Education Commons^™

Using Literature Circles To Engage Students With Informational Texts, Theresa Marie Anderson

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review the available research on literature circles as a method of engaging students with informational texts and to create an implementation guide for teachers. The results of the research show that there is a need for effective nonfiction instruction and that including this instruction at the elementary level provides tremendous benefits for students. Literature circles are an effective way to engage students with these informational texts, because they offer an authentic literacy experience and provide students with the kinds of informational text interactions they will encounter in the real world. The project includes …

Integrating Student Led Conferences Into An Elementary Classroom, Paul Robert Marquardt

All Graduate Projects

Improving student learning and responsibility using student led conferences was studied. A guide for implementing student led conferences in an elementary school was developed and has been implemented at Camelot Elementary School. The results of the guide support that student led conferences can be utilized by general education teachers to enhance their students ability to develop an understanding of their learning and its processes. Through student led conferences, students learn to effectively set personal academic goals, improve their communication skills and become more active in their learning. The use of student led conferences has also provided evidence that participation and …

A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to create an integrated science and writing benchmark handbook. Review of the literature, Washington State Academic Learning Requirements for science and writing, published scie.nce lessons, and teacher's guides were utilized. Classroom teachers, district and school science and writing goals were consulted in the creation of this project. The activities presented in all five units were designed to provide hands-on experience in both science and writing. Possible assessment options are also provided.

Phonological Awareness Activities For The Elementary Classroom, Susan Diane Au

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a manual for teachers to guide decision making about how and when to include phonological awareness instruction in the elementary classroom. The manual includes assessments and sample activities to facilitate acquisition of phonological awareness. Activities were designed based on research which suggests that phonological awareness be taught in the following order: rhymes & alliteration, oddity tasks, blend & split syllables, phonological segmentation, and phoneme manipulation. Many of the activities were field tested with a class of 19 first graders in the last quarter of the school year.

Effective Homework For Primary Students: A Handbook For Parents And Teachers, Gillian Buchanan

All Graduate Projects

After serving on a committee to create a homework policy for my school, I found that both teachers and parents need clarification about issues surrounding homework. I discovered many misconceptions about the effects of homework on student learning, and saw a need to explain these. I compiled research on the history of homework, and the main purpose of homework. As well, I gathered information to understand the positive and negative effects of homework, and homework at the elementary level compared to middle and high school. I found research on guidelines for parents, teachers, schools, and districts. Based on the research, …

A Model Continuous Learning Progress Program Designed For K-6 Students In Easton School District #28, Sara J. Mccoy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model continuous learning progress program, aligned with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements designed specifically for elementary students, grades kindergarten through sixth grade in Easton School District 28, Easton, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature concerning serving students in nongraded continuous progress learning programs were reviewed, and assisted in the development of student profiles, student learning plans, learning continuums, and student assessment portfolios.

Teacher Tricks A.K.A. Parent Tools: Workshops To Promote Healthy Family Literacy, Timothy A. Martin

All Graduate Projects

Four workshops, supported by research on parent involvement, were developed to help promote family literacy. Each workshop incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to read preassigned books together. In addition, each family was given tasks to complete as they read their books. Workshops incorporating helpful tips and suggestions were provided to the families so they could better assist their children with their reading needs.

A Model School Volunteer Program For Daniel Elementary School, Kent, Washington, School District, Scott Wells Abernathy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a volunteer work force model for an elementary school serving preschool through sixth grade students. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature and research regarding school volunteer programs was examined; information and materials from selected existing elementary school volunteer programs was obtained and analyzed; additionally school staff, administrators, parents, and community members were polled regarding volunteerism. The model was designed for implementation at George T. Daniel Elementary in the Kent, Washington, School District.

Literature And Writing Connections With Mathematics In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Joan Sheeler Sorenson

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Standard #2, communication in mathematics, is addressed. The benefits of integrating writing and the use of children's literature in mathematics are studied. Writing strategies and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that address instruction of first grade mathematics outcomes prescribed by the Yakima (WA) School District are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

Regrouping For Instruction In Reading: Effective Practices, Leslie Jane Rogers

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a handbook providing information about a plan for regrouping for instruction in reading at Long Beach Elementary School. It will be presented to parents, teachers and administrators at workshops concerning regrouping for instruction in reading. The handbook will provide practical applications of curricular adaptation and instructional techniques that may be used to facilitate improvement in reading for students. The policies and procedures described in the manual will provide the following information:

• Assessment

• Placement

• Transitions

• Pace and Skill Levels

• Curricular Adaptations

• Teacher Collaboration and Consultation

• …

A Case Study: Effects Of Tutoring On The Sight Word Vocabulary Of A Nonreader, Paul L. Coppin

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to provide remedial instruction in reading to a ten year old nonreading student enrolled in the Ellensburg School District and to develop a case study that outlined the diagnostic and remedial procedures used with the subject. The case study approach was chosen as a way to document the progress of a single student whose initial diagnosis was as a nonreader. Because the initial diagnosis indicated a need to establish a sight word vocabulary, early instructional methods focused on this area.

