Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

Balanced Literacy Through The Use Of A Progressive Daily Message In A Kindergarten Classroom, N. Elizabeth Debritz

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review available literature on using a daily message within the framework of a balanced literacy program, and create specific lessons and activities to use in a kindergarten classroom that help students become successful readers and writers. Throughout this project the students will be experiencing powerful communication between teacher and students, and student to student, practicing various literacy skills, responding to print daily, and interacting with text and other students. These activities will help foster their attitude and ability to read independently.

The Critical Relationship Of Dramtic Play And Literacy Development: Primary Plays Handbook, Activity Packets And Dramatic Play Kits For The Primary Classrooms, Connie Lewellyn

All Graduate Projects

Dramatic play is a critical element of programs for young children as a means of acquiring literacy. Literacy-enriched play encourages children's exploration of reading and writing in the world around them. Although child-structured dramatic play is widely recognized as being important, few opportunities are provided for primary educators to incorporate this type of drama into their reading curriculums. This project provides a foundation to implement dramatic play activities in the preschool through third grade reading curriculums.

Teaching Reading Effectively To Low Level Readers, Shawna Antonia Moore

All Graduate Projects

This project is the creation of a reading curriculum that has been developed for teaching reading effectively to low level readers. This curriculum provides explicit supplemental literacy instruction to accelerate students functioning below grade level. The curriculum was designed to supplement an already existing reading program. The main focus or theme, low-level readers becoming proficient at their appropriate level. To achieve success it is subdivided into the sections independent reading, read aloud, shared read, literature circles, guided reading instruction and family involvement.

Second Language Acquisition Through Reading, Comprehensible Input, Limited Grammar, And Cultural Study: A Handbook For The Secondary Language Teacher, Judith A. Willis-Nicolai

All Graduate Projects

Second language practitioners share the goal that their students reach communicative competence in the target language. Recent research findings regarding learning, however, have spawned a debate that has driven teachers to rethink the efficacy of the traditional practice of direct instruction of language usage. The Standards for Foreign Language Learning, as well as research that examines second language acquisition, support content-based instructional strategies that employ sustained language use, cultural infusion, and contextual grammar instruction in a constructivist classroom. This project reviews that research, then synthesizes and applies the findings of the research through the development of units that implement strategies …

Meeting The Accountability Challenge In Guided Reading Instruction, Rachelle E. Jensen

Graduate Research Papers

The demands for accountability and mandated consequences require a balanced and thoughtful approach to literacy instruction. The purpose of this study was to investigate the opinions of teachers regarding the use of guided reading and how it benefits the need to meet the accountability challenge. Seven teachers were chosen to take part in this interviewing process. All of the participants' responses focused on a global theme of accountability. Teachers explained that they were more accountable for their students' instruction through three key factors: accountability through guided reading, accountability through conversations with colleagues, and time based accountability.

Curriculum Design To Teach High School Students: How To Pull Evidence From Text, Karen Marie Hughes Bray

All Graduate Projects

Inadequate pe1formance of Washington State's public school students on national exams motivated the state legislature to pass the Basic Education Act in 1993. Graduation requirements were changed and expectations increased to specific skill levels in reading, writing, and several other subjects. The problem is that48% of North Central High School IO'" graders have averaged below standard in reading and 56% have averaged below standard in writing for the last six years. The project is designed to increase reading and writing skills at the high school level in classes outside of the academic arena by direct instruction. Washington State's Commission on …

Meaningful, Motivating Library Lessons That Matter To Students In Grade Four, Karen Louise-Bjorling Felch

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a meaningful, motivating library curriculum to increase student learning in literacy for students in grade four. Current literature and research on the roles of the teacher-librarian, information literacy instruction, reading advocacy, specifically literature guidance and appreciation, and motivation were explored. A yearlong library curriculum map was created addressing topics and methods found to be effective in the review of current research. The library curriculum was aligned with the Marysville School District Elementary Library Curriculum Guide for Grade Four, the Washington State Grade Level Expectations in Reading, the Washington State Essential Learnings in …

