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Full-Text Articles in Education

Beginning A Book Swap Room: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study, Mari Lynn Stangland Jan 2004

Beginning A Book Swap Room: A Quantitative And Qualitative Study, Mari Lynn Stangland

All Graduate Projects

Many children do not have adequate access to print. To rectify this in her school, the author created an ongoing Book Swap Room. The author documented the reading growth of students by looking at their reading test data in conjunction with records of the number of books traded in the Room. A family survey was used on three occasions to determine book ownership in the home of students, and a student survey was used to determine whether the Book Swap Room was achieving its desired goal of reinforcing book ownership. Though results were mixed and inconclusive, the author has seen …


A Resource Guide To Support Minority Students At The Elementary Grade In The Kent School District With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Patricia L. Drobny Jan 2003

A Resource Guide To Support Minority Students At The Elementary Grade In The Kent School District With Learning Difficulties In The Area Of Reading, Patricia L. Drobny

All Graduate Projects

A literature review was conducted to illustrate that there is an achievement gap in education between minority and white students. Probable causes contributing to the achievement gap and possible solutions to the gap were studied. The knowledge that high standards, a challenging curriculum and good teachers (Haycock, 2001), increases student achievement of minority students, inspired a project geared toward providing teachers with strategies to support minority students with learning difficulties in the area of reading. A model reading strategy guide featuring reading strategies to meet the needs of diverse learners was developed for presentation to Springbrook Elementary School. The guide …


Parent And Community Involvement: A Plan For Monthly Family Reading Nights, Lee Ann Fletcher Jan 2003

Parent And Community Involvement: A Plan For Monthly Family Reading Nights, Lee Ann Fletcher

All Graduate Projects

Parent and community involvement in early reading education are crucial for the success of young children. Children are greatly affected by their parents' beliefs and reading practices. Parents need to know what they can and should do to foster reading development and success. It is essential that parents, teachers, and community members work together to provide quality, meaningful literacy experiences and activities for young children. This project outlines the development and implementation of monthly Family Reading Nights at North Omak Elementary School in Omak, Washington.


A Schoolwide Discipline Plan For Gildo Rey Elementary School, Adam William Couch Jan 2003

A Schoolwide Discipline Plan For Gildo Rey Elementary School, Adam William Couch

All Graduate Projects

This project examined current related literature as well as discipline plans from six other elementary schools. Some basic tenants of quality discipline plans for elementary schools were found to be trne for most situations. The plan should be clear, have full staff buy-in, and stress prevention. Written for current and future staff members of Gil do Rey Elementary School in Auburn, Washington, the project outlines, defines, and provides appropriate tools for all elements of the plan. The plan was broken down into four main sections. The first section clearly explains universal rnles and expectations of Gildo Rey students. Next, in …


Teaching Children To Be Storytellers: A Handbook For Educators, April Nicole Cross Jan 2003

Teaching Children To Be Storytellers: A Handbook For Educators, April Nicole Cross

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a handbook for second grade teachers interested in teaching storytelling. By introducing children to the world of storytelling, teachers can bring the true nature of storytelling into the classroom and take full advantage of its educational benefits. Through the storytelling process, children's listening, reading, and oral language skills are enhanced. Although storytelling is only one part of a literacy program, it is the means to a very important literacy goal: the development of independent, lifelong readers. The handbook includes a five-week storytelling unit that gives an explanation of how to realize and …


Incorporating Literature Circles Into A Fifth Grade Classroom, Kenneth Michael Kron Jan 2003

Incorporating Literature Circles Into A Fifth Grade Classroom, Kenneth Michael Kron

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review available literature on literature circles within the framework of a balanced literacy program, and create materials to be used by fifth grade teachers as they work toward improving their language arts curricula. The results of the research review show that students are motivated to read when they choose their own reading material and can comprehend the material after engaging in collaborative, meaningful discussion of the text with peers. The project includes instructional frameworks, lesson plans for after-reading activities, and book selections for three rounds ofliterature circles.


First Grade Classroom Web Site Featuring Components Of A Balanced Literacy Program, Jennifer Renee Kummer Jan 2003

First Grade Classroom Web Site Featuring Components Of A Balanced Literacy Program, Jennifer Renee Kummer

All Graduate Projects

A classroom web site for first grade families and community members of the llidgefield School District was designed for the World Wide Web. It was created as a resource to explain the components of balanced reading and writing programs in a first grade classroom. These components include reading aloud, shared reading, guided reading, independent reading, shared writing, guided writing, and independent writing. Included on the web site are photographs documenting monthly events in the first grade classroom, as well as, literacy internet resources for parents and children. Featured is research regarding balanced literacy programs, parent involvement, and effective web site …


Integrating Curriculum Using A Thematic Unit On Gardening, Mandi Marie Laurent Jan 2003

Integrating Curriculum Using A Thematic Unit On Gardening, Mandi Marie Laurent

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a thematic unit, using a central theme of gardening, for first grade teachers. This project is in alignment with the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements. The lesson plans were developed after conducting a literature review that shows integrating curriculum can be beneficial for both teachers and students. The activities presented in this project have been implemented, thus enhancing the author's curriculum.


