Elementary Education Commons^™

Long-Term Analysis Of A Savings Program In Elementary School, Jennifer Davidson, William Walstad

Department of Economics: Faculty Publications

The prevalence of in-school savings programs (ISSPs) for children and youth is widespread, but research on their effectiveness is limited. This study investigates the long-term effects of an ISSP conducted in one U.S. elementary school. Survey data were collected on the financial behaviors of high school students, who participated in or did not participate in an ISSP while attending the same elementary school at the same time. The results from a probit analysis of data controlling for demographic variables showed that ISSP participants compared with non-participants were more likely to have a bank account in high school. They also were …

Critical Peer Mentor Groups: Amplifying Support During Student Teaching, Cindy H. Linzell

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

This hermeneutic phenomenological study explores the lived experiences of student teachers who use Critical Peer Mentor (CPM) groups as an additional layer of support during their student teaching experience. In traditional models for teacher induction, student teachers apprentice in the classroom of an experienced, cooperating teacher. In this mentor/mentee relationship, there is an inherent power hierarchy. By utilizing CPM groups in addition to this traditional model, the student teachers had a peer relationship through which to also learn. The findings indicate that by utilizing a CPM group, the student teachers received and provided holistic support for each other during this …

Health And Nutrition Club, Ashley Mcrae, Maggie Osborne

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

These lesson plans outline a Health and Nutrition Club for kindergarten to second graders. The lessons aim at educating today's youth about their health through fun, interactive activities. Feel free to use the lesson plans exactly or to adapt the lessons to your own needs.

Up And Atom, Emily Plotnik, Elizabeth Struwe

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

"Up and Atom" is a hands-on and creative afterschool club geared towards fourth and fifth graders. Through conducting a variety of science experiments, the goal of this club is to inspire a creative and immersive perspective of the sciences for the younger generation.

Afterschool Club: German For K-5, Justin Solheim

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

The lessons found in this paper were designed for a group of 20-25 elementary schools students in downtown Lincoln, NE. The students were split into two groups: K-2 and 3-5. Through a variety of activities, the students learned the basics of the German language and culture. Many of the lessons are simple and do not require difficult thinking, as this was a summer club. Instead, they allow students to collaborate, move around, color, and solve puzzles.

Designing An Integrated Stem Semester For Pre-Service Elementary Teachers, Amanda Thomas, Matt Flores, Michael Hart, Elizabeth Hasseler, Tammera Mittelstet, Danae Peterson, Amy Sokoll Bauer

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

Teacher educators in an undergraduate elementary teacher certification program at a large university in the United States redesigned the traditional program to integrate STEM learning across multiple courses. During this Integrated STEM Semester, typically taken during the fifth semester of the undergraduate program, pre-service teachers (PSTs) enroll in mathematics content, mathematics methods, science methods, instructional technology, and practicum courses.

Esperanza Rising And Identity: Exploring Literature And Self In Upper Elementary School, Emma Fuller

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Upper elementary students benefit from exposure to windows and mirrors in literature. The term “mirrors” refers to when students can relate to characters and situations, and see their own lives valued in an academic context. Mirrors are important for representation in schools because it allows students to reflect on their own learning. “Windows” allow students to see a perspective into other people’s lives. They are important because they encourage reflection on different ideas and empathy among students. One of many literary works with strong “windows” and “mirrors” is Pam Munoz Ryan’s Esperanza Rising. In this Senior Project, I focused on …

An Evaluative Study Of The Rural Elementary Teachers’ Perspective On The Partnership Between Rural Public Elementary Schools And Nebraska Extension, Tammera Mittelstet

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

Science education reform is a new reality for Elementary Teachers who have found themselves in a paradigm shift as Nebraska implements its NCCRS-S standards. This reform and implementation process might benefit from the support of Nebraska Extension. The purpose of this evaluative study was twofold: (a) determine elementary teachers' awareness, current use, and future recommendations regarding extension resources in Nebraska’s rural elementary schools and (b) inform guidelines for future development of community partnerships and distribution of Nebraska Extension resources for elementary science instruction.

