Happiness Is...Poetry!,
2017
Montana State University-Bozeman
Happiness Is...Poetry!, Ann M. Ellsworth, Julie Papp
The Montana English Journal
This article shares one teacher's story of how her fifth graders were inspired to write poems after she shared aloud a mentor text.
Editorial Review Board Rh V.56 N.4,
2017
Western Michigan University
Editorial Review Board Rh V.56 N.4
Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts
No abstract provided.
Understanding Parents’ Attitudes Towards Complexity In Children's Books,
2017
Tel Aviv University
Understanding Parents’ Attitudes Towards Complexity In Children's Books, Dorit Aram, Deborah Bergman Deitcher, Gali Adar
Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts
Experts in children's literature and child development value complexity in the language, socio-emotional content, and structure of books, yet little is known regarding parents’ attitudes towards these aspects. The study thus examined how parents’ gender, education, and profession, children's age and gender, and frequency of parent-child reading interactions predict parents’ support for complexity in children’s books. Participants were 104 parents to children aged 4-7. Parents completed questionnaires measuring frequency of shared book reading and levels of support for complexity of children’s narrative books in three areas: language, socio-emotional content, and structure. Results showed that parents supported complexity of socio-emotional content, …
Fostering Effective And Engaging Literature Discussions,
2017
Missouri State University - Springfield
Fostering Effective And Engaging Literature Discussions, Kayla Lewis
Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts
Literature discussion groups are a widely used practice in many classrooms. Creating literature discussions that are both effective and engaging can be a rewarding experience for both the students and the teacher. As a part of a larger study examining the scaffolding that took place during literature discussions, this article focuses on the strengths of three teachers implementing literature discussion groups within their fifth grade classrooms. Through an analysis of these teachers’ strengths, a scale was developed to help other teachers as they reflect on their own literature discussions.
Teachers’ Experiences Providing One-On-One Instruction To Struggling Readers,
2017
Towson University
Teachers’ Experiences Providing One-On-One Instruction To Struggling Readers, Meghan D. Liebfreund, Steven J. Amendum
Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts
This study examined the experiences of 12 kindergarten, first-, and second-grade classroom teachers who provided one-on-one intervention instruction for struggling readers within the general classroom context. Teachers were interviewed at the end of the project. Interview statements clustered into four themes: Managing One-on-One Intervention, Observing Student Growth, Acquiring Knowledge about Teaching Reading, and Discovering Specific Characteristics of Good Teaching. Results indicated that positioning the classroom teacher at the center of a reading intervention with support may be a beneficial form of professional development. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
The Feelings We Harbor - The Role Of Collage In Arousing Powerful Emotions In An Esl Classroom.,
2017
University of Louisville
The Feelings We Harbor - The Role Of Collage In Arousing Powerful Emotions In An Esl Classroom., Irina V. Mcgrath
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Traditional literacy education in the U.S. relies exclusively on language-based models. This can be particularly challenging for English language learners, who often find themselves bound by the constraints of the English language and limited in their expressions of thought and emotion. Current research on English language teaching, largely targeted towards native English-speaking students, suggests that incorporating various alternate modes of communication and representation improves literacy learning. Studies that address English language learning for non-native speakers are sparse. The purpose of this arts-based, qualitative, descriptive study is to fill this gap in the literature. Using collage making as a communicative mode, …
Educating Critically : Challenging The Familiar Contours Of Literacy Teacher Education.,
2017
University of Louisville
Educating Critically : Challenging The Familiar Contours Of Literacy Teacher Education., Bianca Nightengale-Lee
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The shifting cultural ecologies of U.S. classrooms emphasize acknowledging difference, accepting diversity, and sustaining both cultural and linguistic plurality (Banks & Banks, 2009; hooks, 1994; Paris 2014). Teacher education programs play an integral role in preparing Pre-Service Teachers (PSTs) with skills, knowledge, and dispositions necessitated by a growing Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CLD) student population (Cruz, Ellerbrock, Vasquez & Howes, 2014). To enact equitable teaching practices reflective of 21st century students, PSTs need to demonstrate a level of cultural awareness that acknowledges the racially, socially, and politically charged societal structures that shape education for CLD students (Hall & Carlson, 2016). …
Improving Reading Through Fine Motor Skill Development In First Grade,
2017
Dominican University of California
Improving Reading Through Fine Motor Skill Development In First Grade, Tyler West-Higgins
Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects
Children who struggle with learning to read in first grade, fall behind, and have difficulty catching up with their peers. Research has shown students who struggle to read in first grade, also struggle to read in later years. The purpose of this study was to determine if an intervention to enhance fine motor skills to a select group of students in one class room increased their reading abilities. This was a mixed methods research study which assessed the quantitative data from the running record assessments, and the qualitative data taken by teacher-aide during assessment process post fine motor intervention. This …