Mentoring And Student Achievement In After-School Programs, Joy Allyn Oaks Jan 2003

Mentoring And Student Achievement In After-School Programs, Joy Allyn Oaks

All Graduate Projects

Children who encounter reading difficulties are often given supplemental instruction through school programs of various kinds. Because of a need to assist struggling readers, an after-school program that focused on remedial reading through mentoring was created for sixth and third grade students. Through the review of the literature, it was found that well structured mentoring can provide positive benefits for both mentors and their proteges. The review of the literature also suggested that reading skills can be enhanced and developed through mentorship. The program's goals were to have students reading at grade level, develop positive attitudes, pursue hobbies, and acquire …


Integrating Student Led Conferences Into An Elementary Classroom, Paul Robert Marquardt Jan 2003

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 …


Model Title I Reading Program In Allignment With The Essential Academic Learning Requriements, Jeanne O'Hara Maxwell Jan 2003

Model Title I Reading Program In Allignment With The Essential Academic Learning Requriements, Jeanne O'Hara Maxwell

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a model Title I reading program for John Campbell Elementary School, Selah, Washington, in alignment with the state Essential Learning Requirements. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to the fundamentals of reading/literacy and instructional strategies related to student mastery of this essential academic skill were reviewed. Additionally, related information/ materials from selected sources were obtained and analyzed. The model consists of a number of separately usable components, organized into four units: Student-Centered Classroom, Homogeneous Grouping, Building Fluency, and Phonics & Whole Language. Each unit contains its own …


Reading With Your Preadolescent Children At Home: A Workshop For Parents, Elizabeth Jane Keefe Jan 2003

Reading With Your Preadolescent Children At Home: A Workshop For Parents, Elizabeth Jane Keefe

All Graduate Projects

Reading comprehension is a continuous process of evolving thinking. When readers read, they carry on an inner conversation with the text. Readers respond with wonder, delight, and even outrage. They question the text, argue with the author, and nod their heads in agreement. They make connections, ask questions, and draw inferences to better understand and learn from what they read. Programs that involve parents in their children's education have been found to have a positive influence on a child's academic performance and cognitive development. Secondly, book-reading experiences have correlated strongly with success in reading, leading experts to conclude that preparing …


A Handbook Of Strategies For Making Intertextual Connections During Read-Alouds To Build Schema For Elementary School Students, Andrea Kay Manion Jan 2003

A Handbook Of Strategies For Making Intertextual Connections During Read-Alouds To Build Schema For Elementary School Students, Andrea Kay Manion

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been created to give primary teachers strategies for building valuable schema and an awareness of text connections during their read-aloud time. The handbook consists of an introduction, ten read-aloud lessons which include some student responses, reviews and classroom activities for twenty read-aloud books, as well as a critique of popular web sites for quality children's literature. Current literature and research regarding schema theory, intertextuality, and reading aloud were reviewed.


Summer Enrichment Packets Of Resources And Activities For Primary Students, Karen Michele Smith Jan 2003

Summer Enrichment Packets Of Resources And Activities For Primary Students, Karen Michele Smith

All Graduate Projects

Literature pertaining to summer learning loss was reviewed, including summer learning programs and year-round education. Summer programs and year-round education were looked at as possible solutions to summer learning loss. The research indicated a significant loss of academic skills over the summer months while students are not in school. Summer enrichment programs proved to be successful in helping students retain academic knowledge and skills. The literature review revealed inconclusive results in the effectiveness ofyearround education on student achievement. A summer activity packet was created for students preparing to enter the second grade. The focus of this packet was on reading, …


Creating A Balanced Literacy Program For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students, Shayne T. Wrzesinski Jan 2003

Creating A Balanced Literacy Program For Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Students, Shayne T. Wrzesinski

All Graduate Projects

Balanced literacy instruction can be defined in a variety of ways. The important characteristic about a balanced literacy program is that it is neither phonics nor whole language. Creating a balanced literacy program within a classroom encompasses both phonics and whole language in a literature rich environment. Students who participate in a balanced program have opportunities to read and write daily through a variety of meaningful approaches including shared, guided, independent and direct instruction. The literature rich environment provides growth for all students, by teaching skills and strategies through literacy in a natural setting not in isolation. Teachers in the …


A Model Art Curriculum For Primary-Level Students In Taiwan, Hung Chen Jan 2002

A Model Art Curriculum For Primary-Level Students In Taiwan, Hung Chen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model art curriculum for primary-level students in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of literature and research related to current practice in art education, curriculum and instruction was conducted. Additionally, related inf01mation from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.