Data for this study was gathered using Qualtrics and was analyzed with SPSS version 27 software. The …

Poverty, Literacy, And Race: A Middle School Teacher's Iterative Investigative Journey, Rebecca Tuttle

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

This study describes an iterative design process that helped me gain a better understanding of the problems (how motivation affects learning and gaining the trust of children that I worked with) I was inquiring about. The design process chronicles three iterations before reaching my final research question focused on building relationships with children of minoritized communities within their learning environment and integrating culturally relevant pedagogy into their learning. By combining these two strategies, the children in this study seemed to embrace being part of a culturally relevant experiment. The components of these iterations include pre-reading activities, read alouds, group discussions, …

Estimating School-Level Achievement In Belize, Betty Jean Usher-Tate

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This dissertation consists of five chapters: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion with final thoughts. The research design of this dissertation study attended to structures, cultures, and characteristics associated with, and specific to, the Belize education system. The processes for data collection and types of analyses were appropriate, yielded meaningful results, and served as a segue for national application. The Belize Educator Survey was developed to capture the educators’ voices and illuminate their relationship to educational achievement in Belize. The Belize Educator Survey was piloted and revised with direct input from educators and experts who work in the Belize …

Effects Of The "Write Sounds" Program On Handwriting And Phonics Skills, Pam Bazis

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Reading and writing rely on related foundational literacy skills (e.g., phonological processing, phonological memory, phonemic awareness; Brooks et al., 2011; Graham & Hebert, 2010, 2011; Sanders et al., 2018). Therefore, students struggling with reading often have writing problems, including handwriting (Kandel et al., 2017; Sanders, Berninger, & Abbott, 2018). It is often difficult to determine the source of writing difficulties as they could come from uncertainty in how to form the graphemes, poor spelling skills, or organizational deficits (Berninger et al., 2008). This study aimed to determine the usability, feasibility, and promise of an integrated handwriting intervention on 33 students …

Longer-Term Impact And Efficacy Of Nebraska's In-School Elementary Grades Savings Programs, Jennifer Davidson

Department of Teaching, Learning, and Teacher Education: Theses and Other Student Research

The prevalence of in-school savings programs is widespread. Research on program efficacy is not. This mixed-methods case study contributes to the gap in the research literature. The study examined the in-school savings program, conducted in the elementary grades, from multiple perspectives. The first perspective was a longitudinal one that assessed high school student financial behaviors and evaluated if there were any lasting effects from participation in the program when they were in elementary school. The second perspective was an educational one that assessed what elementary school teachers and administrators who implemented the programs thought about the benefits of the program. …

French Club, Brett Foster, Madisen Bell

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

Afterschool club that introduces French Language and Culture to young elementary students. Through hands-on activities and discussions, students will learn the basics of French Language and complete a French Journal full of everything they learned that semester to take home.

"We Mean Green" Environmental Science Club, Maria E. Heyen, Lauren Prehn

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

Lesson Plans for an Environmental Science Club. This club seeks to promote environmental awareness to elementary students through hands-on activities, videos, and discussion.

Stories That Shape Us, Lauren Dubas

Honors Program: Expanded Learning Clubs

This club is a Mythology Club that explores popular greek myths through fun and interactive activities. These actives are designed with 4th and 5th graders in mind, and are meant to provide an interesting way to interact with the mythology material presented during each lesson. The lessons do not build off of one another, and can be used in any order and still retain understanding of that myth.

Reinforcement In The Classroom: Reference Guide, Morgan Buehler, John Maag

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

My initial research question was “how can I make information about appropriate reinforcement techniques easily available to elementary educators?” Upon beginning this endeavor, I realized the most efficient way to do so would be to condense a variety of information on this topic into an easy to read access guide. This brochure contains information educators can reference when trying to analyze behavior, create classroom environments or build individual or group behavior plans/goals. It was written with the purpose that anyone in the education world could have quick and easy access to valuable information without having to search through a textbook …

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #5 • Theme: Aztecs, Mayans, & Incas, Amanda Mclaughlin, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

This week you will travel back in time to the civilizations of the Aztec, Maya, and Inca. These three civilizations built great cities throughout Central America and South America, also known as Mesoamerica. Their inventions and culture can still be found in these regions today!

