Education Commons^™

A Poetry Curriculum For Primary Teachers, Janice M. Matheny

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of poetry in language development and literacy acquisition in children. The review of current literature strongly supported the rationale for providing poetry experiences beginning at an early age and continuing on through the first few years of school. All stages of language development benefit from exposure to rhythm and rhyme. Poetry can be there to bridge the gap as young children speak their first words, read their first book and write their first sentence. Included is a poetry curriculum centering on the theme of Playground Rhymes. It was specifically written for primary teachers. The research …

Enhancing Student Learning Through Brain-Based Learning Techniques: A Handbook For Educators, Cynthia Gail Mcfarland

All Graduate Projects

The significance of utilizing a brain-based approach to learning and teaching was researched. Current brain research indicates that often traditional educational methods are not conducive or are even detrimental to student learning. Several sources supported the brain-based learning, multiple intelligence, and learning styles theories. The research suggested that the brain-based learning approach has been beneficial not only to student learning but also to an increase in student motivation and self-esteem. A handbook for educators was created to compliment existing curriculum. This handbook features "brain friendly" strategies and activities that focus on rich and positive learning experiences that enable students to …

Multi-Culture Unit On Native Americans, Calvin E. Marschall

All Graduate Projects

The culture of the Native American has been ignored by the educational institutions of the United States far too long. With the recent comi decisions upholding Native American treaties, local school districts must obligate themselves to the teaching of Native American culture. The purpose of this project was to develop a multicultural unit, about Native American culture, and then introduce this unit of study into the history classes at Wenatchee High School.

Authenticity In Language Arts For The Average Fouth Graders, Karen Ann Rossman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated Language Arts program based on the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and which focuses on authentic experiential activities. Research was completed which supported the use of integration of the language arts as well as authenticity in learning. The concluding activity was the writing of an autobiographical story by each student.

Shrinking The World: A Supplementary High School Computer Curriculum, Trevor L. T. Greene

All Graduate Projects

The project contains a high school supplementary computer curriculum centered on the acquisition of the Spanish language and understanding of the culture. The review of the literature indicates that the computer can be an effective medium with which to facilitate cooperative or collaborative learning and individualized instruction. In addition, technology provides an opportunity for peer tutoring and can instill a desire to learn. The project activities were designed around communicative, cultural, or structural goals that were identified in one or more of the three lessons located in each unit of the Dime Uno textbook. The supplementary computer curriculum was developed …

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

All Graduate Projects

Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.

Issues In Our Society: A Middle School Interdisciplinary Curriculum, Matthew L. Bowman

All Graduate Projects

The project contains a team-taught interdisciplinary curriculum based on current issues in our society. The review ofliterature, which focuses on team teaching at the middle level and the process of implementing an interdisciplinary curriculum, indicates that middle level students need opportunities to discuss and analyze current issues in our society that affect their lives in order to make learning more meaningful. Therefore, the content areas of language arts, math, social studies, and science were structured around three themes dealing with issues such as the environment, space exploration, and cultural diversity. The interdisciplinaiy curriculum was developed for a sixth grade, four-person …

Designing And Developing A Model Applied Mathematics Curriculum For Taiwanese-Canadian Extension School Students, In Grades Ten Through Twelve In Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Timothy Kuo-Tung Liu

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to design and develop a model applied mathematics curriculum for Taiwanese-Canadian extension school students, in grades ten through twelve in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current research and literature regarding curriculum and instruction related to applied mathematics was conducted. Additionally, related information from selected schools with applied mathematics programs in Taiwan, Canada, and the United States of America, was obtained and analyzed. A handsearch of various other sources was also conducted.

A Primary-Level Art And Music Program For Little Star Eduation Center In Taiwan, R.O.C., Shu-Hui Hsiao

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a primarylevel art and music program for Little Star Education Center, private academies in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding primarylevel art and music curricula and instructional strategies was conducted.

