Notes that a computer equipped with a talking word processor was added to a first grade classroom. Finds that first grade students could successfully use computer technology for literacy support. Notes that this technology enables students to independently read words beyond their normal reading ability and to stay engaged in the literacy task at…

Examines the effectiveness of phonemic awareness drills on phonological awareness and word reading performance in English of Mainland Chinese students in primary school. Notes findings strongly support the statement that explicit instruction in phonemic awareness promoted phonological awareness and word reading in English of Chinese primary school…

Determines if Accelerated Reader (AR) is beneficial to the reading development of young emergent readers' comprehension. Considers if AR will improve young struggling readers' comprehension skills and attitudes to improve so that they can more easily become true independent readers. Concludes that AR did contribute to children's reading…

Describes an examination of a reading invitation (social learning experiences designed to help students think deeply and broadly about books they have read) that occurred in a multi-age and mixed-ability primary classroom at a rural public school. Analyzes this invitation from a reflective practitioner's point of view. Discusses implications of…

Considers how the emphasis on literacy instruction in elementary schools makes it difficult to adequately teach content, especially science. Notes that literacy practices can serve as a catalyst for science learning because they provide a means for organizing information and developing habits of mind necessary for scientific exploration. Looks…

Notes how research emphasizes the importance of tailoring instruction to the needs of the individual child. Examines tutoring interactions with Ricky, a friendly, vivacious first-grade boy who started the school year significantly behind peers in reading and writing. Explores what instruction can be provided to meet Ricky's individual learning…

Determines the effect of computer-assisted instruction on first grade students' vocabulary development. Notes that students in two groups were involved in DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) as a part of their instruction in a balanced literacy program. Shows a significant difference for both groups on pre and posttests, however the mean difference…

Explores the effect of engagement of language abilities through motivational "real literature" material along with embedding of strategy lessons for literacy development. Considers specific embedded literacy methodologies that engage second grade learners and develop their abilities in literacy areas within a real classroom situation in a public…

Investigates effects of paired reading on reading fluency and reading accuracy of four English-as-a-second-language (ESL) students with limited English proficiency. Shows that the students benefited from the paired reading intervention and demonstrated steady improvement in reading fluency and accuracy. Indicates that paired reading can serve as a…

Determines the beneficial effects of integrating various Davis Learning Strategies, primarily Davis Symbol Mastery, on sight word skills. Indicates that children scored significantly higher than the control group for the mastery of 100 basic sight words for the first grade students. Gives suggestions for further assessment of the Davis method. (SG)

Focuses on the use of music as instructional material in early literacy instruction. Uses specific examples of music to highlight concepts of print, a sense of story and sequence, phonemic awareness and phonics, background knowledge and vocabulary, basic spelling patterns, and early writing activities. Concludes with an invitation for…

Looks at a sample of fathers' early literacy experiences with their Kindergarten, first, and second grade children. Explores the subject area of the literacy activity, the amount of time allocated to literacy practices, and the preferred literacy activity engaged in--reading or writing. Finds that fathers participate in their children's literacy…

Reviews research on children's early storyreading experience along the following dimensions: historical perspective, the significance of read-aloud, parent-child read-aloud, and teacher-student read-aloud. Shows a need for more naturalistic studies of read-aloud, more studies exploring connections between read-aloud at home and school, more…

Discusses factors related to parental involvement and reading achievement, including the benefits of parents reading to children, home environment factors, socioeconomic factors, barriers to parental involvement, and school involvement. Investigates whether parental involvement made a difference in the reading achievement of 30 second graders in a…

Examines the English reading scores of a group of primary aged children in South Texas being educated in a dual language program (Spanish and English). Finds that balanced language development (equal competence in all areas of the two languages) does not have a negative influence on reading comprehension in English. Finds that the more balanced…