Elementary Education Commons^™

A Comparison Of Student Achievement, Self-Esteem, And Classroom Interactions In Technology -Enriched And Traditional Elementary Classrooms With Low Socioeconomic Students, Michael Shawn Page

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to compare the attainments of elementary students in technology-enriched classrooms and students in traditional classrooms, while considering performance levels in student achievement, self-esteem, and classroom interactions. Student achievement was measured by the reading and mathematics sections of the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) and the California Achievement Test (CAT). Composite self-esteem, as well as subscale self-esteem levels, was measured by the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventories (CSEI), and classroom interaction analysis measurements were conducted using an adaptation of Flanders Interaction Analysis System.

Intact classes from 5 Louisiana elementary schools were randomly assigned to either …

Science And Young Children, Annie Marie Savage

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Fourth grade is an ideal time to teach about water. By fourth grade, students are starting to learn more about what goes on around them rather than focusing on themselves. Fourth grade is a good time to heighten the awareness of topics such as water. The students need to become aware of the effects they have on water in their every day use. It is important to teach them how to save water and not pollute it. If they realize how water works and what has to be done to clean it, they will be more conscious of how they …

Sibling Rivalry, Elana Peninah Pamm

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This Independent Study was inspired by the creation of the children's book Sometimes, I Hate My Brother. The book was written to help children understand that when their brothers or sisters hurt them it isn't their fault, and also to become more aware of the harm caused by them if they hurt their siblings. Family interactions can bring up feelings in children that may overwhelm and confuse them. The book was written with the goal of helping children understand the repercussions of their actions and deal with their feelings when sibling problems exist.

Factors Which Contribute To Successful Schools For Disadvantaged Students: An Exploratory Case Study Of Two Urban Elementary Schools In Norfolk, Virginia, Lula Saunders Sawyer

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Management

This exploratory case study examines the perceptions of parents, teachers, students and principals on eight factors of school effectiveness. Two low income elementary schools in the City of Norfolk, Virginia served as the research setting for this study. Though both schools consist almost entirely of African American students, and are otherwise similar in demographics, they have achieved at different levels. While one has been recognized as a national model, based on continuous improvement in students' academic achievement, the other has not attained the same level of achievement, based on standardized test scores.

A case study methodology has been used to …

The Effects Of Inclusion Of Students With Learning Disabilities On Urban Fourth-Grade General Education Students, Brenda E. Cox

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

This study examined the impact of fully included students with learning disabilities on the academic achievement and classroom behavior of urban elementary fourth grade students. To achieve these purposes, data were collected by using the Iowa Tests of Basic Skills Multilevel Battery (ITBS) of general education students and students with at-risk profiles, Kaufman Tests of Educational Achievement (KTEA) of students with disabilities, completed Individualized Education Program (IEP) objectives of students with disabilities, report card grades of all students, and referrals to principal for inappropriate behavior of all students. Staff and parent surveys and student interviews were another source of data. …

A Study Of The Impact Of A Long-Term Local Systemic Reform On The Perceptions, Attitudes, And Achievement Of Grade 3/4 Students., James Shymansky, Larry Yore, John Anderson

Educator Preparation & Leadership Faculty Works

This study reports on the effects of a major reform initiative which was implemented in the Iowa City Community Schools District. The Science: Parents, Activities, and Literature (Science PALs) Project was launched in 1994 to reform the district's elementary science program. It was designed to increase teacher effectiveness by providing a comprehensive professional development program for improving science content knowledge and science content-pedagogical knowledge, to enrich the cross-curricular connections of the science units, and to promote meaningful parental involvement in science learning. Another goal of Science PALs was to move teachers towards an interactive-constructive model of teaching and learning that …

Kalamazoo County (Mi) Education For Employment Surveys, Kevin Hollenbeck, Irv Cumming

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

An Integrated Emergent Literacy Curriculum For Primary Students, Katrina M. Clark

All Graduate Projects

A completely integrated reading curriculum has been developed for the primary classroom. The curriculum may be used in whole to cover all academic subjects or as a supplement to an already existing program. The main theme, interdependence, is sub divided into: home/family and farms. Any specific directions or copies of activities are included as well as a teacher reference list and a children's literature list. The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements as interpreted for kindergarten are covered by use of this curriculum.

Children's Book Festival, Karen Rowell, Onva K. Boshears Jr., University Of Southern Mississippi

Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival Programs

The program for the thirty-second annual Children's Book Festival held on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1999.

