Current Strategies for Literacy Development in Early Childhood Science Texts. Reading Research Report No. 11.

The purpose of this study was to determine if first-, second-, and third-grade science textbooks integrate strategies to enhance literacy development in their texts, thereby reflecting an integrated language-arts perspective. Five sets of popular first-, second-, and third-grade science textbooks with 1990 and 1991 copyright dates were analyzed. Texts used were Holt, Rinehart and Winston's "Holt Science"; Scott Foresman's "Discover Science"; Silver, Burdett and Ginn's "Science Horizons"; McMillan/McGraw Hill's "Science Is Your World"; and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich's "Science, Nova Edition." Results indicated that a limited number of language-arts elements were used in the texts, with development of comprehension and use of varied instructional techniques found most frequently. These were followed in use by oral language, writing development, and the use of children's literature to promote interest in literacy and science; word recognition skills and varied assessment techniques were used least. Use of elements varied by grade and publisher, and within the main and supplementary portions of the texts. (Four tables of data are included; 48 references are attached.) (Author/RS)