Curriculum and Instruction Commons^™

The Power Of Visuals: Picture Books As Invitations To Literacy, Mary Jo Skillings

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

When young children are exposed to picture books, they are building important bridges to literacy. Picture books are sometimes defined as a storybook with a dual narrative. That is, the illustrations and text work interdependently, the integration of the visual and the verbal tell the story. The illustrations add a new dimension that extends beyond the words on the page; together, the text and pictures make the story stronger. A well crafted picture book is a feast for the eyes of a young child. The illustrations awaken and develop the child’s visual, mental, and verbal imagination.

Where Visual Literacy And Identity Meet: Adolescents Define Themselves Through Participation In A University Video And Art Enrichment Program, Susan Daniels, Patricia Little, Linda M. Reynolds, Alayne Sullivan

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

This article summarizes a project that oriented one hundred and twenty-five gifted and talented middle-school students to university culture through a series of summer workshops that emphasized visual media. Various workshops introduced students to methods of video and art production. The middle-school students created short videos and artistic collages to represent their identity in response to two activities: (a) in-depth explorations of the California State University campus at San Bernardino; and (b) literary reading. Art and video production are revealed as a powerful means of middle-school students’ identity formation and expression; the work summarized herein gains credence through its alignment …

A Study Of Southwest Florida High School Reading Teachers And The Implmentation Of Scientifically Based Reading Research Instruction, Virginia Harper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The literacy mandates of the No Child Left Behind Act (2001) swiftly and directly have an impact on reading teachers. The literacy directives of the act constitute a paradigm shift in reading reform, especially at the secondary level. Literacy directives require state and district level administrator's to focus on secondary reading teacher pre and in service training. Effecive secondary reading teachers must be well versed in the foundation sof Scientifically Based Reading Research. Florida is among the first states to implement six comptencies of professional development that leads to endorsement in the teaching of reading. Florida teachers of secondary reading …

Development Of An Implementation Guide For Literature Circles From Teacher Led To Student Led In An Upper Elementary Classroom, Brandon C. Debritz

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to review the available literature on the topic of literature circles from the framework of a balanced literacy program and to create materials to be used by intem1ediate elementary teachers for implementing student led literature circles into their reading curriculum. The results of the research show that through specific teacher guidance, children are empowered with choices and are provided with opportunities to dialog with classmates in a context of creating connections. The project includes an instrnctional framework to establish literature circles, a progression of teacher led to student led applications, and intermediate literature book …

Toolkit For Assistance With The Emergent Reader, Theresa Joanne Phelps

All Graduate Projects

Following the implementation of the No Child Left Behind Initiative in 2002, educators were faced with new obstacles never before experienced. Reading levels were at an all time low with nearly 70% of inner city fourth graders unable to read at a basic level on national reading tests. Because reading is the backbone of all academic areas, struggling readers need much more consideration and attention than they have needed before. The five main components of an effective reading program that are focused on in this project are vocabulary, phonics, phonemic awareness, comprehension and fluency. This toolkit contains assessments and strategies …

Effective Reading Strategies That Enhance Reading Comprehension For Students With Specific Learning Disabilities, Angela Erin Hinkle

All Graduate Projects

This curriculum project provides reading comprehension strategies for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD). This project material can be used with either narrative texts or expository texts, that teach academic subjects. The use of graphic organizers, summarization techniques, strategic reading techniques, and vocabulary instruction techniques are described and examined. Lesson plans that may be used with current classroom curriculum guides and based on the researched reading comprehension strategies are described.

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.

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 …

The Impact Of Reading Instructional Processes On Literacy Aquisiation, Doreen O. Ryan

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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The Relationships Of Teachers' Levels Of Technology Integration On Student Achievement In Reading And Mathematics, Valerie S. Fields

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine to what extent the level of technology integration of fourth and eighth grade teachers in eleven rural school districts in northeastern Louisiana related to student achievement in reading and mathematics.

The sample consisted of 123 fourth and eighth grade teachers and their students from the eleven rural school districts in northeastern Louisiana. Fifty-eight percent of the teachers represented the fourth grade and 42% of the teachers represented the eighth grade. The teachers served a school age population in which 20% or more was from families with incomes below the poverty line.

Mean …

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.

Addressing Scientific Literacy Through Content Area Reading And Proces, Susan Cooper

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to interpret the experiences of secondary science teachers in Florida as they address the scientific literacy of their students through teaching content reading strategies and student inquiry skills. Knowledge of the successful integration of content reading and inquiry skills by experienced classroom teachers would be useful to many educators as they plan instruction to achieve challenging state and national standards for reading as well as science. The problem was investigated using grounded theory methodology. Open-ended questions were asked in three focus groups and six individual interviews that included teachers from various Florida school districts. …

Service To Children Through Teaching, School Of Education

Curriculum

This guide features: Lesson Plan for Writing Letter to Military Personnel; Parts of a Friendly Letter; Book for Class to Welcome New Students; Describe Your Teacher; Know Your Town; Care of Classroom Pets; Picnic Game; Positive Characteristics About our Classmates; Teaching Procedures and Practices; and a Service Learning Lesson Plan.