Using Music As A Classroom Tool, Gail Foreman

All Graduate Projects

The main focus of the project was to develop resources that will use music as a tool to improve literacy and support learning in third grade self contained classrooms. Research provides strong data connecting the relationship of music to academic achievement, language arts and improved test scores. This project provides prototype lesson plans that support grade level expectations and uses t4e Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as a basis for the concepts being taught. A unit of lesson plans was developed that integrates music into the language arts. Worksheets, graphic organizers and a music book list were developed as …

Improving Teacher Quality Through An On-Line Professional Development Course: A Research Study, Ekaterina Koubek, Aleidine Kramer Moeller

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Faculty Publications

This study investigated how in-service teachers of foreign languages constructed knowledge, and how this knowledge transformed their teaching, their beliefs, and their sense of themselves as professionals in an on-line professional development course based on a constructivist approach. This article provides an overview of research on distance education, constructivism, and teacher education with findings from a multiple case study of an on-line graduate course on Instructional Planning offered through GOLDEN (German On-line Distance Education Network; http://manila.unl.edu/amoeller/golden), a collaborative professional development project of the AATG (American Association of Teachers of German; http://aatg.org/member_services/lists/aatg-l.html ), the Goethe Institut of Washington DC ( …

Strategies To Improve Reading Fluency In The Elementary Classroom, Jill Marie Vorwald Sampson

Graduate Research Papers

This paper examines the importance of instructing students in strategies to improve reading fluency. Research shows that very little class time is currently spent on teaching reading fluency and this paper provides instructional strategies that teachers can employ in their classrooms. The strategies discussed are Reader's Theater, paired reading, buddy reading, modeling, repeated reading, and Read Naturally.

Research has proven all of these strategies to be effective, and this literature review describes the usefulness of these strategies. The importance of reading fluency instruction and technology integration has also become a key issue as new technologies are regularly introduced. The use …

Integration Of Keyboarding With Fourth Grade Writing, Kevin Russell

All Graduate Projects

Keyboarding is an enhancing tool in the writing process of elementary school children in grades one through four. Studies show that learning computer keyboarding with appropriate software and instruction in the elementary grade level is a skill that is proactive towards student growth in their own writing skills. The development of supplemental keyboarding and writing activities and assessment rubrics are presented. A total of ten different technologically enhanced writing activities are presented for use in the classroom or a lab setting. The activities are complete with lesson plans, design templates, overviews of materials and assessments. The activities are designed to …

Aiding Non-Reading Spanish Speaking Adults With Worksource Orientation And Usage Through Low-Level Spanish Reading Workshops, Amy Claussen

All Graduate Projects

The goal of this project is to teach adult Hispanic low-level readers to utilize the Worksource of Kittitas County and to improve their reading in their language of origin. Research shows that the transfer of knowledge from the primary language to a new second language is not possible without mastery in the primary language first.

Flexible Reading Groups For Literacy In A First Grade Classroom, Sharon Ann Parker

All Graduate Projects

The professional literature on the configuration of flexible reading groups for reading instrnction in a regular first grade classroom was examined to determine if flexible grouping yields any benefit to students who have been assessed to be below grade level in reading. The research showed support for the idea that flexible, fluid grouping is an accelerant to producing higher levels of reading improvement. As a result, an instructional handbook was created to aid educators in the implementation of flexible reading group instruction.

Effective Reading Comprehension Strategies For Native American Adolescents With Reading Difficulties, Mary C. La Velle

All Graduate Projects

The need for culturally appropriate reading comprehension pedagogy for Native American Adolescents was studied in light of multicultural philosophies. The historical trend to assimilate this group of students rather than acknowledge their unique contributions was an area targeted for improvement in this project. A need was established to target reading comprehension since the evidence points to a lack of explicit instruction in this area for middle school students. Strategies for promoting reading comprehension were identified in a teacher's manual that will be used in conjunction with the novel, Walk Two Moons, by Sharon Creech. Colville Tribal Elders discussed the comprehension …

Implementing Writer's Workshop In A Kindergarten Classroom, Katie Hauschildt

Graduate Research Papers

Can children be taught to write in kindergarten? Should children be taught to write in kindergarten? How do you teach children to write in kindergarten? These and many other questions about the appropriateness of writing and how to teach writing have been swirling around the education community for many years. As a kindergarten teacher I myself began wondering about these questions and how to answer them. I was intrigued by the idea of providing a framework in my classroom that would encourage emerging readers and writers to create and manipulate their own text.