A Supplemental Curriculum To Integrate Reading And Writing With First Grade Science Kits, Shauna Calandra Curtis Jan 2002

A Supplemental Curriculum To Integrate Reading And Writing With First Grade Science Kits, Shauna Calandra Curtis

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a supplemental curriculum to assist teachers in integrating reading and writing with science kits for first grade students. Included is a review of research which discusses what thematic and integrative teaching encompasses, the value of thematic teaching, the development ofreading, writing, and language through thematic units, thematic centers, a rationale for using thematic content area teaching to English as a second language students in the acquisition of the English language, and the importance of science education. The handbook encompasses two main themes: weather and organisms.


Activities For Elementary Libraries To Integrate Nonfiction Reading, Cynthia L. Debock Jan 2002

Activities For Elementary Libraries To Integrate Nonfiction Reading, Cynthia L. Debock

All Graduate Projects

The focus ofthis project was to create activities that would encourage Kindergarten through Fourth grade elementary students in the use of nonfiction texts for personal enjoyment and information gathering. The project consists of activities designed to increase reading of nonfiction by the early elementary student. The activities are developed based upon a review of research that indicates improved reading comprehension of expository text among students who are taught to use interactive strategies. The activities include activation of prior knowledge through K-W-L, various graphic organizers, and DR-T A/DL-TA and providing a method for the reader to discover the structure or organizational …


Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald Jan 2002

Integrating Literature Into The Science And Social Studies Curricula: A Curriculum Guide For Grade Two, Jennifer M. Donald

All Graduate Projects

The adoption of the Open Court reading program in conjunction with the Washington Read's Grant was the initial idea for this project. The integration of science and social studies themes was researched, and found to be beneficial in the teaching of those content areas. A handbook for second grade educators was created to integrate the adopted science and social studies topics with the newly adopted reading curriculum at Vale Elementary in Cashmere, Washington. This handbook contains a scope and sequence, literature libraries for three reading achievement levels, the benchmarks and essential learning's for the designated topics, and suggested activities for …


The Integration Of Music Education Strategies Into The Regular First Grade Elementary Classroom, Gloria Jane Frueh Jan 2002

The Integration Of Music Education Strategies Into The Regular First Grade Elementary Classroom, Gloria Jane Frueh

All Graduate Projects

A handbook of activities for teaching music in an elementary first grade classroom was developed for use by first grade regular classroom teachers. A review of current educational research implicates music as being a valued discipline in early educational development of children. A number of public schools do not have a music specialist. If music education is to be part of the school's curriculum, it will have to be taught by the regular classroom teacher. Using the National Standards for Music Education and this handbook as a guide, teachers can address the nine music education fundamentals. Integration and assessment strategies …


A Curricular Design For Integrating Writing With Science: A Benchmark Handbook Approach, Marci Jayne Gano Jan 2002

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.


Centers For Promoting Emergent Literacy In The Primary Grades, Elizabeth Greaves Jan 2002

Centers For Promoting Emergent Literacy In The Primary Grades, Elizabeth Greaves

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design classroom Literacy Centers incorporating the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements that promote emergent literacy skills in primary level children. Using Literacy Centers to enhance a child's ability to read, write, listen, and communicate is the focus of this project. The centers are intended to be a hands-on and authentic method of learning for young children. The review of relevant literature shows that this option provides positive experiences in a primary level classroom. Adaptable center plans are included as well as management and assessment suggestions.


Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang Jan 2002

Comparison Of East Asian And Western Culture In Teaching Mathematics: A Model Of Elementary School Mathematics Curriculum, Hui-Nuan Nuang

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to compare cross-cultural mathematics teaching in the elementary schools in East Asian and Western countries, particularly focused on Taiwan and the United States. Another purpose was to design and develop a common mathematics curriculum program for elementary schools to use in both environments. To accomplish this purpose, a review and comparison of current research and literature regarding current curriculum and teaching practice of mathematics in Taiwan and the United States was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected sources was obtained and analyzed.


