Elementary Education Commons^™

Using Children's Literature To Teach Reading Comprehension And Written Language Skills To Elementary Students, Simona Sue Frank

All Graduate Projects

Literature-based instructional strategies for teaching reading comprehension and written language skills were studied. Evidence from the review of literature indicates that trade books motivate students to develop: critical thinking, comprehension, expanded vocabulary, knowledge of grammatical and literary devices along with enrichment of written language skills. Children's literature has proved to be an excellent vehicle for combining reading, writing and literature. Implications for literature-based instruction are discussed.

Bridging The Gap Between Generations: An Intergenerational Handbook For An Elementary School And Senior Citizens, Karla Jane Hansen

All Graduate Projects

Intergenerational programs are designed to bridge the generation gap and encourage the development of positive attitudes between the young and the old. T.hrough implementing intergenerational programs in the schools of today, students gain an understanding of the aging process, seniors in the community participate in a life satisfying activity, and school and community relations increase. To facilitate the implementation of intergenerational programs in the schools, a handbook was developed which outlines the process and procedures for a successful program.

Activities For Teaching Letter Identification, A. Kristin Seibel

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to compile and design research based letter identification activities. Emphasis was placed on the highly confusable letters "b-d", "p-q", and "n-u". The activities were for use in the first grade curriculum. Learning objectives were stated for each activity. The activities, utilizing a variety of materials, were chosen and designed for hands-on application. Needed materials were listed, directions and patterns for construction were included, directions for use were provided, and classroom management was suggested. Use of the activities was divided into three parts: whole group introduction, guided practice, and small group activities.

Teaching Comprehension By Incorporating Story Grammar Into A Drta Lesson Format, Sharon Kay Neal

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a teaching procedure which should improve primarylevel reading comprehension. This procedure combines a framework of story grammar as a guide for implementing the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) lesson format. Literature is reviewed which illustrates the effectiveness of story grammar when used to teach comprehension, and describes the effectiveness of DRTA to promote active comprehension. By combining both story grammar and DRTA, a procedure is developed and ten example lessons are produced.

Nova University Ed.D. Programs In Child And Youth Studies 1991–1992, Nova University

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice College Archive

No abstract provided.

Teaching Learning Strategies In Sixth Grade Social Studies Classrooms, Kristine Rae Bowen

All Graduate Projects

This project introduced four learning strategies using the sixth grade social studies textbook, The World (Cangemi, 1986) as a framework to enhance reading comprehension. The strategies were selected because they: activated background knowledge, set a purpose, and encouraged active thinking while reading. The project explained each strategy, demonstrated how each could be implemented to promote active comprehension in a content area text, and developed lessons to teach students to incorporate the strategy while reading a social studies textbook.

A Handbook For Teaching Journal Writing, Kindergarten Through Third Grade, Linda Rae Donofrio

All Graduate Projects

This masters project provided a teachers' manual for use by teachers who want to establish a journal writing program. It was intended for teachers of grades kindergarten through third grade. In addition to the teachers' manual, this project also provided an overview of the literature of journal writing as part of a language arts program. Examples of students' journal entries were also included. The manual itself was prepared for use in a suburban, middle class school district and it contains a step-by-step approach to establishing a journal program.

My Writing Source (Mí Fuent De Escritura), Guadalupe Segura Johnson

All Graduate Projects

The project provides a handbook of Spanish creative writing activities. It is to be used by third grade Spanish-speaking students to help inspire their creativity. The handbook consists of journal writing, sequence and write, draw and write, cartoons, story starters and shape stories. The review of literature helps to explain the importance of writing and discusses the role of the teacher. The activities are varied to allow the children to reach the essence of the creative writing process.

The Use Of Volunteers In The Implementation Of A Primary Reading Program, Lynnaie Wright

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project is to supply activities and materials to classroom teachers in a practical and useful manner that will help in utilizing volunteers as reading tutors in the classroom. This project is a compilation of Information gathered from a review of literature based on volunteer tutoring. Programs that have utilized volunteers are studied. Sources for recruiting volunteers, management strategies for supervising volunteers, training of volunteers, and suggestions for retaining volunteers are included in this project.

An Overview Of Bibliotherapy And Its Applications In The Elementary Classroom, Kerry Sue Abernathy

All Graduate Projects

Bibliotherapy has been used for many years as an aid to the healing process. The concept of using literature to promote mental health has been increasingly accepted as a valid therapeutic method in recent years. Bibliotherapy has, in the past, been used primarily with adults. This study will focus on recent developments to help children grow and develop a positive self-concept through literature. Book lists have been compiled from the many children's books available on the subjects of death and dying, illness, divorce, fears, handicaps, blended families, single parents, friendship, physical development, family relationships, attitudes and values, emotions and feelings, …

Incorporating Cooperative Learning Teams And Whole Language In The First Grade, Mary Elizabeth Berdine

All Graduate Projects

The first purpose of this project was to review current literature regarding whole language and cooperative learning. The second purpose of this project was the development of whole language, cooperative learning strategies and accompanying application lessons for use at the first grade level. Ten cooperative learning strategies and application lessons were developed utilizing a whole language approach. The lessons were centered around children's literature and focused on reading, writing, listening, and speaking activities that were whole, purposeful, and meaningful.

