many immigrant parents (from China, Iran, and India) and their children oppose diametrically many aspects of emergent literacy. Discusses major differences in beliefs about teaching and learning related to accuracy/precision, focus of control, assessment/accountability, expectations, and rote memorization. Suggests a range of possible…

Explores a particular aspect of adolescents' literacy development: their growth in the interpretation and appreciation of literature. Examines how decisions about the goals of literature instruction and the kinds of literature selected can create difficulties for maturing readers. Suggests some instructional approaches that support the development…

Questions students on what gets in the way of reading for them and what advice they would give educators to help overcome those obstacles. Concludes that as a result of their words, educators now look at each classroom for common elements that support all readers: diverse resources, respected adults as readers, choice, time for reading, multiple…

Investigates how the writing of some Year 6 children was influenced by exposure to the work of a contemporary author of children's literature and through reading a variety of fairy stories, tales and nursery rhymes. Concludes the children's awareness of story structure resulted in thought-provoking short stories with intertextual references. (PM)

Highlights some pertinent studies on culturally shaped assumptions about cognition and the nature of reading. Suggests that teachers of ESL/bilingual students investigate their students' cognitive clarity about reading; know their students' home environment; develop a flexible interpretation of reading behavior; and assess the dominant cultural…

Presents four strategies for exploring beginning adult readers' perceptions about reading and their abilities: (1) giving intake interviews; (2) using the Directed Listening-Thinking Activity; (3) analyzing adult's retelling; and (4) dictation by the student. Advocates use of Jane Davidson's "Holistic Reading and Writing Assessment for…

Provides three interdependent principles which invite parents to take an active role in assessing their child's individual literacy growth. Shares six ideas for teachers who want parents to become active partners in the assessment process. (MG)