Effects Of Dialogic Reading In A Special Day Class,
2017
Dominican University of California
Effects Of Dialogic Reading In A Special Day Class, Donna Senn
Dissertations, Masters Theses, Capstones, and Culminating Projects
Early Childhood Special Education provides services to children aged three to five years. A predominant identifier is very low communication skills (Shevell, et al, 2003; Kaiser & Roberts, 2011; Robertson & Ohi, 2016). Dialogic Reading techniques have demonstrated successes in various settings (Hargrave & Senechal, 2000; Whitehurst et al., 1988; Trivette & Dunst, 2009). The rationale for this study was grounded in Rogoff’s, “apprenticeship in thinking” (1990, p. 7) theory. The research literature reviewed centered on three primary lines of inquiry namely, 1) The social aspect of language learning; 2) Speech and language interventions; and 3) Dialogic reading strategies. This …
250 Words Of I Don't Understand: Reading Struggles For Freshmen College Students,
2017
California State University, Monterey Bay
250 Words Of I Don't Understand: Reading Struggles For Freshmen College Students, Alicia Bushey
Capstone Projects and Master's Theses
The focus of this Capstone project is on the reading struggles of first year college students. This is important because reading is a fundamental need in secondary education and in our society. If people are challenged in this area, they will struggle both in higher education, as well as certain aspects of daily living. The three primary stakeholder perspectives examined were college teachers and tutors, because of their relevant expertise, as well as their roles and responsibilities. Based on an analysis of the data and the relevant research literature, action was taken to help first-year college students overcome their reading …
"It Teaches Them To Have A Conversation In The Real World" : An Analysis Of How Identity Performances Shape Classroom Discussions.,
2017
University of Louisville
"It Teaches Them To Have A Conversation In The Real World" : An Analysis Of How Identity Performances Shape Classroom Discussions., Ashley Lauren Shelton Arnold
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Although discussion has long played a role in classroom learning, recent focus on moving discussion away from the evaluative and toward the dialogic is key to understanding how discussion can be driven by multiple, shared understandings. Adopting a sociocultural perspective, this dissertation explores the ways in which identity performances shape one teacher and his students’ participation in classroom discussions. The theoretical framework guiding this study draws on the relationship between discourse and identities construction, with further attention given to improvisations of identities, figured worlds, and the ways in which power shapes discourse. This dissertation argues that performed identities shape the …
We Aren't Living Happily Ever After: Embodying Characters In Readers Theater To Promote Comprehension,
2017
Boise State University
We Aren't Living Happily Ever After: Embodying Characters In Readers Theater To Promote Comprehension, Cassandra Angley
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Readers Theater is an old genre of Theater integrating oral interpretation and presentational Theater. The high interest of the scripts chosen for a Readers Theater production and the repetition of rehearsing text promotes fluency, expressiveness, and motivation. Readers Theater is one method that may support comprehension by developing students’ understanding of character. Very few Readers Theater studies measure comprehension. I set-up a study where nine fifth and sixth-grade students from a summer literacy program each embodied a character. I wanted to know if Readers Theater could help teach character comprehension. I created a comprehension assessment tool, called a Character Map, …
Seeking Mirrors: A Study Of Student Selection And Use Of Culturally Relevant Texts,
2017
Boise State University
Seeking Mirrors: A Study Of Student Selection And Use Of Culturally Relevant Texts, Suzanne V. Kromer
Boise State University Theses and Dissertations
Despite a growing body of work involving culturally relevant pedagogy, methods for selecting culturally relevant literature, or involving students in the selection process, are poorly understood. The objective of this qualitative study of a seventh grade language arts classroom was to explore a process for students to assess and select culturally relevant literature. This study also probed how the implementation of culturally relevant literature impacted achievement, engagement, and interest. The resulting process utilized cultural relevancy rubrics and book previews, which led to a majority of students finding a culturally relevant novel. During the literature unit, student achievement rates were maintained, …
Bridging The Literacy Gap: A Critique Of Computer-Based Instruction,
2017
California State University, Monterey Bay
Bridging The Literacy Gap: A Critique Of Computer-Based Instruction, Savannah Lee Trudeau
Capstone Projects and Master's Theses
As we move forward in an emerging digital society, a greater emphasis is being placed on technology-based instruction. As a result, computer-based literacy instruction has become more prevalent in schools and afterschool programs with the goal of strengthening students’ literacy skills. Throughout Monterey County, a large portion of the student population are English Language Learners (ELLs). The focus of this Capstone project is a discussion and critique of a specific computer-based literacy program, Read Naturally. The developers of this program expect students to already have a basic knowledge of the English language and as a result, the difficult assessments and …