A Cooperative Approach To Writing A Curriculum Guide For Mathematics, Sara Nilson Bos

All Graduate Projects

This project involved writing a curriculum guide for grades kindergarten through six in the area of mathematics. This guide was developed using a cooperative approach including small groups of teachers representing several grade levels, as well as, the entire teaching staff. The process of developing the guide was important to this study as was the mathematics guide itself. Teachers were involved in selection of a mathematics curriculum, implementing the curriculum, evaluating and adapting the curriculum after one year of use, and writing the guide to accompany the program.

Integrated Social Studies Curriculum For The Combined Third, Fourth, And Fifth Grade Classroom, Kenneth Irwin Ecker

All Graduate Projects

A social studies curriculum was developed for use in a multi-grade classroom. The curriculum incorporates the learning objectives from each of the three grade levels in a format which can be presented simultaneously to students in all three grades, while directing a separate focus for each grade. The unique qualities and limitations of the multi-grade classroom were considered, and implications for the teacher are discussed. An informal pilot study assessed the useability and effectiveness of the curriculum.

Implementing Curriculum Based Assessment: A Model To Identify Children Who Are Academically At Risk, Dan L. Tharp

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop a curriculum based assessment model using Custer Elementary School's prescribed curriculum that would identify academically at-risk students and provide intervention services. A curriculum based assessment model was developed based upon the major assumptions that measurement of pupil progress should: (1) be directly related to the curriculum the student is taught; (2) be repeated frequently; and (3) guide instructional planning for the student. A review of the related literature indicated curriculum based assessment offers an alternative approach for continuously measuring student achievement of proficiency in basic school skills. Implications for the implementation of …

The Recruitment, Training, And Retention Of Volunteer Tutors For Elementary Reading Programs, Emilee Kay Solomon

All Graduate Projects

This project consists of: a) an overview of four exemplary volunteer tutorial programs, b) a review of the literature regarding recruitment, training, and retention of volunteer tutors, c) a review of a questionnaire surveying reading teachers and volunteer coordinators about their recruitment, training, and retention methods, and d) a guide for the recruitment, training, and retention/recognition of volunteer tutors in elementary reading programs.

Collaborative Reading At Home To Assist Children With Reading Difficulties, Criste R. Goldy

All Master's Theses

The effects of a collaborative home reading program on children with reading difficulties was studied. Students selected for the study were currently enrolled in special programs for reading and/or English as a second language. Students who participated in the Reading-At-Home program made substantial and immediate gains in reading skills, although greatest gains were made by younger students (five to eight years old). Participant reactions were also discussed.

Education For Employment: An Update Of Kalamazoo County's Career Education Model, Wendy French

Masters Theses

The major accomplishment of this project was the creation of career education goals that have been accepted by the nine Kalamazoo County school districts involved in Education for Employment. These broad goals are infusable into all the local districts as they review each curricula.

The essential skills of problem solving, group responsibilities, and basic skills are not subject specific and can therefore be addressed in all curriculum areas. Abilities and indicators are listed with the goals to help local districts specifically address student needs.

The Education for Managing the Future (Career Education K-6) committee, as a sub-group of Education for …

Ellensburg Drug Prevention Project, Larry E. Almberg

All Graduate Projects

There is a need in many communities for materials and management guidelines for developing community-wide drug abuse prevention efforts that have a clear focus of intent. This project plans to fill that need by producing a sequence of video tape lessons with accompanying workbooks that will direct fifth graders and their families in learning experiences to reduce the drug abuse risk. A management guide will be developed to assist interested individuals (lay or professional) in organizing the community resources for successful implementation of the programs.

A Comparative Study Of The Effects Of Two Urban Kindergarten Beginning Reading Programs On Student Oral Reading Performance And Attitudes Toward Reading, Ann-Carol Banton Holley

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the whole language and the Writing to Read beginning reading programs on oral reading performance and attitudes toward learning to read in school. The research population totaled 128 kindergarten students from two elementary schools within the same urban school system. This population consisted of a complete population sample of sixty-one students at the whole language school and sixty-seven Writing to Read students chosen by random selection to represent all classes and teachers at the other school.