In an effort to better understand the …

"Speling It Rite Eevn Aftr The Test" : What Students Can Tell Us, Jennifer L. Heckmann

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes a teacher inservice designed to aid teachers in implementing a developmental spelling program in an elementary setting. Developmentally appropriate instruction in spelling takes into account a student's existing knowledge of words. Such a program consists of understanding each student's level of knowledge, selecting word lists to meet the students' needs; providing explicit instruction about spelling patterns, and continually assessing students' spelling progress through authentic, written work

The questions this project will address include: (a) Why should a developmental spelling program be implemented, (b) what research supports a developmental approach to spelling instruction, (c) what are the potential …

Vocabulary Development In A Literature-Based Instructional Program, Gwen Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers need to assist students in developing rich vocabularies in a variety of ways. As teachers present effective strategies for learning vocabulary, students will improve their speaking and writing abilities as they grasp newfound meanings of words. This project reviews the professional literature on vocabulary development instruction and then presents a staff development plan that will help teachers see the benefits of exploring different ways that students can increase their vocabulary knowledge in a literature-based instructional reading environment.

Writing In The Kindergarten Classroom : It Can Be Done!, Stephanie Kartman

Graduate Research Papers

When discussing early writing Vicki Spandel (2001) brings up the following very important point: "We need to notice the little things (not just the big milestones) and put them to work to encourage our young writers, who are often doing much more than they get credit for'' (p. 321 ).

This project was built upon the idea that teachers would support writing through various instructional methods such as interactive, shared, and direct writing instruction. These activities are meant to supplement the Marion Independent School District kindergarten curriculum.

Shared Reading For Teaching English As A Foreign Language To Young Learners In Russia, Inna V. Kuznetsova

Graduate Research Papers

Shared Reading has proven to be very effective in developing language and literacy skills of children in the West. This project introduces Shared Reading as a curriculum component of English as a foreign language for young children in Russia. Review of the literature regarding the effectiveness of Shared Reading is described. The project includes two units of four lessons each that illustrate implementation of Shared Reading, oral language and other literacy activities. The project concludes with specific recommendations for dissemination of this work.

Implementation Of Literature Circles, Dawn Lewis

Graduate Research Papers

Literature circles are a current and effective technique requiring a group of students to read the same text and then meet to discuss their thoughts on what they read. The purpose of the project is to explain to teachers the components of literature circles and the benefits they have for students. The project will look specifically at what both the student and teachers roles' should be throughout the implementation. It will also inform teachers of different ways to incorporate literature circles into their own classroom.

Reading Motivation Of Middle School Students, Sandra K. Leinen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the motivation factors that influence middle school students' reading motivation. The literature review addresses the issue of declining reading motivation of middle school students as they progress through the grade levels. This review deals with four main areas: motivation, intrinsic motivation, extrinsic motivation, and self-efficacy. Literary resources were gathered and results of a reading survey completed by students at AHST Middle School were included. Information from both sources were reviewed and analyzed. The results of the literature review and the Avoca-Hancock-Shelby-Tennant (AHST) Middle School database indicate ways to increase middle school …

Literacy Backpacks For Emergent Readers, Lori J. Logan

Graduate Research Papers

Schools and families are continually searching for ways to bridge learning between home and school. Partnerships that encourage literacy learning at home are especially important for young children. Literacy backpacks were designed to encourage parents and children to engage in meaningful literacy experiences in their homes. The literacy backpacks include a collection of literature, activities, and supplies that enable families to enjoy literacy learning in an informal setting. Literacy backpacks provide emergent readers and writers opportunities to see adults model literacy behaviors, to engage in meaningful interactions with adults and text at home, and to actively construct literacy knowledge independently.