Parent Involvement In Reading: Parent Workshops To Promote Critical Thinking, Rachelle Kristine Skeen Jan 2002

Parent Involvement In Reading: Parent Workshops To Promote Critical Thinking, Rachelle Kristine Skeen

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create an at-home reading program that would encourage parent participation and promote the development of critical thinking skills necessary for our children. The project implements a program that emphasizes using higher level questioning strategies in order to develop critical thinking skills. The project's focus is on educating and training parents as to the importance of their involvement and the importance of using higher level questioning strategies when they read with their children. Parents are educated and trained during two parent workshops. During these workshops, parents will also be introduced to the Read Together …


Increasing Third Grade Student Success By The Implementation Of Effective Writing Programs, Jill Evone Mansfield Jan 2002

Increasing Third Grade Student Success By The Implementation Of Effective Writing Programs, Jill Evone Mansfield

All Graduate Projects

To increase student success in writing, different writing curriculums were explored. The purpose was to find a writing curriculum that will benefit students and increase test scores to meet district requirements. Three writing curriculums were researched, Interactive Writing, Writer's Workshop, and Conferencing. Lesson plans were developed for all three areas to implement in a classroom setting.


Bridging The Gap: A Summer Bridge Curriculum Designed For Students Looping From First To Second Grade, Kristen M. May Jan 2002

Bridging The Gap: A Summer Bridge Curriculum Designed For Students Looping From First To Second Grade, Kristen M. May

All Graduate Projects

A literature review was conducted about academic learning loss during summer break. The literature search indicated that reading and math skills were most affected, and test scores in these areas decreased after a long summer break. Literature about the benefits of a looping program was also reviewed. The literature showed that this kind of program allowed for strong student-teacher relationships to be developed, increased the teacher's knowledge about their students' strengths and weaknesses, and decreased the amount of time reviewing skills at the beginning of the school year. The purpose of this project was to develop a summer curriculum for …


Extra-Curriculuar Leadership And Service Learning Program For Fifth Grade Students, Barbra Ann Muffett Jan 2002

Extra-Curriculuar Leadership And Service Learning Program For Fifth Grade Students, Barbra Ann Muffett

All Graduate Projects

The design of leadership education for fifth grade students was studied. Through the review of literature it was found that leadership education should have a student-centered approach. Leadership education and service learning can be taught together because students can directly apply their leadership skills to an authentic situation. From the review of literature it was discovered that true service learning involves several key elements. The benefits of service learning, specifically for at-risk students are addressed.


A Model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum For Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School In Sammamish, Washington In The Lake Washington School District, Stacy S. Murphy Jan 2002

A Model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum For Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary School In Sammamish, Washington In The Lake Washington School District, Stacy S. Murphy

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a model Mathematics Thinking Skills Curriculum for Elizabeth Blackwell Elementary in Sammamish, Washington, in the Lake Washington School District, aimed at sixth grade mathematics classrooms. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related literature and research was conducted and utilized to develop unit and lesson plans for a model mathematics thinking skills curriculum. Students were given sample problems from the units and comparisons were made between teaching mathematics with thinking skills and traditional methods. The results support the hypothesis that mathematics concepts are better understood when combined with thinking skills and the …


An In-Service Teacher Training Manual For Promoting Effective Interventions Of Student Misbehavior For Primary Schools In Belize, Shirlene O'Brien Jan 2002

An In-Service Teacher Training Manual For Promoting Effective Interventions Of Student Misbehavior For Primary Schools In Belize, Shirlene O'Brien

All Graduate Projects

An in-service training manual with effective strategies for managing students' behavior was designed for Primary Schools in Belize. The techniques and materials included are based on a review of relevant literature, best practices and appropriate resources collected from elementary and middle schools in the United States and one primary school in Belize. The manual will provide school principals and teachers with criteria for developing school-wide discipline plans, programs for encouraging and recognizing good behavior, and effective classroom behavior management and intervention strategies.


Teaching Students To Be Self-Directed Readers Through The Use Of Comprehension Strategies Instruction And Personal Response, Tamera L. Neveu Jan 2002

Teaching Students To Be Self-Directed Readers Through The Use Of Comprehension Strategies Instruction And Personal Response, Tamera L. Neveu

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review available literature on reader response and comprehension strategies instruction, and create materials to be used by teachers as they work toward improving comprehension instruction in their classrooms. Research shows that in order to help students become independent readers who are self-motivated and strategic, teachers need expertise in both reader response and comprehension strategies instruction. The project includes instructional frameworks, lessons, and techniques that can be used to implement reader response and comprehension strategies instruction in the classroom.