Oral reading performance and attitude toward reading of the two groups were compared …

Effects Of Instructional Television In Math, Science And Language Arts In Two Small Elementary Schools, Delbert Maroon

Masters Theses

This field experience investigated the effects of instructional television on academic achievement of fifth and sixth grade students in two small elementary schools in Bond County. A two tailed t-test for the difference of means at the .05 level of significance was used to analyze the data collected. A self assessment survey collected from nine teachers determined that no significant differences in opinion existed between members of the teaching staff regarding instructional television usage. An analysis of student grades determined that no significant increase in student grades was found in the comparisons made. Results of this study indicate that the …

A Fourth Grade Social Studies Unit On Washington State, Jodeanna R. Weller

All Graduate Projects

Methods and procedures were developed for teaching higher level thinking skills. A social studies unit on Washington State specifying thirty contact hours was formulated. Social Studies was selected because of its potential applicability for teaching higher level thinking skills. Recommendations included the development of pre and post tests to measure conceptual gain from the unit activities and suggested further research be conducted on higher level thinking skill activities and their integration into the classroom curriculum.

Reading Comprehension Learning Center, Pamela Joy Krocker

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was the development of a reading comprehension learning center that reinforces comprehension skills at the literal, inferential, and evaluative levels, and which also provides practice with basic and sight vocabulary. The contents of this project included a review of the literature related to the topic, a description of objectives on which the cards were based, a description of the materials and methods used to construct the project, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a primary classroom. Examples of the project including color photographs of the parts of the project that were …

"Night Writers": A Voluntary Creative Writing Program, Wendy Arline Alexander

All Graduate Projects

"Night Writers", a voluntary creative writing program that utilizes parent volunteers, was designed to encourage more writing in a positive way. Writing supports the aquisition of reading skills and enables one to communicate more effectively. As "Night Writers" encourages the students to write at home, with parent involvement encouraged, a close home-school relationship is being fostered to the benefit of all parties concerned.

Around The World Radio: A Teacher's Guide To Shortwave Radio In The Classroom, Myles M. Mustoe

All Graduate Projects

Shortwave radio is a viable teaching tool for teachers in geography, social science, languages, and other areas of secondary and elementary curriculum. However, in the United States, teachers are generally not familiar with what is available to them on the shortwave radio and how they can adapt the use of the radio for their classrooms. This deficiency was the problem that this project intended to address.

Reading Instruction Through Trade Books As A Supplement To A Sixth Grade Basal Reading Program, Corinne Ann Applegate

All Graduate Projects

Supplemental reading activities were developed for a basal reader program using trade books. The Raygor Readability Estimate was used to determine the reading level of the sixty-five trade books for grades three through eight. The books were categorized by grade level and activities for each book at each grade level were developed.

Games And Activities For The English As A Second Language Classroom, Mary T. Brunelle

All Graduate Projects

A study has been made to select activities and games that promote language use in the second language classroom. Low classroom and personal anxiety promote language learning; games and activities are a method of focusing the language on its message rather than its structural form. Ways for teachers to help decrease classroom pressure and encourage learning are discussed. Language games for beginning, intermediate, and advanced students are presented in the project portion of this paper and will be used as a handbook of games for English as a second language teachers.

A Parent Handbook For Primary Students With Learning Disabilities, Susan K. Busey

All Graduate Projects

Parents play an important role in the educational process, especially with Special Education students. When a child is identified as Learning Disabled, parents often ask, "What can we do at home to help?" When there is parent-school cooperation and coordination all will benefit, particularly the child. This project provides parents of the Selah School District in Washington State with information and activities in the academic areas of reading, mathematics, and written language, that will reinforce and strengthen those skills taught at school.

An Evaluation Of The Primary Prevention Of Substance Abuse Program Of Mattoon Community Unit School District Number Two, Kathryn Hanneken

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Primary Prevention of Substance Abuse Program grades kindergarten through six in Mattoon Community Unit School District Number Two, Mattoon, Illinois. In order to accomplish this purpose the study utilized the Purpose--Input--Process--Outcome—Decision Model for program evaluation. The study was divided into four chapters. Chapter 1 presents the background and statement of the problem of substance use and abuse by America’s youth. Chapter 2 is a review of current literature and related research. For organizational purposes, the literature and research are divided into two sections: the problem of substance abuse …

An Inquiry Into The Influence Of Expressive Writing Practice On The Transactional Writing Abilities Of Selected Fourth Grade Students, Maureen Elliott Hook

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The study is an inquiry into the influence of expressive writing practice on the transactional writing abilities of selected fourth grade students. It is based on the ideas of James Britton, an English theoretician concerned with writing. The study was formulated to investigate how the process of writing occurs. Writing research is at an early stage, and this study will expand the knowledge of the field.

The study consisted of a treatment group receiving intensive practice with expressive writing over the course of one semester while the control group did not. A posttest was administered which involved the students having …

Issues Regarding The Establishment Of Criteria For The Analysis And Selection Of Science Textbooks., Ron Good, James Shymansky

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

The first part of this paper discusses the nature and use of high-inference and low-inference criteria for the evaluation of science textbooks. The second part discusses a project entitled Criteria for the Analysis and Selection of Science Textbooks (CASST). Included are results of a state survey which show that very little emphasis is given to problem-solving in the forms used by textbook adoption committees, that few states use science textbook appraisal forms that are specifically designed for grade level groupings, and that science process skills are not often given much prominence in textbook evaluation forms. Based on these and other …