Middle School Reading: From Reluctant To Strategic Reader, Amy S. Groetsema

Master of Education Program Theses

Research shows that student attitudes towards school reading declines dramatically as students reach upper elementary grades (Mckenna, 1995), yet as these students reach middle school and high school they will be faced with increasing demands to be critical readers. Reluctant middle school readers must have reading experiences that are successful in order to change their attitudes towards reading. Reading teachers must equip their middle level students to be strategic readers in order to be prepared for the critical reading and thinking demands of middle school and high school. This means that reading instruction must be organized in a way that …

A Case Study Of Reading Education For Middle School Students With Learning Disabilities, John Arthur Sargent

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to investigate The Achieve Reading Curriculum, a reading curriculum based on whole language principles designed for middle school students with learning disabilities. A qualitative intrinsic case study was conducted using four sixth grade middle school students with learning disabilities as participants. Ethnographic methodology was used to focus on the multifaceted structure of classroom life and to acquire a thorough understanding of the connections between participants and teacher. A teacher as researcher approach facilitated insights on a daily basis due to the interaction between participants and teacher.

Data collection procedures included observations/field notes, teacher journal, …

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.

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

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 …

Supporting Reading Instruction Of High School Students With Learning Disabilities By Using Wynn Software, Linda Kilgore

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a student/teacher handbook, which contained information for the successful integration of the WYNN computer software into the general and special education classroom. Students with learning disabilities struggle with the general education curriculum and new technology provides an individualized approach to the accommodation of their needs. Research concerning learning disabilities and how the use of computers can support these students in the classroom was included.

Creating Motivation And Oral Reading Fluency Through Readers' Theatre, Kelly Leaverton

All Graduate Projects

Readers' Theatre is a wonderful teaching tool in which students practice and rehearse scripts in order to put on plays in front of an audience. The focus is on word accuracy and expression in reading without having to memorize lines. Studies have shown that Readers' Theatre can strengthen oral reading fluency by repeated readings, and increase confidence and motivation to read as students learn to read their parts with fluency and precision. Unfortunately, due to lack of availability and training, Readers' Theatre is not used in the classroom to the extent it should be, and many educators are uncomfortable with …

Comprehension And Vocabulary Strategies Using Related Tradebooks With Social Studies For Bilingual And Bicultural Middle School Students, Jennifer Suzanne Tindall

All Graduate Projects

In many schools, students from ethnic minority groups are immersed in secondlanguage reading curricula with minimal attention to their native language literacy (Droop & Verhoeven, 2003). These children face the challenge ofleaming to read in languages that they have not mastered orally. As a result, these second-language students can then experience considerable gaps in their understanding ofreading because reading instruction in any language strongly builds on oral language proficiency. For these reasons, second-language literacy learning is an enormous issue in our schools today (Goodman, Goodman, & Flores, 1984). This is why the author chose to research effective reading instruction for …

Effective Strategies For Emergent Readers: Practical Ideas For Everyday Reading With Your Child, Kristin Claire Williams

All Graduate Projects

Three workshops, supported by research in the areas of parent-school involvement, family literacy, the development of the reading process, and reading strategies, were developed. Each workshop provides families with specific reading activities and strategies to use at home. The intent of this author is to provide valid research to demonstrate that learning to read involves the semantic, syntactic, and grapho-phonic cueing systems.

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 Practical Guide Using A Variety Of Instructional Methods For Teaching Reading To Gifted Students, Melissa Caveness

All Graduate Projects

Gifted students spend most of their school day, if not all, learning in the regular classroom. Often, this environment is not conducive to their learning needs, and there is a lack of readily available supplemental materials that teachers can use to meet the needs of the gifted students. Therefore, the purpose of this project is to create a handbook that provides different strategies for teachers to use when teaching gifted students in the regular classroom. The project contains five thematic units that incorporate and utilize literature and comprehension strategies. This project first focuses definitions and identifiers of gifted students academically …

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 …

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.

An Assessment Of Student Reading Improvement Comparing Two Instructional Delivery Models: Reading Recovery (Rr) And Promoting Early Success (Pers), Robin Young

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Using Children's Literature And Parental Involvement To Facilitate Reading With Primary-Age Children Through A Literacy Backpack Program, Tami Marie Scrivner

Graduate Student Projects

The purpose of this project was to create a home literacy backpack program to increase children's reading skills with parental help through the use ofliterature that is relevant and meaningful to the students. Research that was reviewed showed students learn how to read through a balanced form of instruction using children's literature. Reviewed research also indicated parental involvement to be positively related to children's success in school. Materials necessary to put together 35 take home backpacks are included in this project. Conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for implementation of the backpack program are also discussed.

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.