Education Commons^™

Elements Of A First Grade Writing Program, Julie Laree Fry

All Graduate Projects

Literature regarding the early developmental processes of (1) writing, (2) spelling, and (3) phonemic awareness for children between the ages of five and seven were reviewed. The literature stated that all three of these processes develop simultaneously through a series of very specific stages. Writing in kindergarten and first grade needs to be practiced daily and treated like a free activity without restriction of copious spelling rules. It was further regarded that spelling should be considered a life long evolving skill that should not stifle the early writer. A program to guide teachers as they help first grade children to …

Parent Workshops To Build Early Literacy In Preschoolers, Andrea R. Olson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to increase the literacy skills of preschoolers through family involvement activities. Research on the factors that contribute to early literacy and ways that parents can be involved in the literacy development of their child was examined. Two workshops were designed based on this research which suggests that the development of literacy is a gradual process which occurs long before the child enters school. Two workshops were designed to provide parents with ideas. The first was to show how to create a literacy rich environment in their home, the second, to show how parents can …

An Inservice Training Manual Of Selected Writing Techniques To Improve Reading Achievement In Primary Grades, Roni L. Rumsey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a manual of writing techniques that could be used in kindergarten and first grade classrooms, in order to increase reading achievement. To accomplish this, current research and literature on emergent literacy, reading, writing, and communication was reviewed. Additionally, information and selected materials from selected schools and school districts related to the utilization of writing techniques to improve reading skills was obtained and analyzed.

A Model Program To Maximize Intellectual Development For Taiwanese Daycare/Preschool Children Ages 0-3, Crystal Fei-Ying Hou

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model program to maximize intellectual development for Taiwanese daycare/ preschool children ages 0-3. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding intellectual development of preschool age children and related early childhood education was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected daycare/ preschool centers was obtained and analyzed.

Promoting Phonological Awareness For Primary Grade Students Through Read-Aloud Book Activities: A Teacher's Guide, Mary Sue Warrington

All Graduate Projects

This project investigated phonological awareness as it relates to beginning literacy acquisition. The literature review provided a rational and guidelines for phonological awareness instruction. A manual containing a sequence of research supported activities based on read-aloud books for facilitating acquisition of phonoiogica! awareness with primary grade students was created. Many of the activities were field tested with a class of 14 kindergarten students in the last quarter of the school year.

Supporting Emergent Writing In Kindergarten, Lynne L. Dufault

All Graduate Projects

The development of emergent writing and the factors which support writing were studied. Five ways that teachers support emergent writing in the classroom were identified and used as the foundation for the developed activities in this project. The activities were designed by the author for use in kindergarten and can be adapted to fit other primary levels. Recommendations for supporting emergent writing in classrooms were given. iii

Read Aloud Program For Emergent Readers, Shari Ann Mars

All Graduate Projects

This project is based on the assumption that reading aloud at home has many educational benefits. Children can be introduced to books in a pleasant manner, which they will later associate with the continued experience of reading. If children enjoy reading, they will read more. If they read more, they will increase their reading skill. Reading aloud to children helps them become aware of how language works, new words are introduced, and the nature of storybook language is being encountered. Reading aloud at home with their parents can be the key to the child's later success in reading and learning …

Identifying Phonological Awareness ?Outcomes In A Personal Setting, Julie A. Taylor

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create a procedures guide containing research-supported lessons that facilitate the acquisition of phonological awareness by students in a preschool or kindergarten classroom. An investigation of the related literature revealed aspects of phonological awareness that can be taught to preliterate children before the onset of formal training. The product of this investigation is a guide containing lessons and activities either extracted from or modeled after those field tested in many classrooms.

English And Spanish Take-Home Reading Packets To Enhance Early Literacy And Parent Involvement, Catherine Mary Warren

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to influence student reading comprehension by involving parents in the literacy learning of their children. Researchers of language learning suggest that if children learn skills and content in their first language, they will later transfer that knowledge to their second language. To accomplish that end, literature packets that contain a book in Spanish or English with corresponding activities were created. The packets will be taken home by students to use with their parents to enhance reading skills and parent involvement.

A Bilingual Developmentally Appropriate Preschool Program, Margarita Clara Lopez

All Graduate Projects

Developmental and learning theories of the twentieth century have influenced the role of the preschool programs in public education. The debate over what is appropriate curriculum for young children is nation wide. The need to have a bilingual summer program that is appropriate to young children in the Granger School District was studied. The result was to design and develop a bilingual summer program that would fit the needs of the preschool aged children. The bilingual summer program was piloted in the Granger, Washington School District.