An Integrated Curriculum For Music And Social Studies, Carol Jane Alldredge

All Graduate Projects

Music exists as a discipline that often enhances other subjects. An integrated curriculum can provide students with connections to the real world, greater depth of study, and can generate enthusiasm. Through integration, many boundaries can be crossed. The purpose of this project is to create an integrated curriculum for music and social studies for the fifth grade. The curriculum is for the period of the Renaissance and the American Revolution. Topics explored relate to the subject of integration. Guidelines from Washington State Commission on Student Learning as well as national standards for music and social studies are used as the …

An Analysis Of Teaching Reading By Ability Grouping At Columbia Elementary School Wenatchee, Washington 1995–1998, Roy K. Draggoo

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to undertake an analysis of teaching reading by ability grouping at Columbia Elementary School, Wenatchee, Washington, 1995 - 1998. To accomplish this purpose, a review of related research and literature was conducted and data obtained from a survey of participating faculty was analyzed. The effectiveness of the Schoolwide Planning Committee that implemented the schoolwide project was also reviewed.

Touch Phonics To Improve Reading Fluency Among Fourth Grade Students, Christina M. Alaniz

All Graduate Projects

Touchphonics, a phonemic awareness reading program, has been implemented among fourth grade students in order to test its effectiveness in improving reading fluency. Data were presented to support teaching phonemic awareness as part of reading programs. Several examples have been given of how students with phonemic awareness skills have been successful in learning how to read. Within this project are lesson plans on how to implement Touchphonics in the classroom which have been developed. Finally, a portfolio system to assess students' reading and writing is explained.

Developing A Standards Based Report Card Designed For K-5 Students In Riverview School Districts #407, Marlene Fuson

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a standards based report card for students in grades K-5 in Riverview School District #407, Carnation, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature concerned with report card development and the change process were reviewed. Additionally, report cards from neighboring school districts and report cards from around the nation were reviewed and adapted to meet the needs of the students, teachers, and community in the Riverview School District.

Teacher Tricks A.K.A. Parent Tools: Workshops To Promote Healthy Family Literacy, Timothy A. Martin

All Graduate Projects

Four workshops, supported by research on parent involvement, were developed to help promote family literacy. Each workshop incorporates both parents and students as they are encouraged to read preassigned books together. In addition, each family was given tasks to complete as they read their books. Workshops incorporating helpful tips and suggestions were provided to the families so they could better assist their children with their reading needs.

A Multimedia Resource Manual To Facilitate English Language Instruction For Elementary Youth In Taiwan, Mei-Wen Su

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a multimedia resource manual to facilitate English language instmction for elementary youth in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding multimedia technology in English language instmction for EFL/ESL learners was conducted. In addition, unit overviews, objectives oflesson plans, learning activities, teaching strategies, and instmctional materials were adapted and developed.

An Experiential Curriculum For Elementary School In Japan, Tomoko Seki

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

Objective: To promote a curriculum encouraging experiential education in a safe environment for learners in Japan.

Method: This study discusses the history and background of experiential learning, its practical examples from Western countries, the Japanese education system, problems in schools, the current status of experiential learning in Japan, and strategies for its introduction into schools. In addition to the discussion, concrete lessons designed for public elementary schools are presented.

Results: Prior to the initiation of comprehensive learning, student-driven approaches like inquiry-based learning were not prevalent, and issues such as student apathy were observed. Therefore, methods to enhance their engagement were …

A Thematic Unit For A Reading Program In Grade Two Oral History, Tracy M. Daugherty

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits of a literature-based reading program. Included in this paper is an example of a literature-based unit presented to a second grade class. This instructional development unit included several components for student learning.

An Evaluation Of The Accelerated Reader Program In Grades 3–5 On Reading Vocabulary, Comprehension, And Attitude In An Urban Southeastern School District In Virginia, Carol Ann Howard

Theses and Dissertations in Urban Services - Urban Education

The purpose of this study was to study recreational reading in third, fourth, and fifth grade urban students in a school district in Southeastern Virginia. The widely-used Accelerated Reader (AR) was the tool examined in the promotion of recreational reading. Recreational reading studies have been done on a broad economic spectrum (Advantage Learning Systems, 1997; Paul, 1996; Paul, VanderZee, Rue & Swanson, 1996). A gap in knowledge exists as to whether recreational reading programs, using AR, are effective with the urban elementary students. The major research questions determined if recreational reading, using Accelerated Reader, influenced reading vocabulary, comprehension, and attitude …

Exploring The Effectiveness Of Counseling Programs Designed To Promote Positive Behavior Changes In Young Children, Gwendolyn Pruitt-Donnell

Theses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of counseling programs designed to improve school and classroom behavior of young children. The study focused on an eight week session Behavior Management Program for 4 groups of students. Each group had 9 students which included 32 participants in all. The groups met once a week for 30 minutes. The participant's school and classroom behavior was monitored daily during treatment. Teachers were asked to rate the participants on behaviors using the Conners' Teacher Rating Scale - 39 before and after treatment. The results of the study supports that counseling programs …

Promoting Self-Advocacy Skills For Students With Mild Disabilities, Loretta Lynn Franz

