Language and Reading Success
Andrew Biemiller, University of Toronto
ISBN 1-57129-069-9 1999 paper $11.95
In a field where conflicting views on best practices are all too common, it is comforting
to know that there is almost complete agreement on the relation between language skills and reading skills. All researchers acknowledge that language is necessary for full development of reading and that growth in reading, in turn, benefits language development. Biemiller brings to teachers the important research,
theories, and effective practices on the nature of this relationship. He highlights how the relationship changes from preschool through the elementary grades and how the teacher can enhance the growth of each. Valuable information is provided on such topics as vocabulary development for reading and language, readability standards most useful for language and reading development, and how to assess vocabulary difficulty in books.