Utilizing Applied Behavior Analysis: A Handbook For Teachers Who Are Dealing With Developmentally Delayed Children, Cleresse Sprague

All Graduate Projects

The author's perception is that a need exists for a classroom behavior management handbook targeting developmentally delayed children ages three years through first grade. Several occurrences have prompted this perception: 1. Approach by other teachers asking how to handle certain behaviors 2. Author's own experiences and frustrations 3. Participation in group discussions regarding behaviors The author has chosen to do this study and develop a handbook to meet this perceived need.

Curriculum Based Measurement And Portfolio Assessment: An Effective Evaluation System, Johanna Roberts

All Graduate Projects

The researcher reviewed current literature regarding curriculum based assessment, curriculum based measurement (CBM) and portfolio assessment. The researcher developed a curriculum based measurement for kindergarten prereading and premath skills as a part of a portfolio system. A first grade math curriculum based measurement was designed collaboratively with two first grade teachers. A beginning reading assessment was also designed for the first grade. Results showed that a portfolio assessment with CBM's is an effective evaluation tool.

Using Cross-Age Tutors In Developing Language Skills In Kindergarteners, Jane Wartenbe

All Graduate Projects

This master's project provides a handbook to be used by teachers in planning and implementing a cross-age tutoring program for the purpose of developing language skills in kindergarteners. Included is a summary of research documenting benefits of such programs, featuring information on various program designs and activities and information on a pilot project conducted by the author prior to development of the handbook. The handbook includes: procedures for pairing tutors and tutees, scheduling the time, days, dates and location for tutoring sessions, training of tutors and sample lesson plans for tutors to use with their tutees.

Enhancing Oral Language Experiences In The Pre-Kindergarten Setting, Anna Kearny

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate how an oral language emphasis benefits pre-kindergarten children in preparation for entry into kindergarten. This study investigated the concept of enhancing oral language activities in the classroom. Growth in the cognitive, social, and emotional areas in pre-kindergarten children was noted.

A Resource Handbook For Planning And Implementing An Integrated Preschool Program, James Wallace Holden

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a resource handbook to assist teachers and administrators responsible for implementing an integrated preschool program. To accomplish this purpose, research and literature relative to current integration delivery models, primarily those in Washington State were reviewed. The handbook developed was piloted in the Taholah, Washington School District.

Teachers' Beliefs Regarding School-Wide Integration Of Mildly Handicapped Students In The Ephrata School District, Charlotte Throgmorton

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine the attitudes of teachers in the Ephrata. Washington. School District regarding the school-wide integration of mildly handicapped students in the classroom and the supports needed to insure its success. To accomplish this purpose, a survey instrument was designed and administered to elicit teacher responses. Survey responses were tabulated by frequency, rank order, percentage, and average, and provided a basis for descriptive analysis of data obtained.

Monthly Parent Involvement Reading Packet, Beverly J. Severtsen-Meeks

All Graduate Projects

The importance of parent involvement in reading with their child at home was studied. A review of literature was done on this topic. Many researchers strongly supported the importance of parents reading with their child and many suggestion were given. The author put together nine monthly parent involvement reading packets (September-May) and implemented them in a self-contained first grade classroom. The parents spent quality time, each month, completing the packet with their child.

Thematic Approach To Teaching Science In Kindergarten For Use With First And Second Language Students, Gerene Marie Sadberry

All Graduate Projects

Thematic Science units were established for the Wapato kindergarten in both Spanish and English. Approximately three hundred students are participants in the program for which this curriculum was designed. This study suggests how selected science objectives may be implemented using the thematic approach. Each theme contains a media resource list of Items available from the Wapato Primary Media Center and suggested activities which will help to integrate the science unit with other subject areas. The Intent of the curriculum design ls that children learn language and science naturally when they are developed in a meaningful context.

Parental Involvement: Using Workshops To Promote Beginning Reading, Dana Krieger Clauson

All Graduate Projects

Four workshops are designed to help parents of young children facilitate beginning reading. These workshops focus on techniques for reading aloud, using predictable materials, using environmental print, and constructing games. The workshops are aimed at parents of kindergarten children. The project includes research which provides a definition, rationale, and practical application of each topic, specific workshop designs, parent handouts, and teacher materials. Implications of the benefits of parent education and recommendations for future workshops are discussed.

Literature-Based Preschool Activities Using A Modified Whole Language Approach, Beverly M. Chandler

All Graduate Projects

A review of the literature revealed higher academic expectations by today's teachers of kindergarten children than in the past. To prepare students more completely to meet these expectations fourteen preschool activities related to children's literature and based on a modified whole language approach were developed. The varied activities were designed to be used by teachers or parents of preschool children in order to better prepare the children to enter kindergarten with an exposure to, basic understanding of, and appreciation of children's literature.