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a unit plan for teachers to help promote self-advocacy skills in the Individual Education Program (IEP) for students with mild disabilities. The results of this study indicate that students with mild disabilities are required to be invited to their IEP when consideration of services are to be discussed. Students are often not successful in the IEP process because they are dependent on others to make decisions for them. They are not given the opportunity to make their own choices and decisions. They have a poor self-concept, lack of understanding, self-acceptance and motivation. …

Children And Writing: A Handbook Of Effective Writing Practices For A First Grade Classroom, Julie M. Lang

All Graduate Projects

A handbook has been developed to aid in the design of a first grade writing program and/or to be used as a supplement to any existing first grade writing curriculum. The handbook consists of four main content areas of discussion regarding current strategies used in a first grade writing curriculum: Writer's Workshop, journals, partner writing, and parent involvement. Each section consists of a brief definition of the term and five distinctive lesson plans implementing the aforementioned category. Current literature and research regarding the topic of children's development in writing were explored.

A Parent Education Program For Spanish Speaking Parents Of Children In Kindergarten, First, And Second Grade Students, Shannon Mccarty

All Graduate Projects

This project is a program for Spanish speaking parents of children in kindergarten, first, and second grades. This program was designed to help parents better support their children's literacy development. An additional goal of this project is to build stronger relationships between Spanish speaking families and schools. Chapter four of this project contains the manual for this program. It includes the planning, promotion and presentation of the program, as well as extensive appendices. This manual is intended to be used as a framework for teachers interested in developing a parent education program for Spanish speaking parents K-2 in their schools. …

Instructional Strategies Designed To Motivate Reluctant Primary Readers, Kimberly Dawn Perkins

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and collect instructional strategies to help reluctant primary readers understand that reading can be a pleasurable experience. There are many students who are unmotivated to read. Research has shown that students should engage in meaningful literacy activities and see that there is a purpose to read. The activities collected for this project can be used to supplement the reading program used in the regular classroom. Many of these activities can be adapted to different content areas and learning styles. The Essential Academic Learning Requirements were used as a guideline for gathering the …

Integration Of Children's Literature And Mathematics With Literature-Based Supplemental Activities In A First Grade Classroom, Linda Mcdow

All Graduate Projects

The Essential Academic Learning Requirements developed by the various subject committees selected by the Washington State Commission on Student Learning and the recommendations made by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics are addressed. The benefits of integrating children's literature and mathematics are studied. Integrated activities and an annotated bibliography of children's literature that could supplement a traditional mathematics curriculum for primary age students are developed.

Wolves And Bears: An Interdisciplinary Activity Guide For Grades 3-5, Susan L. Thomas

All Graduate Projects

A popular set of "Discovery Boxes" are used by educators across North Central Washington. These boxes are administered by the U.S. Forest Service and focus on such themes as wolves, bears, fire, plants and forests. These boxes are available to be checked out to educators for two-week periods, and reach approximately 9,000 students annually. Each box contains "hands-on" props which enhance the learning of each theme. Some of the boxes have activity guides in them to assist the educator in teaching the theme and thus using the box to its full potential. Two of the most popular boxes, the wolf …

Measurement Activities For Increasing Student Curiosity For Animal And Space Topics, Audrey C. Rule

Open Educational Resources

These materials are intended for use by classroom teachers to generate student curiosity during an anticipatory set of a lesson or at the beginning exploration phase of a learning cycle lesson. Several different animal and solar system topics are presented.

Elefantastic Bingo: A Bingo Game For Teaching Science Concepts And Vocabulary Associated With Elephants, Audrey C. Rule

Open Educational Resources

This game allows students to learn new science vocabulary and relevant facts about elephants. This bingo game is a valuable curriculum resource for any teacher who is teaching about elephants or other endangered animals. Directions for play, calling cards (six to a page), and play cards (four to a page), are included.

Wolf Bingo: A Bingo Game For Teaching Concepts And Vocabulary Associated With Wolves, Audrey C. Rule

Open Educational Resources

This document describes a game that provides students with practice in learning vocabulary and concepts associated with wolves. Directions for play and play cards (four to a page) are included.

Crystal Shape Bingo: A Bingo Game For Teaching Recognition Of Three-Dimensional Crystal Shapes And Planar Geometric Shapes Of Crystal Faces, Audrey C. Rule

Open Educational Resources

This document describes a game that provides students with practice in recognizing three dimensional crystal shapes and planar geometric shapes of crystal faces. It contains information on the objective of the game, game preparation, and rules for playing. Play cards are included (four to a page).

Symmetry Bingo: A Bingo Game For Teaching Recognition Of The Point Symmetry Of Designs, Audrey C. Rule

Open Educational Resources

This document describes a game that provides students with practice in recognizing the point symmetry of designs. It contains information on the objective of the game, game preparation, and rules for playing. Play cards are included (four to a page).