Reading Fundamentals are the basic reading skills necessary to function daily – academically, socially and for survival.  They are used in many situations from the workplace, to school, to daily activities. Such activities include going to the mall and understanding a map or sale sign, reading the directions to put something together or writing a note to a friend or co-worker.  These skills are generally taught at an early age, but in some cases they are omitted from a child’s development.  This can cause serious problems throughout adulthood.

“Natural” readers have a strong grasp on the language in which they communicate or read.  They tend to be interested in and able to discuss a large variety of general knowledge topics.  They are able to quickly and thoroughly process information that they read and take a personal interest in the subject.  Naturally skilled readers tend to be very goal directed.

“Effortful” readers are also very goal concious and want to achieve a high level of literate success even thought they lack the natural ability that some others have.  They rely on tips and strategies that they have memorized to become good readers.  Often, they work much harder for the same results that natural readers have. 

“Knowledge” readers are those who use their existing knowledge to understand their readings.  The is done by making certain assumptions about what the author means, even if you do not fully understand they way in which it is presented.  The knowledge that is used by these readers is often taken from experience or situations portrayed on television.
 
“Non-Strategic” readers do not understand or possess many of the strategies necessary to process written works or information.  This is often a problem in the work environment because reading is essential to understanding the tasks that are a part of any job.

“Resistant” readers usually have the skills to be good or even great readers and the general knowledge skills necessary to communicating what they know.  However, the problem with these readers seems to be one of MOTIVATION.

“Challenged” readers have severe issues that are generally serious enough to be diagnosed.  This can include any sort of learning or development disability – language-processing issues, unstable environment, dyslexia, sight problems, speech disorders…etc.