Integrating Technology Into Literature Circles, Carrie A. Lutkenhaus

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to develop a series of in-services that train middle school literature teachers in the integration of technology into literature circles. A staff development workshop was created to coincide with the Fort Dodge Community School District reading improvement goal. The audience for this staff development workshop will include eight fifth and sixth grade teachers from Fair Oaks Middle School. A review of the literature concerning literature circles and the integration of technology confirmed that the integration of technology into literature circles would have a positive effect on the literature classroom. Literature circles and the integration …

"Through The Looking Glass:" Teaching Literary Theory In The High School English Classroom, Alethea Young

All Graduate Projects

The project examines the historical context of Contemporary Literary Theories: Deconstruction, Marxist Literary Theory, Althusser's Theory ofldeology, and Feminist Literary Theory, through a review ofliterature. The project culminates in a 4-6 week unit on teaching Feminist Literary Theory, Marxist Literary Theory, and Deconstruction in connection with a unit on Rudolfo Anaya's award-winning novel, Bless Me, Wtima. The unit is designed for 10th grade Honors Language Arts classes.

"Changing Tradition: New Frontiers In Spelling Instruction" : A Developmental Spelling Word Study Workshop, Melissa A. Adams

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to create a three day workshop focused on a word study curriculum that is based on the developmental theory of spelling. The audience for this workshop would be elementary teachers (first through fifth grade) who are interested in developing a spelling curriculum that is based on current research and individual student needs. The workshop would introduce current research and teach teachers how to analyze student spelling errors. It would also focus on three main questions for developing a word study curriculum: How do I assess and evaluate students?; How do I group and manage …

Integrating The Six Traits Of Reading Into Literature Circle Discussion Groups : Moving Towards Thoughtful Literacy In A Title I Classroom, Kristin N. Carew

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the effects of integrating The Traits of Effective Readers into student-led literature circle discussion groups within the Title I reading classroom. This research was conducted with fourth grade students in an attempt to see if this method of instruction improved students' reading comprehension and motivation. The researcher was the teacher in the Title I classroom, and acted as a facilitator within the literature circle discussions.

The study results showed gains in students' comprehension in varying degrees, depending largely on the assessment used. Results from the attitude survey, however, showed that student motivation toward reading was significantly improved. …

Using Technology To Enhance Writing In Primary Grades, Lisa Butler

Graduate Research Papers

Computers in the primary classroom have been a controversial topic for many years. Many believe that computers do not benefit young children. In the past, very little research has been done in the primary classroom to prove or disprove the critics. Most of the studies focused on upper elementary, middle school, and high school. Three years ago, the federal government sought to validate the need for computers in the primary classroom. In doing so, the Natie (all names are pseudo names) Community Schools received a federal grant to study computers in the primary classroom. As a teacher in that school …

Literacy Instruction In First Grade Classrooms : Teachers Trained In Reading Recovery In Comparison With Teachers Who Have Not Been Trained, Trisha Fuelling

Graduate Research Papers

This investigation attempts to demonstrate the importance of having trained Reading Recovery teachers in first grade classrooms. Reading education has always been a vital part of curricula in school districts across America. Successful reading requires numerous basic processes, such as the identification of letters, the mapping of letters onto sounds, word decoding, the recognition of words, and the use of syntax and semantic cues. Several areas of learning such as emergent literacy also facilitate the process of reading. Reading involves recognition of visual patterns-groups of words, word parts, clusters of letters and single letters. Reading also involves knowledge of the …

Parents Join The Club : Inviting Parents And Children To Participate In A Family Book Club, Kimberly Gansen

Graduate Research Papers

A fifth grade elementary teacher who regularly uses book clubs as a part of her reading program offers the parents of her students the opportunity to learn about and participate in a book club with their children. The parents of the teacher's 24 students were invited to attend an informational meeting to learn how book clubs function in their child's classroom and to discover the value of discussion in developing and promoting reading comprehension. Eight parents and their children joined the Family Book Club. They all read In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson by Betty Bao Lord …

Home-School Reading Journals And Parental Involvement, Annalisa Marie Miner

Graduate Research Papers

"When schools encourage children to practice reading at home with parents, the children make significant gains in reading achievement compared to those who only practice at school" (Tizard, 1982).

Throughout my teaching career I have always worked with many students who are from homes that do not participate often in school and do not appear to have school-like literacy activities as a part of their family culture. I want to find a way to involve all families as collaborators in increasing their children's literacy achievement, because I feel this will benefit the children academically and also create a love of …