Developing In-Class Activities To Support First-Second Grade Literature Instruction, Trina Danette Miller

All Graduate Projects

Literature-based activities were developed in the curriculum areas of Social Studies and Mathematics to be used with the district's adopted literature book program. A district survey indicated a strong interest in these two curriculum areas. This project will provide teachers with activities that support literature instruction in a learning center environment. The activities also help students to self-select a book of interest and to become actively involved in learning center activities that support the books of choice, plus increase their interest and comprehension.

Using Manipulatives To Teach Beginning Reading Skills, Veronique F. Rush

All Graduate Projects

Based on a review of the literature, a reading curriculum for kindergarten children was created. The curriculum focuses on the learning of beginning reading skills through hands-on manipulative activities. The activities were arranged into ten centers. Each center related to beginning reading skills. Each activity is self-correcting and requires minimal verbal directions from the teacher.

Activities For Teaching Letter Identification, A. Kristin Seibel

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to compile and design research based letter identification activities. Emphasis was placed on the highly confusable letters "b-d", "p-q", and "n-u". The activities were for use in the first grade curriculum. Learning objectives were stated for each activity. The activities, utilizing a variety of materials, were chosen and designed for hands-on application. Needed materials were listed, directions and patterns for construction were included, directions for use were provided, and classroom management was suggested. Use of the activities was divided into three parts: whole group introduction, guided practice, and small group activities.

Content-Based Approaches And Second Language Instruction, Pi-Chu Su

All Graduate Projects

Integration of content-based instruction into an English curriculum based on communicative goals is suggested to better solve the problems of materials and syllabus design in Taiwan. Historical antecedents and the rationales for content-based instruction are reviewed to illustrate a modern perspective on the interwoven relationship between language and content learning. The project proposes a three-year content-based English program for Taiwan's elementary and preschool students. A first year curriculum and model lessons for mathematics, science, social studies, and language arts are presented.

Literature Strands For The Enhancement Of Language In The Early Childhood Classroom, Wendy Sue White

All Graduate Projects

Literature and activities which support and enhance language learning in the early childhood classroom were examined. Seventy-six pieces of literature were selected along with thirty-two supporting activities. These were all described and matched for easy reference by the classroom teacher. A discussion of the importance of literature for the early childhood classroom, particularly that in which Engli~h is taught as a second language, has been included.

Take Home Reading/Writing Activity Packets For Kindergartners, Jean Marie Czubin

All Graduate Projects

This project was developed to provide meaningful reading/writing activities which would involve the parents of kindergartners in the reading process. Research studies reviewed in literature supported the theory that kindergartners should be taught basic reading skills and parents need to be involved in the reading process. It is currently recognized that parents can do a great deal to develop reading and writing skills at home. Therefore, the role of the teacher is extended beyond the school into the home.

A Handbook For Teaching Journal Writing, Kindergarten Through Third Grade, Linda Rae Donofrio

All Graduate Projects

This masters project provided a teachers' manual for use by teachers who want to establish a journal writing program. It was intended for teachers of grades kindergarten through third grade. In addition to the teachers' manual, this project also provided an overview of the literature of journal writing as part of a language arts program. Examples of students' journal entries were also included. The manual itself was prepared for use in a suburban, middle class school district and it contains a step-by-step approach to establishing a journal program.

Early Childhood Special Education Philosophy And Procedures Manual For Walla Walla School District, Sandra Kay Lee

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a philosophy and procedures manual for the Walla Walla School District's center-based special education preschool program. Twenty-five school districts were asked if they possessed a philosophy and procedures manual. Six of those school districts possessed a parent manual. None of the districts possessed a procedures manual.

A manual was developed through interview of staff members and adaptation of Head-Start procedures. The manual contains procedures for abuse and neglect reporting, emergency/health, referral, child-find, extended school year, transition, teacher planning, and a parent orientation manual.

Introducing Literature To Children Through Storytelling, Steven Robert Murphy

All Graduate Projects

Storytelling was presented with the view that it is of educational value. The purposes and values of storytelling were examined, along with literature for children that is appropriate for storytelling. Basic principles of selection, and techniques for learning and telling stories were presented. A listening audience was selected and appropriate stories were chosen, prepared and presented. The project included a videotaping of a storytelling setting with primary-level children.

A Curriculum Guide Based On Developmental Stages Of Kindergarten And First Grade Writing, Heidi E. Borrud

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between the developmental stages of a child and the acquisition of written language was studied. Through research, developmental stages were identified. The stages were used to develop objectives for a kindergarten and first grade writing curriculum guide. Activities that would aid in the achievement of the given objectives are suggested.