Prereading And Postreading Activities For Children's Multicultural Trade Books, Sandra Gail Beardsley

All Graduate Projects

A review of literature was completed to support the need for, and value of, using multicultural literature within the elementary classroom. The criteria for selecting multicultural literature was also reviewed. The project consisted of a booklist and prereading and postreading activities for twenty-five multicultural trade books. The purpose of the project was to heighten student's awareness of the multicultural community in which they live and appreciation of cultures throughout the world. The strategies and activities developed for these books were based on the whole language philosophy. The twenty-five trade books were divided into four themes: 1. Grandparents, 2. Folktales and …

A Model That Integrates Experimental Social Studies, English, And Reading Curriculum For Sixth Graders, Cecilia Ann Mahre

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model integrated, experiential social studies, English, and reading curriculum that would help sixth grade students to relate and apply school studies to real-life/real-world situations. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on experiential learning, integrated/interdisciplinary curriculum, the multiple intelligences, and service-learning were reviewed. Additionally, selected businesses throughout the greater Ellensburg area were invited to participate in a partnership to provide experiential learning sites for students. Finally, unit overviews, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies, and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Inclusion: A Case Study At Coe Elementray School, Loretta L. Kimball

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to evaluate perceptions of the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of inclusion on the achievement of special needs students and to use this information to increase effectiveness in inclusion programs through the design and implementation of specific teaching strategies. To accomplish this purpose, current literature and research related to inclusion was reviewed. The writer examined how special needs and regular education students are affected and analyzed the variables, strategies and programs which increase effectiveness. The project that follows is a case study of what has been done in the past, what attitudes and perceptions exist and …

Integrating Drama Into The Basal Reading Program, Belinda Jo Mccormack

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a means of integrating drama into the basal reading program. This was accomplished by adapting Silver-Burdett & Ginn and Scott Foresman basal stories into plays at the second grade level. The benefits of engaging children in drama were studied. The literature suggests that drama is a fun and effective instructional tool: it effectively develops reading comprehension and language skills in young readers; drama has proven to be an excellent teaching strategy when used to motivate and interest reluctant readers. Drama can be an excellent supplement to traditional basal reading instruction by adding …

Elementary Music Through Drama: A Sequential Resource Guide, Kelley Ann Bruce Bliss

All Graduate Projects

This project is a sequential resource guide of introductory music experiences that utilize drama techniques all of which culminate with performances. This particular resource guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the general music curriculum where musical ideas and concepts are the main focus for learning. Drama is introduced into the resource guide to augment the existing music program. The use of drama is used to reinforce these musical concepts and thus enhance the musical experience.

A Study Skills Course For Sixth Grade Students, Joseph M. France

All Graduate Projects

This project was designed for the sixth grade classes at North Tapps Middle School in the Dieringer School district, Sumner Washington. It was designed as an exploratory class and will last one quarter or 45 school days. All sixth grade students will participate in this class during one quarter of the year. This course is broken into 7 units, with each unit being approximately five school days. The units are: 1) Time Management, 2) Study Habits Awareness, 3) SQ4R, 4) Skimming and Scanning, 5) Outlining and Note Taking, 6) Following Directions, Using Context Clues, and Dictionary Skills, and 7) Test …

A Study Of Student Learning Objectives In Selected School Districts, Jeffrey P. Beaudry

All Graduate Projects

With the impending implementation of the Student Learning Objectives (SLO) Law, it seemed useful to examine and compare the objectives and programs actually developed by three school districts--University Place School District No. 83, Tacoma School District No. 10, and Sumner School District No. 320.

Selected Attempts To Organize Elementary Schools For Individualizing Instruction, Edwin W. Morgan

Graduate Student Research Papers

Many programs, some old and some new, are finding their way into the elementary school for the purpose of individualizing instruction. As more research is completed in the areas of individual differences, more experimentation and change are the results. Attempts to individualize instruction seem to fall into two categories. The organization and structure of schools and school programs is one area where changes have been made, based on research, to better serve the individual. The methods used by teachers, working within certain organizational patterns is another attempt to promote the well being of the individual. It may be said that …

The Pros And Cons Of Teaching Formal Grammar In The Elementary School, James L. Moore

Graduate Student Research Papers

It was the purpose of this study (1) to discover and compare the arguments for and against the teaching of formal grammar in the elementary school and (2) to broaden the writer's own point of view on whether or not formal grammar should be a part of the study of English in his elementary school classroom.

A Discussion Of The Merits Of Grouping Youngsters In The Elementary School, Irving Leo O'Grady

Graduate Student Research Papers

One of the major problems that confronts many teachers is the wide range of ability in any given classroom. How is a teacher going to meet the needs of all the children who are different in so many ways? For many years teachers have tried various means of educating the entire class to the satisfaction of the pupil, parent, teacher, and administrator. The principle that should be first in the minds of all educators is that optimum growth of the pupil is the schoolst primary objective. Schools are a place of learning where children may have success in their school …