This textbook is a reader that aims to interest the youthful mind, furnish scope for effective reading, and facilitate study of literature and the history of literature. Many pieces are suitable for declamation.

A group of 106 elderly adults in the Chicago, Illinois, area participated in a study undertaken to identify the reading attitudes of older adults or their difficulties in reading. Each was administered the Survey of Elderly Reading Attitudes (SERA) consisting of 75 items designed to elicit attitudes, recognition and comprehension problems,…

This paper presents a coherent account of affect based on the functional properties of the nervous system. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the nature of a structural theory and contrasts it with a functional view. Then the functional view is discussed in more detail. The following two assumptions of the functional view are described:…

The current system of elementary level reading instruction allows no place for reading for pleasure. While few deny the teacher's role in helping children master the mechanics of reading, some question whether it is equally important to help children learn the inherent pleasure of reading literature for its own sake. The current systems approach…

A group of 562 sixth grade students and 559 twelfth grade students was surveyed to determine if there was a difference in reading attitudes between male and female students overall and between the sixth and twelfth grade levels for each sex. Although the majority of students disagreed with the statement that reading is for learning but not for…

The value of reading ability lies in its use rather than its possession; therefore, how students feel about reading may be as important as whether or not they are able to read. Helping children develop positive attitudes toward reading, learning the reading interests of children, and helping children develop positive self-concepts through…

Proposes that the illiteracy problem should be addressed by encouraging children's love of reading while they are developing reading skills. Analyzes why current programs are ineffective and recommends following the approach of the "Open Sesame Program" in New York City, which employs creative methods to teach English to Spanish-speaking…

Examines the reading and writing concepts of two groups of low literate adults (prisoners and adults in mainstream society). Finds that both groups possess a restricted view of literacy, viewing reading as a decoding task and writing as a handwriting and spelling activity. (MM)

Speeches given at the 1986 ALSC (Association for Library Services to Children) Charlemae Rollins President's Program on the nature of productive analysis of children's books are presented in three articles. The need to select books that are challenging and exciting to read is discussed, and literary and extraliterary criteria for evaluating books…

A daily 20-minute period was established during which deaf students (ages 5-10) and their teachers engaged in sustained silent reading. Despite some initial difficulties in obtaining compliance among both students and teachers, students have begun to spend more time on a single book and are more willing to reread books. (VW)

Speculates on the future of children's books in the United Kingdom. (SRT)

Recounts the experiences of a bookseller in dealing with children's books, including what strategies increase sales, how mothers and fathers choose children's books differently, and giving book talks at parents' nights at preschool schools. (NKA)

Discusses attitude development, symptoms of poor reading attitudes, and ways to remediate poor attitudes. (FL)

A balanced approach to reading instruction favors cultivating reading as a strategic activity that requires intentionality, interest, and motivation on the part of the learner. Includes references. (MD)

A randomized experiment was performed in five high schools in which a random half of students in a sophomore English class received a special eight-week library-oriented treatment designed to improve students' understanding of, attitudes toward, and use of the school library. (Author/LMO)