Krashen, Stephen D

Stephen Krashen reviews the fundamentals of his theory of second-language acquisition, describes the research supporting the theory, refutes criticism, and examines the promise for progress in theory and application.

Discusses the benefits of using a "free voluntary reading" model to encourage children to develop strong reading skills to excel academically and later as adults, describing literacy trends in the United States, and examining whether rewards-based programs encourage lifelong reading and the value of phonics in reading instruction.

Describes free voluntary reading (FVR), presenting evidence that it is the most effective tool for increasing linguistic ability, and discusses such topics as access to reading material at home, library funding, the impact of poverty, and the effectiveness of reading comic books, teen romances, and magazines.

Examines the research into free voluntary reading, the ways it may be implemented, and issues related to reading, writing, and literacy.