Using Multicultural Children’S Literature To Address Social Issues: The Power Of Interactive Read Aloud,
2017
Texas A&M University-San Antonio
Using Multicultural Children’S Literature To Address Social Issues: The Power Of Interactive Read Aloud, Rebekah E. Piper, Ramona T. Pittman, Tasha A. Vice
Reading Faculty Publications (Archived)
As the demographics of U.S. schools are changing, educators have to embrace this change and prepare students to adopt diversity and inclusivity as a means to increase students’ understanding of their peers. Not only are race and ethnicity identities at the forefront of these changes, gender identity and ability identity must also be supported, as more students are challenging traditional gender roles and as more students are mainstreamed into regular education classes. This article seeks to address usage of interactive read alouds of multicultural literature as a means to help bridge students who need inclusive
and equitable pedagogical practices in …
Language Proficiency Attainment And Mobility Among Ell Students,
2017
East Tennessee State University
Language Proficiency Attainment And Mobility Among Ell Students, Elizabeth Ayers Neill
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The impact student mobility has on academic achievement has been researched in the United States since the early 20th century (Goebel, 1978). Mobility for students is a risk factor often compounded by poverty, ELL students are at a higher risk of lower achievement. Educators face challenges in tracking records, monitoring, remediating, gap closing, and assisting students in transition periods. The data collected in this quantitative study was analyzed to determine the impact mobility has on English language learners and their attainment of a second language. This quantitative study examined the relationship between non-mobile and highly mobile ELL students in …
Middle Level Preservice Teachers Experience A Natural History Arts-Integrated Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit,
2017
University of Northern Iowa
Middle Level Preservice Teachers Experience A Natural History Arts-Integrated Interdisciplinary Thematic Unit, Carolyn A. Weber, Audrey C. Rule
Journal of STEM Arts, Crafts, and Constructions
Curricular demands and best practices for middle school require interdisciplinary units. Arts integration can provide motivation and a new pathway to learning. This unit focused on inquiry into the natural history of artifacts and rocks recovered from the exposed subsoil of an area near Cedar Falls, Iowa that had been bulldozed as part of subdivision development. The described unit involved preservice teachers in exploration of all subject areas (language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies) with arts-integrated projects (agate watercolor painting, stone tool graphing, acrylic polymer clay agate keyring making, and stone tool drawings). The content area activities for social …
Final Ma Portfolio,
2017
Bowling Green State University
Final Ma Portfolio, Annelise Mason
Master of Arts in English Plan II Graduate Projects
This portfolio contains papers on Urban Education and teaching speakers of African American Language/ African American Vernacular English. As the capstone to my Masters in English with a Specialization in Teaching, I have chosen four papers to revise and resubmit: “Intertwining Narratives: Stories of the I-280 Bridge Collapse,” “Reshaping Attitudes: Tailoring Urban Education to fit the African American Student,” “The Study of Language in a Multi-Dialectical Classroom,” and “Youth Acquisition and Ownership Is Crucial Language Vitality.” "Intertwining Narratives" is a report on the I-280 bridge collapse in Toledo. "Reshaping Attitudes" is an explanation of some best practice in urban education. …
The School Librarian’S Role In Writing Instruction: Research, Perceptions, And Practice,
2017
University of South Carolina
The School Librarian’S Role In Writing Instruction: Research, Perceptions, And Practice, April M. Dawkins, Karen W. Gavigan
Faculty Publications
The degree to which librarians are actively involved in developing the writing skills of students has primarily been studied in academic libraries (Bronshteyn and Baladad 2006, “Librarians asWriting Instructors: Using Paraphrasing Exercises to Teach Beginning Information Literacy Students.” The Journal of Academic Librarianship 32 (5):533–536; King 2012, “Essentials of Basic Writing Pedagogy for Librarians.” Community & Junior College Libraries 18:55–66. Accessed March 20, 2016. doi:10.1080/ 02783915.2012.700211; Smith 2001, “Keeping Track: Librarians, Composition Instructors, and Student Writers Use the Research Journal.” Research Strategies 18:21–28) and has rarely been researched in terms of K-12 settings either in the United States or internationally. …
Co-Creating The Dialogic: How A Participatory Action Research Project Promoted Second Language Acquisition Of Karen Youth,
2017
University of Central Missouri
Co-Creating The Dialogic: How A Participatory Action Research Project Promoted Second Language Acquisition Of Karen Youth, Daniel Gilhooly, Liaquat Channa, Charles Allen Lynn
Journal of Southeast Asian American Education and Advancement
The case under investigation explores how a participatory action research (PAR) project between three Karen adolescent brothers and their American tutor/co-researchers can effectively promote dialogic (Wong, 2006) second language acquisition by: (1) creating dialogic teacher-student relationships; (2) building second language confidence and; (3) providing a problem posing learning atmosphere that promotes participants’ academic literacies and personal transformations. The findings from this study suggest that learning within what Paulo Freire refers to as a problem-posing educational project can promote language acquisition as well as critical consciousness, each of which are key in contributing to immigrant adaptation to the host culture. …
