Using literature with children and adolescents to improve reading proficiency : Folio Paper 1: use of literature in the primary grades ; Folio Paper 2: use of literature in the elementary grades ; Folio Paper 3: use of literature in junior and senior

Abstract

In past years, the arguments against literature-based reading instruction by some school-based educators (e.g., teachers and administrators) have always revolved around skill mastery and test scores. The general feeling was that while "real" books were a nice addition to the curriculum, there was no solid evidence that students could learn the skills of reading through the use of literature. This is no longer true because numerous studies have found that the use of literature has a positive effect upon students' reading achievement. Based on research, there is ample documentation of reading programs that have successfully used literature to increase vocabulary, improve comprehension, and raise test scores. -- To determine how literature can be used to improve reading proficiency in terms of vocabulary and comprehension skills, a series of three papers focusing on its use with students at different grade levels follows. The levels include: primary (i.e., grades K to 3), elementary (i.e., grades 4 to 6) and junior/senior high (i.e., grades 7 to 12). Also included is a sampling of recent research along with descriptions of actual classrooms/schools where literature-based programs have been in use.