Education Commons^™

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy And Its Applications In The Elementary Classroom, Kerry Sue Abernathy

All Graduate Projects

Bibliotherapy has been used for many years as an aid to the healing process. The concept of using literature to promote mental health has been increasingly accepted as a valid therapeutic method in recent years. Bibliotherapy has, in the past, been used primarily with adults. This study will focus on recent developments to help children grow and develop a positive self-concept through literature. Book lists have been compiled from the many children's books available on the subjects of death and dying, illness, divorce, fears, handicaps, blended families, single parents, friendship, physical development, family relationships, attitudes and values, emotions and feelings, …

Incorporating Cooperative Learning Teams And Whole Language In The First Grade, Mary Elizabeth Berdine

All Graduate Projects

The first purpose of this project was to review current literature regarding whole language and cooperative learning. The second purpose of this project was the development of whole language, cooperative learning strategies and accompanying application lessons for use at the first grade level. Ten cooperative learning strategies and application lessons were developed utilizing a whole language approach. The lessons were centered around children's literature and focused on reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that were whole, purposeful, and meaningful.

A Cooperative Approach To Writing A Curriculum Guide For Mathematics, Sara Nilson Bos

All Graduate Projects

This project involved writing a curriculum guide for grades kindergarten through six in the area of mathematics. This guide was developed using a cooperative approach including small groups of teachers representing several grade levels, as well as, the entire teaching staff. The process of developing the guide was important to this study as was the mathematics guide itself. Teachers were involved in selection of a mathematics curriculum, implementing the curriculum, evaluating and adapting the curriculum after one year of use, and writing the guide to accompany the program.

Teaching Learning Strategies In Sixth Grade Social Studies Classrooms, Kristine Rae Bowen

All Graduate Projects

This project introduced four learning strategies using the sixth grade social studies textbook, The World (Cangemi, 1986) as a framework to enhance reading comprehension. The strategies were selected because they: activated background knowledge, set a purpose, and encouraged active thinking while reading. The project explained each strategy, demonstrated how each could be implemented to promote active comprehension in a content area text, and developed lessons to teach students to incorporate the strategy while reading a social studies textbook.

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.

Student Support: A K-6 At-Risk Program Model, Patricia Arthaud

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to identify priority components and measurement standards of an effective K-6 At-Risk Program, then develop a resource guide for At-Risk program managers. A survey was sent to the Washington school districts with at-risk programs in place, as identified by the "Student Retention and Retrieval Program" handbook issued by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The survey was successful in helping identify the most effective program components: individual and small group counseling, classroom presentations with published materials, parent education, attendance monitoring, and peer/adult tutors. Evaluation standards vary according to program components and generally …

Integrated Social Studies Curriculum For The Combined Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Classroom, Kenneth Irwin Ecker

All Graduate Projects

A social studies curriculum was developed for use in a multi-grade classroom. The curriculum incorporates the learning objectives from each of the three grade levels in a format which can be presented simultaneously to students in all three grades, while directing a separate focus for each grade. The unique qualities and limitations of the multi-grade classroom were considered, and implications for the teacher are discussed. An informal pilot study assessed the useability and effectiveness of the curriculum.

My Writing Source (Mí Fuent De Escritura), Guadalupe Segura Johnson

All Graduate Projects

The project provides a handbook of Spanish creative writing activities. It is to be used by third grade Spanish-speaking students to help inspire their creativity. The handbook consists of journal writing, sequence and write, draw and write, cartoons, story starters and shape stories. The review of literature helps to explain the importance of writing and discusses the role of the teacher. The activities are varied to allow the children to reach the essence of the creative writing process.

A Description Of The Changing Role Of The Elementary Principal, Joe Martinez

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was as follows:

a. to demonstrate the changing role of principals.

b. to describe the characteristics of this new role.

c. to contribute with research and literature in education.

Achievement Gains And Losses Of Integrated 5th Grade Resource Room Students: Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School, Yakima School District, 1989-1990, Patricia F. Kincheloe

All Graduate Projects

The achievement gains and losses of integrated 5th grade resource room students at Martin Luther King, Jr. Elementary School in the Yakima School District were studied. Nine resource room students were pre and post tested for achievement in reading, spelling, and mathematics. Teaching methods included cooperative learning, small and large group instruction, and peer tutoring. The results showed support for the integration of learning disabled students into a whole language, cooperative learning, regular education environment.

Implementing Curriculum Based Assessment: A Model To Identify Children Who Are Academically At Risk, Dan L. Tharp

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a curriculum based assessment model using Custer Elementary School's prescribed curriculum that would identify academically at-risk students and provide intervention services. A curriculum based assessment model was developed based upon the major assumptions that measurement of pupil progress should: (1) be directly related to the curriculum the student is taught; (2) be repeated frequently; and (3) guide instructional planning for the student. A review of the related literature indicated curriculum based assessment offers an alternative approach for continuously measuring student achievement of proficiency in basic school skills. Implications for the implementation of …

The Use Of Volunteers In The Implementation Of A Primary Reading Program, Lynnaie Wright

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to supply activities and materials to classroom teachers in a practical and useful manner that will help in utilizing volunteers as reading tutors in the classroom. This project is a compilation of Information gathered from a review of literature based on volunteer tutoring. Programs that have utilized volunteers are studied. Sources for recruiting volunteers, management strategies for supervising volunteers, training of volunteers, and suggestions for retaining volunteers are included in this project.

Job Sharing Among Elementary School Teachers, Denise Ione Walsh

All Graduate Projects

The practice of job sharing, in which two teachers share the responsibilities of one teacher, is described. A comprehensive review of related literature is presented. Perceptions of those directly affected by the practice in one school district were gathered through 70 structured interviews with elementary principals, job sharing teachers, full-time teacher colleagues, students in job sharing classrooms, and parents. The study reveals predominantly positive reactions to the practice, and supports continuation of job sharing as an employment option for teachers.

The Recruitment, Training, And Retention Of Volunteer Tutors For Elementary Reading Programs, Emilee Kay Solomon

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of: a) an overview of four exemplary volunteer tutorial programs, b) a review of the literature regarding recruitment, training, and retention of volunteer tutors, c) a review of a questionnaire surveying reading teachers and volunteer coordinators about their recruitment, training, and retention methods, and d) a guide for the recruitment, training, and retention/recognition of volunteer tutors in elementary reading programs.

A Handbook For Elementary Students And Parents, G. Joel Aune

All Graduate Projects

This project presents the development of a handbook for the parents and students of Vale Elementary School in Cashmere, Washington. The handbook was designed in response to a specific recommendation that surfaced during the Cashmere School District self study process which occurred during the 1988-89 school year. This handbook was designed to both define the policies and procedures of Vale Elementary School, and communicate those policies and procedures to parents and students. The handbook was developed with input from the parents and staff of Vale Elementary School. Handbooks from other elementary schools in central Washington were also consulted in the …