Examines preservice teachers' exchange of dialogue journals with sixth graders. Finds that preservice teachers experienced the value of journal-based written and oral discourse activities for understanding and fostering both their own social and academic development and that of their younger partners. (PA)

Reviews some of the most pertinent current research on possible causes of dyslexia. Offers guidelines for the prognosis and treatment of dyslexics and literary options for reading teachers and specialists to use in working with dyslexia. (PA)

Reports a one-year study in a fourth-grade classroom to help students become able readers and instill in them a desire to read. States that the reading program included silent reading, choices of reading materials, sharing of literature, and appropriate adult modeling. Reports increases in reading rates, comprehension, vocabulary, and amount of…

Addresses legislation that led to the present focus on classroom inclusion for students with special needs and accommodation of such students in the classroom reading program. Focuses on children who are diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder and children identified as intellectually gifted. Gives recommendations to help these children…

Describes an approach to spelling--word class--that combines a self-selected approach to spelling instruction and thinking skills. Suggests that this approach helps students become more sensitive to letter patterns and word parts, adds depth and dimension to their vocabulary, teaches thinking skills, creates more authentic thinking and writing…

Examines the influence of first-language reading-models on second-language reading-theory and research. Recommends a sharing and transfer of knowledge between related disciplines, such as first- and second-language reading, to increase understanding of the reading process, regardless of the target language. (PA)

Describes an incident involving the author, his daughter, and sample items from a Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment. Elaborates on the author's increasing confusion with SOL assessments, especially in reading. Proposes that educators spend less time testing kids and more time "testing their theories" so that assessments better reflect recent…

Features 10 new books for children; furnishes information about the stories and what type of book, i.e. picture books, novels, autobiographies, etc. Gives number of pages and prices. (PA)

Discusses "Earning by Learning," a program designed to increase reading attitudes of academically at-risk children by combining two strong motivational factors: cash rewards and adult attention/approval. Tests the program's success with second and third graders at a site in Georgia. Finds overall success in frequent book reading, increased…

Surveys all 11 teachers in one rural setting to determine complexities surrounding literature use in that school. Finds the basal played a predominant role in classrooms--only the Chapter I teacher used literature during reading. Finds that "textbooks" were important for teachers and that trade books did not figure much in instruction. (PA)

Focuses on performance, processes, and attitudes of 19 kindergarten students who participated in a semester of process writing and instructional activities, asking whether kindergartners can effectively engage in a writing workshop on a sustained basis. Indicates process writing instruction allowed students to show appreciable, measurable gains in…

Explores whether there are unique approaches to early literacy among children reared in a rural Appalachian culture. Describes the reading/writing development of two children--both developed unique styles and approaches to literacy, stemming from home and cultural influences, and a supportive, constructivist, whole language classroom. (PA)

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)

Presents an approach to integrating bibliotherapy into teacher education courses at both the preservice and inservice levels. Includes theory relevant to bibliotherapy and emphasizes practical applications for engaging teachers in self actualization through bibliotherapy. Recommends readings for teacher education bibliotherapeutic experiences. (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)