Day 1 • Ancient Mesoamerica Vocabulary, Mesoamerica: Where Civilizations Flourished, and Crashed, Repeatedly, Map of Mesoamerica Scavenger Hunt, What is PEMDAS?

Day 2 • Aztec Primary Source, Mayan Xocolatl, Order of Operations

Day 3 • Suspension Bridges, Mayan Girls use their language skills to help immigrants from Guatemala, Roll an equation

Day 4 • Math …

7th–8th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Disasters #4, Caryn G. Jones, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Exploring Survivor Stories, Grades 7-8

We've already explored a few survivor stories, but we're going to look at a few other experiences. This week we are going to take a look at the stories of people, kids in particular, who have experienced disasters and lived to tell about them. We're going to take a look at their encounters with natural disasters to understand how they withstood these dangers.

Lesson 1 • It's going to BLOW!, Mountain of fire, Meetings challenges

Lesson 2 • Too hot to handle, Lost in Death Valley, Meeting challenges

Lesson 3 • Cold enough for you?, …

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: China, Amanda Mclaughlin, Aaron P. Johnson, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Thinking Skills Glossary

Question Words

Ancient China Vocabulary

A Look at China's Ruling Dynasty's Throughout History

Natural Barriers in Ancient China

Intro to Percentages

Chinese Zodiac

The Ballad of Mulan

Finding Percentages

Tangrams

Ancient Chinese Dynasties

Finding Percentages: Riddle

The Silk Road

Giant Panda vs. Red Panda

Discounts, Tips, and Taxes

Vocabulary Story

Chinese Philosophy: What Would They Do?

Percent Mystery Picture

Weekly Reflection

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Space, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • Space: Outer space and inner space, Vocabulary

Lesson 2 • Get some space! Strengthen your body & clear your mind

Lesson 3 • Measuring distances to galaxies by Jonathan D. Davis

Lesson 4 • X= space: using algebra to study the solar system, Use PEMDAS to simplify the expressions

Lesson 5 • Lonely as a cloud: poetry inspiring art, Reflection: a focus on space

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Sleep, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • Accessing prior knowledge, Vocabulary preview and game, Sleep: dreams of a dream

Lesson 2 • Why sleep? by Dara S. Manoach & Robert Stickgold

Lesson 3 • X = sleep: using PEMDAS for order of operations, Move to rest: exercises for a good's night's rest

Lesson 4 • Dream big: figurative language through music

Lesson 5 • Express yourself to sleep well: dreams, desires, & the Mandala, Reflection: a focus on sleep

Reference Sheet

Answer Keys

2nd-3rd Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Space, Samantha Monter, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Day 1 • - Solar System Mini Book - Vocabulary Dictionary - Explore the Solar System - Math Word Problems

Day 2 • - Learn about Astronauts - If I were an astronaut writing. - Label the Astronaut - Match the Vocabulary

Day 3 • - Read about Constellations - Draw a constellation - Compare 2 planets - …

4th-5th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #1 • Theme: Space, Nicole M. Ponti, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Day 1 • ELA: Read Space Expedition Sections: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Math: Moon Multiplication math facts, Science: Create Space Trading cards (Mercury, Venus, Earth, Art: Make yourself an astronaut

Day 2 • ELA: Read Space Expedition Sections: Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Math: Moon Multiplication math facts, Science: Create Space trading cards (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn)

Day 3 • ELA: Read …

2nd-3rd Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: Taking Care Of Myself, Samantha Monter, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

My Plan for the Week

Choose activities from the different content areas to complete each day. You can choose one or two activities from different areas to do during the day. Below is a list of the activities in each content area.

