To aid in evaluating the First Year Communication Skills Program (FYCSP) and the Instructional Concepts Program (ICP) several tests were administered to two classes of kindergarten children. The objectives of the ICP were based on concepts that children would be expected to know when they entered the primary grades. The Instructional Concepts Test…

Papers presented at the tenth annual study conference of the United Kingdom Reading Association, held at Totley-Thornbridge College of Education, Sheffield, are included in this report. The conference theme centered on the proposition that learning to read is a long-term developmental process beginning in preschool life and language experience and…

Numerous investigations of the relationship of oral language skills to the acquisition of reading show that the nonstandard language of the child accounts, at least in part, for classroom failure. Even a teacher who is well informed about the nature of nonstandard language and its relationship to reading and academic success requires a valid oral…

This primer picture book may be used in various games and activities to extend the child's vocabulary and to provide pre-reading practice in letter and sound identification, categorization, and audio-visual discrimination. (Author/SK)

These two booklets cover research in reading from 1968 through 1971. The first half of the first booklet covers the years 1968-1970 and includes summaries of general trends in reading, surveys, and research on specific dyslexia, the initial teaching alphabet and the beginning stages of learning to read, and linguistics and reading. The second…

This paper describes a reading program researched, designed, and developed by Consultants in Total Education for primary students whose mother tongue is other than English. The program includes teaching strategies that trigger universal learning strategies. The program is divided into four general stages, each stage containing particular…

Contents of this booklet include: (1) "What's wrong with reading tests?", Deborah Meier, covering the following areas: the definition of reading, the social context of testing, the trouble with the tests, and how children handle tests; (2) "An English view of evaluation," an excerpt from a longer interview with Kenneth Barker at Froebel Institute…

Suggests that remedial reading teachers deemphasize skill building in favor of reading aloud to children, replicating the experience of children raised in a book-reading family. (AEA)

This document presents congressional testimony regarding effective early childhood education. Opening statements presented by Representatives Michael Castle and Dale Kildee focused on the need to examine the effectiveness of early childhood programs and address the "pre-achievement gap" between disadvantaged and advantaged preschoolers.…

Identifying the best way to help students who struggle with reading--whether they have learning disabilities, are English language learners, or just need extra support--is a challenge for any teacher. Schools can make that task easier with this indispensable resource, a complete guide to addressing each student's specific instructional needs and…

A study examined which phonological skills, as primary skills, can more effectively be developed and lead to decoding skills in low-skilled kindergartners: (1) segmentation/blending, or (2) rhyming/first sound identification? Low-skilled kindergartners (n=61), who scored less than 4 items correctly in 3 out of 5 measures, were randomly assigned to…

Examines reading instruction in the context of Montessori curriculum. Four major areas are explored: (1) goals; (2) identification of landmarks (significant or critical events) in the child's development; (3) enhancement of teachers' responsiveness; and (4) development of relevant skills by creating a supportive physical and psychological…

Noting that many parents who might teach their young children are often discouraged by a lack of information or fear of being labeled "pushy," this book provides parents with a step-by-step program for teaching preschoolers letters and numbers as a way of giving children a head start on formal education. The handbook consists of a…

The influence of informal literacy learning during the preschool years was studied. Preschool teachers in 4 low-income areas read to their classes regularly in an effort to make students enthusiastic about reading. Teachers were also asked to visit families in particular need of help. Three books were sent home with each child twice a week, and…

Noting that, in terms of language acquisition, the "basics" at schools should parallel the "basics" of common sense family life, this book examines the connections between play, language development, and learning in young children. Chapter 1 deals with the role of the teacher in a changing society. Chapter 2 addresses some of…