Notes that using the visual arts enables students to gain better eye-hand coordination, visual representation skills, communicate ideas, and deeper understanding of the process of discovery. Considers how each of these areas contributes to the development of thinking, creating, problem solving and expressing thoughts through symbols. (SG)

Explores a particular case that sheds light on the complex issue of preventing and ameliorating children's reluctance to write. Discusses the authors' initial involvement in a case and describes follow-up interventions, including the use of reading to spark writing. Hopes to heighten researchers' and educators' awareness of the problem and…

Notes that reading teachers can incorporate a balanced approach to teaching word identification by linking learning objectives (state mandated in many areas) to authentic literature and accommodations for learning differences. Begins with the desired objective followed by a suggested instructional procedure, a specific example, three appropriate…

Motivates teachers to apply several recommended techniques designed to improve communications within the context of studying mathematics. Suggests that mathematics teachers should help teachers of language arts courses, such as reading-in-the-content-area, by providing subject-specific examples and instructional techniques. Notes that these…

Notes that the Title I Program at the Upper Darby School District (located on the western boarder of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) created the T.O.A.S.T. (Title One After School Tutorial) program from the need for extended learning time and opportunities to assist struggling young readers. Concludes that students increased their sight word…

Provides an analysis of reading and content area subject improvement through music instruction and examines the issue of teaching music in today's schools. Argues numerous benefits and advantages derive from music instruction. Discusses the use of music to increase cognitive development. Examines the benefits of music in curriculum areas such as…

Discusses how a mother's efforts to encourage her children to read in English as a foreign language were not successful until she allowed the children to select their own reading. Concludes that self-selected reading resulted in clear improvements in attitudes toward English reading and obvious gains in English competence. (SG)

Focuses on one elementary school/university partnership as a successful example of an America Reads partnership for a variety of reasons. Notes that this partnership exemplified much more than an "business as usual" attitude. Explores the types of "best practices" occurring on a daily basis, especially as they related to…

Discusses how the literature chosen for classroom instruction does not often address issues that confront students, and that teachers are faced with students who often do not want to read printed matter. Suggests winners of the Caldecott Award provide teachers with easy access to literature that will greatly enhance their knowledge of contemporary…

Describes two classroom activities that can be implemented in accordance with the best practices revealed by current research on reading instruction with learning disabled students. Describes what research suggests for promoting comprehension for students with reading difficulties. Describes instructional sequences for two literacy activities,…

Presents affective and cognitive factors impacting student reading attitudes for teachers and principals. Delineates specific elements affecting reading attitudes and consequent reading performance. Presents 10 specific suggestions to promote positive reading attitudes. (SG)

Suggests there are many ways to assess students' progress in understanding the elements of a story. Discusses how to stimulate students' ability to analyze how adding another character, changing the setting or twisting the plot can create new and interesting versions of a the common folktale, "The Three Little Pigs." Includes a 37-item…

Reflects that the term "whole language" involves instilling a love of literature, problem-solving and critical thinking, collaboration, authenticity, personalized learning, and much more. Examines some recent research dealing with two fundamental points of contention between the two sides of the phonics and whole language debate. Finds evidence…

Suggests that the use of a personalized and rhyming approach makes reading more enjoyable and inviting to children because: (1) the sounds are appealing to the ear; and (2) the combination of personalization and rhyming keeps a child focused and maximizes repetitive readings. Concludes that personalization and rhyming are natural associations that…

Suggests a possibility of resolving the problem of reading motivation for some students. Considers that children and adults like to read about familiar places such as their home state with people and settings that they know about written by authors who live or have lived in that state. Includes a list of 50 books (arranged by state) for the upper…