Reading - Food Groups - What we eat - Handwashing

Writing/ Grammar - How do you take care of yourself - How To Writing - Exercise Journal - Suffix Organizer - Suffix Matching

Vocabulary - Dictionary - Vocabulary Matching - Vocabulary Sentences

Physical Education - Yoga - Create a Workout - Walk around Your Neighborhood

Math - Crack …

7th–8th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Disasters #2, Caryn G. Jones, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Survival School, Grades 7-8

We will explore the disasters that impact our world, how they happen, what damage they can cause, and how we can be prepared to survive and overcome them.

Lesson 1 • What do we really need? Safety vs survival? What hazards threaten us? Rule of threes

Lesson 2 • Getting safe, Read all about it, Analyze priorities and classify dangers

Lesson 3 • Situational awareness, Getting shelter, food, and water, Finding help

Lesson 4 • Alone of in a group, what changes? Leadership qualities, Choose a leader

Lesson 5 • Review your work this week, Write …

6th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Greece And Rome, Amanda Mclaughlin, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

This week you will travel back in time to the land of Ancient Greece and Rome! These two empires both ruled over large areas of land in modern day Europe. From mythology to engineering, these empires made a significant impact on civilization.

Question Words

Thinking Skills Glossary - Level 3 English

Day 1 • Ancient Greece and Rome vocabulary, Take a Side: Athens vs. Sparta?, Mapping: Ancient Rome, Converting fractions, decimals, and percentages

Day 2 • Reading comprehension challenge: Gladiators, The destruction of Pompeii, Comparing fractions, decimals, and percentages

Day 3 • Roman numerals, Mythology: "A touch of gold," Roll …

11th–12th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #3 • Theme: Minimalism, Katie Loughrist, Lauren Gatti, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

Lesson 1 • What is minimalism? Art and lifestyle

Lesson 2 • Meditation styles: choose your favorites

Lesson 3 • How to understand your values by Joshua Fields Millburn, adapted for English language learners by Katie Loughrist

Lesson 4 • Geometric shapes: minimalist art

Lesson 5 • Reflection: a focus on less

Reference Sheet

4th-5th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Nutrition, Claudia T. Yunes, Nicole M. Ponti, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

My Buddy, Choose a Buddy

Nutrition Glossary

Vocabulary Practice

Food from Many Cultures

Healthy Notes

How to Create 5 Days of Healthy Dinner

My 5-Day Dinner Menu Planner

My Physical Activity Planner

Cooking My Favorite Healthy Meal Sensory Poem

Family Cook Together

My Recipe

Math Unit Conversions

Kitchen Conversion Math

Food Components

My Informational Text in 3-2-1

Understanding …

2nd-3rd Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #4 • Theme: Rainforest, Samantha Monter, Tricia Gray, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

My Plan for the Week Choose activities from the different content areas to complete each day. You can choose one or two activities from different areas to do during the day. Below is a list of the activities in each content area.

Reading - All about Rainforests - Where are Rainforests - Animals in the Rainforest

Writing/ Grammar - Give a report - If I traveled to a Rainforest story - Interview an Explorer - Compound words Organizer - Compound word matching/sentences

Vocabulary - Dictionary - Vocabulary Matching - Vocabulary Sentences

Math - Crack the Code - Graph the Animals …

4th-5th Grade: English Level 3, Learning Packet #2 • Theme: Careers, Nicole M. Ponti, Tricia Gray, Kara Mitchell Viesca, Claudia Yunes, Alexa Yunes

ICMEE Learning Packets: Level 3 of English Proficiency (K-12)

These packets are self-contained. Everything a child will need to be successful with the activities is provided in the packet. Students will only need a writing utensil. Additional tools like crayons or scissors can be used, but do not have to be.

Instructions Key

My Buddy, Choose a Buddy

Test: What's My Learning Style?

Identify Your Learning Style and Possible Career Choices

Creative Writing

My Dream Career

Labor Day

Interview an Adult about Their Work

Wages Multiplications

Budgets and Wages

Babysitter Wages

Hidden Treasures

Create Your Career Buddy!

Daily Movement Breaks

Career Glossary

My Packet Journal

Reference Sheet