Within a developmental framework, this study compared the predictive validity of three DIBELS tasks (phoneme segmentation fluency [PSF], nonsense word fluency [NWF], and oral reading fluency [ORF]) with that of three alternative tasks drawn from the field of reading (phonemic spelling [phSPEL], word recognition-timed [WR-t], and graded passage…

This study seeks to explain what first- and second-grade African American, urban students who participated in an explicit comprehension strategy instruction (ECSI) program learned about comprehension strategies and how this knowledge supports self-regulated strategy use. The study was also designed to compare these students' knowledge with those…

The purpose of this study was to examine the vocabulary teaching of primary-grade teachers (K-3) in low-income schools. A total of 337 observations were conducted during language arts blocks over a three-year period. A coding scheme was developed to analyze teachers' vocabulary instruction. Results indicated that teachers spent less than 5%…

This study highlights the complex reading processes of two primary grade struggling readers. It provides a more complete picture of the readers' use of all parts of a text, verbal and visual, to construct meaning during reading. The oral reading data show that students used various linguistic strategies to read words, and the eye-tracking data…

This study examined the ways in which 18 first-grade teachers and their students in 11 high-risk urban schools began to use literacy-focused technology. The goal of the study was to observe the technology in use by the students, to observe the classroom dynamics and teachers' instructional choices centered around technology use, to look at student…

This study examined factors affecting motivation for reading, writing, and spelling in primary grade students using a new measure, the Early Literacy Motivation Survey (ELMS). First-graders (198) responded to questions measuring attributions, self-efficacy, and perceived competence. The ELMS uses scenarios and short tasks to contextualize the…

Presents an overview of the language basis of reading and reading disabilities. Describes the Simple View of Reading, a model of reading that comprises two primary components, word recognition and language comprehension. Reviews research showing that language problems underlie most difficulties children have learning to read. Discusses the…

Provides an overview of the goals of English orthography which counter the misconception that its spelling is chaotic. Examines a survey of first grade text vocabulary, which show that spelling consistency is increased significantly if the position of the phoneme within the syllable and the identity of the phonemes in the environment are taken…

Explains that Reading Recovery is a widely used preventive early intervention program designed for young children who have failed to respond adequately to formal reading instruction. Discusses the theoretical underpinnings of the program, the assessment battery used in the program, the specific procedures and instructional strategies emphasized,…

Describes a study of book preferences among 190 first graders. Indicates that Hispanic and non-Hispanic students were more alike than different in their preferences. Concludes that an overwhelming majority selected informational, rather than narrative books. Notes that this finding counters notions that young readers prefer stories and desire…

Examines the effect of strategic reading instruction in conditions not previously studied: two third-grade classrooms of Navajo learners. Notes that one class received instruction designed to foster the use of reading strategies and the second class did not. Suggests that strategy instruction positively affected the behavior of the students in the…

Examines how concepts-about-print knowledge interacted with other traditional measures of print knowledge, to affect children's reading environmental print in context and out. Demonstrates that concepts-about-print and word recognition were the most reliable discriminators between children who could accurately and consistently read environmental…

Examines children's motivation for reading in relation to parental beliefs and home literacy experiences. Reveals that the beginning readers had generally positive views about reading and that no differences in motivation were associated with income level, ethnic, or gender. Demonstrates the importance of looking beyond quantitative indices of…

Investigates the effect of middle-ear infections on phonemic awareness on first-grade Bedouin Arab elementary school children in northern Israel. Divides 49 children who were screened according to their infant medical records into two groups: one with repeated middle-ear infection and one without. Indicates a nonsignificant effect of middle-ear…

Studies the influence of illustrations on children's book preferences and comprehension. Finds that while third graders scored higher than first graders, both groups showed highest comprehension for the Text-plus-Illustrations book content and the lowest for the Illustration-Only book content. Notes that participants preferred bright illustrations…