Instructional Lessons And Activities For Middle School Science Teachers, Sally Josephine Rich

All Graduate Projects

The significance of providing an inquiry based, hands-on approach to teaching science to middle school students was researched. Several sources supported this teaching method. The research suggested having students participate in engaging, thought provoking, and problem solving science activities to optimize successful student learning. Lessons and activities, which focus on active student learning, critical thinking and problem solving, were developed to enhance and revise the existing curriculum for five chosen textbooks. These selected science texts were intended for middle school sixth and seventh grade students.

Development Of An Effective Spelling Curriculum To Be Implemented In A First-Third Grade Classroom, Katherine Marie Richardson

All Graduate Projects

Spelling is a frequently investigated curriculum area. There has been extensive research in the last century concerning various instructional procedures for the acquisition of spelling skills. Many research-based principles of effective spelling instruction have emerged from one of two contrasting models for the development of spelling competence. Traditionally, spelling has been taught with textbooks from spelling series. Students followed a structured program with the goal of learning to spell the list words. Advocates for spelling reform suggest spelling instruction should be based on the understanding of the developmental nature of the child. This project report provides guidelines for implementing a …

Values Education: Using The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Social Studies To Teach Values, Elizabeth Smith

All Graduate Projects

The development of a Values Education curriculum included with the Social Studies curriculum was studied. Related literature was reviewed. The review of literature showed that school systems that have tried a comprehensive values education plan are finding some pro-social results from their programs. Lessons were developed for West Valley (WA) fifth grade students using the Washington State Essential Learning requirements in Civics. A summary, conclusions and recommendations are included.

To Write With Skill: A Writing Program To Meet Washington State's Essential Academic Learnings In Writing, Doris L. Sjoquist

All Graduate Projects

A writing program has been developed for intermediate level students to prepare them to meet the benchmarks of the Essential Academic Learning Requirements in Writing for Washington State. Students need daily, meaningful writing practice to contribute to success in their academic and work lives. The project includes daily writing practices, lesson plans for writing experiences that will meet the benchmarks established by the Commission on Student Learning, and a portfolio system for organization and assessment.

Art Lessons For The Middle School Special Education Student, Pete S. Soleto

All Graduate Projects

The literature and research regarding art for the middle school special education student were explored. Data were presented to support teaching art using a combination of normalizing approaches and task analyses. Lessons for use in the middle school art class room were developed to use as models for additional lessons created by the author or others.

Literature-Based Supplimental Activities In A Second Grade Classroom, Heidi Stevens

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommendations and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Learning Requirements are addressed. The benefits of integrating mathematics and literature are studied. Integrated activities, materials, and a bibliography of children's literature that supplement a traditional mathematics CUITiculum for primary students are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

Teaching Strategies And Resources For Gifted Middle School Student In Regular Education Classrooms, Meena Thukral

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a resource and strategies manual that could equip middle school regular education teachers to teach gifted students in their classrooms. The resource manual includes various instructional strategies that address learning styles, differentiated curriculum, enrichment in the regular education classrooms, and thinking skills. It also includes a list of published books and Internet sites for teachers to share with other teachers, parents, and gifted students.

A Model Fourth Grade Science Curriculum Based On Multiple Intelligence Theory And Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Science, Kerry Lynn Ward

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model fourth grade science curriculum based on Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and in line with Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science. Along with this, assessment criteria were to be designed for each learning activity. To accomplish this purpose, current research on Multiple Intelligence Theory, assessment, curriculum development and Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science were reviewed. Finally, student learning objectives, learning activities and corresponding assessment criteria were adapted and developed.

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

An Interdisciplinary Water Quality Curriculum For Middle School Students, Barbara Michelle Cleveland

All Graduate Projects

An interdisciplinary curriculum correlating water quality with the disciplines of physical science and mathematics for 6th grade middle school students was developed. Literature examined indicates that the opportunity to explore key concepts and significant issues using an integrated approach provided greater opportunity to formulate meaningful connections between disciplines studied and that achievement was enhanced. The Learning units were developed for use at Wilson Middle School in Yakima, Washington.

A Look At The Middle Ages: Tying Together Social Studies And Language Arts, R. Eric Despain

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a thematic interdisciplinary unit. Fifteen social studies lessons are focused on the middle ages and tied together with the book, The Castle in the Attic. There is also a companion language arts unit for The Castle in the Attic. This project was developed to help sixth-grade students apply information taught in social studies to language arts and help them to see natural connections that occur in learning.

