The purpose of this mixed methodology study was to identify the frequency of reading comprehension instruction in middle and high school social studies and science classrooms. An additional purpose was to explore teachers' perceptions of and beliefs about the need for reading comprehension instruction. In 2,400 minutes of direct classroom…

Many educators continue to treat reading and writing as separate subjects. In response to this observation, the authors offer four research-based writing strategies that teachers can use to improve student reading comprehension through writing. The writing strategies--"About/Point", "Cubing", "Four Square Graphic Organizer", and "Read," "Respond",…

This study examined the effects of repeated reading using above grade level narrative passages on: (a) reading rate as measured in words per minute (wpm) and (b) reading miscues. A single group, pretest-posttest design was used to measure the treatment effects. The study group consisted of 11, sixth grade African-American students with learning…

CD-ROM storybooks can support the development of the five essential elements of reading instruction identified by The National Reading Panel: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Specific features inherent in these texts, audio pronunciation of text, embedded vocabulary definitions and animated graphics can be used…

This study investigates the effectiveness of multiple fluency interventions on a single subject in grade three. Fluency interventions, including choral reading, echo reading, repeated reading, audio book modeling, and teacher modeling were implemented over a period of eight weeks. Results indicated that using multiple fluency strategies, rather…

This article reviews research to examine how teaching and learning are improved with the use of narrative story materials. Stories help to focus the reader's attention and build personal connection, resulting in better retention and deeper subject-matter understanding. Four key advantages of narratives cited by D. T. Willingham are discussed. The…

Many students lack early literacy skills because they have not had opportunities to listen to or talk about stories, engage in word play, read with family members, or view literacy behaviors modeled in the home. The Collaborative Storybook Reading Program presents a model for providing interactive reading experiences for at-risk kindergarten…

Highlights the types of inferences four students in grades 2-5 drew while constructing meaning from expository passages. Includes an analysis of their think alouds and recommendations for comprehension instruction. Explores what factors contribute to successful inferencing. Sheds new light on the range of strategies elementary grade students use…

Describes the classroom practices of 92 K-12 beginning teachers with five or fewer years of teaching experience. Surveys these teachers relative to their knowledge of, use of, and interest in learning content reading strategies; their sources of information regarding reading strategies; and their confidences and concerns about preparing lessons.…

Describes Reading Express, a collaborative program bringing together first-grade teachers and Reading Recovery teachers to support all first-grade children in literacy development. Indicates that the program is having a positive impact on students' literacy development. Concludes that first-grade teachers are more strategic in their reading…

Presents a discussion by dedicated teachers (who were taking a university course for reading assessment and diagnosis) about students' problems with vocabulary words that impede successful reading comprehension. Discusses how the interactive process of developing the strategies pushed the teachers' imaginations and created a challenge for the…

Describes how 25 mothers across children's age groups (6 months olds through 4-year-olds) used prosody, specifically pitch and stress variations, while reading with their children. Finds that the mothers' intent was to guide children's understanding of the complexities of the story. Indicates that all the mothers used pitch and stress in…

Studies how the implementation of the K-W-L can be varied in different classroom settings to ensure that it has the desired effect on the reading comprehension and learning of elementary and middle school children. Suggests that the K-W-L approach is one strategy, among others, that should be taught thoroughly. (PA)

Explains that shared reading uses a familiar text to help children engage in the act of reading even before they can independently decode words. Describes how it works in a kindergarten classroom within a balanced literacy curriculum and the teacher's role in its effective use. (PA)

Offers teachers five suggestions for guiding classroom reading practice: (1) develop and maximize prior knowledge; (2) use familiar materials that are interesting and meaningful; (3) model fast, fluent reading; (4) accept all efforts; and (5) expect success of all students. Finds that teachers can facilitate reading as a meaning-making process or…