A Resource Manual For Mainstreaming Students With Behavioral Disabilities In The Middle School, Matthew L. Cobb

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a resource manual to facilitate the use of effective components for mainstreamed or included Behavior Disabled (BD) students in the regular classroom. The manual will be used by Wapato Middle School, Wapato, Washington, to enhance the current mainstream/ inclusion program. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature related to BD student characteristics, legal issues, instructional strategies and policies were reviewed.

At-Risk Fourth Grade Students: Teaching Strategies For Developing Effective Interpersonal And Intrapersonal Skills, Robert Paul Griffith

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of social skills and teaching strategies was developed for use by classroom teachers of students at-risk in the fourth grade. A literature search was conducted regarding characteristics of students at-risk, effective strategies for teaching social skills, and effective social skills programs. The strategies developed can be used by elementary classroom teachers to help improve prosocial skills of students at-risk.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

Study Skills Handbook For Elementary Students Transitioning Into Middle School, Kristina Elise Riggs

All Graduate Projects

Students transitioning from elementary to middle school face a unique set of challenges. These students are coming from the comfort of having one teacher and one classroom, to the departmentalized setting of the middle school There they may have up to seven different teachers, classes and classrooms. This new situation forces them to call upon certain organizational skills which may be different from those utilized in past learning situations. The Study Skills Handbook was designed to aid students with this unique transition. It provides students with an overview of basic skills practicing teachers deemed important for success in their classroom. …

Integrating Multimedia Education Into Learning Activities For Students Ages Five Through Seven, Sandra Jean Riley

All Graduate Projects

The intent of this project was to adapt curriculum activities that integrate Internet technology with activities for children ages five through seven. Review of selected literature, relevant to the integration of technology was conducted. Findings presented support the integration of multimedia technology into the instruction of young childre.n. Portions of the Washington State Essential Learnings for reading, writing, and communication were incorporated in the development of the activities for use in the early childhood classroom.

A Model Third Grade Science Curriculum For Use In A Magnet School, Tracy E. Schroder

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model third grade magnet school science curriculum that would give students an opportunity for hands-on, experiential learning. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on magnet schools, magnet science curricula, elementary science curricula, experiential learning and multiple intelligences were reviewed. Additionally, information and materials from selected magnet elementary schools around the Yakima Valley were obtained and analyzed. Finally, student learning objectives, performance criteria, learning activities, teaching strategies and instructional materials were adapted and developed.

Teachnig Musicianship In High School Band Within The Four-Period Day Format, Rebecca Kay Mccoy

All Graduate Projects

New innovations in scheduling at the secondary level in many high schools have resulted in "block scheduling", whereby, students meet in classes for a longer time period than the norm (50-55 minutes). In the area of performing arts, this expanded schedule presents new opportunities for the inclusion of musicianship skills. This study will provide guidelines and resources for strengthening the musicianship of students currently participating in block scheduling within their performance classes. The exercises and lessons included will reflect the guidelines of the National Standards for the Arts.

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

The Use Of Visual Arts For The Development Of Learning Activities For Teaching And As Model For Future Testing Of Four Areas Of Reading Comprehension, Thomas S. Wright

All Graduate Projects

The use of visual arts as a method for teaching vocabulary comprehension, literal comprehension, interpretive comprehension, and evaluative comprehension was investigated. Literature was cited on individuals and programs using visual arts as a method of teaching reading. Visual art related learning activities were developed from this information for use by classroom teachers and for future testing.

Globalizing The Curriculum: A Workshop, Eugenia Allen-Schmid

All Graduate Projects

Globalizing the Curriculum is the design for a workshop for high school history and social studies teachers. The written project includes a description of how the workshop has actually been presented and a discussion of how it may be presented again. This workshop focuses on the following:

1. Why a global approach is important and the goals for taking this approach.

2. Problems and concerns teachers have incorporating a global approach and how these can be overcome.

3. Specific teaching strategies for globalizing the curriculum.

4. Resources available for global studies and how to access them.