Elementary Education Commons^™

Hiding In Plain Sight: Identifying Computational Thinking In The Ontario Elementary School Curriculum, Eden J.V. Hennessey, Julie Mueller, Danielle Beckett, Peter A. Fisher

Education Faculty Publications

Given a growing digital economy with complex problems, demands are being made for education to address computational thinking (CT) – an approach to problem solving that draws on the tenets of computer science. We conducted a comprehensive content analysis of the Ontario elementary school curriculum documents for 44 CT-related terms to examine the extent to which CT may already be considered within the curriculum. The quantitative analysis strategy provided frequencies of terms, and a qualitative analysis provided information about how and where terms were being used. As predicted, results showed that while CT terms appeared mostly in Mathematics, and concepts …

Student Engagement With Nature When Using Nature Journals And Ipads, Xeng Jasiczek

School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Theses and Dissertations

This capstone is a collection of lessons to teach nature journals while using iPads in the

elementary classroom from first grade through fifth grade. This curriculum is cross- curricular and includes teaching lessons in art and science, and work on students being

reflective of their work either verbally or written. This curriculum is supported by research done about outdoor learning, the use of modern technology and free play. All these things contribute to a better mental and physical health of children into adulthood. The use of technology in the classroom is changing how teachers teach and how students learn. This …

The Empathy Project: The Importance Of Transitional Bilingual Education Programs, Angela Raimo

Community of Scholars Day—Posters

The audience will learn about the benefit of transitional bilingual education programs as well as the curriculum taught to my first and second grade students. They will also learn the strategies I have implemented to instill empathy and hold expectations for students who are struggling academically and socioeconomically. There will be a large amount of research on transitional bilingual education programs, multicultural teaching practices, multicultural students, and teaching empathy in an elementary school classroom.

Teachers' Experiences With Integrating Play-Based Learning Into Standards-Driven Curriculum: A Phenomenological Study, Mary Nugent

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to describe kindergarten teachers’ experiences with integrating play-based learning into standards-based academic curriculum in a school district in South Carolina. Play–based learning experiences were defined as instances which allow children to engage in active, social learning experiences in classrooms. This study explored the question of how kindergarten teachers describe their experiences with integrating play-based learning experiences in their classrooms, the value of play in their classrooms, their role as the adult during play experiences, and the difficulties that they face in making instructional decisions. The theories guiding this study were Froebel’s early childhood …

Differentiation And Technology: A Study Of An Elementary School’S Use Of Technology In Differentiated Lessons, Kelly Dawn Nelson

Education Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this study was to examine teacher reports and use of differentiation and to examine the use of technology in differentiated lessons. The researcher posed two questions: (a) What is the association between teacher reports of differentiation use and observed differentiation strategies used; and (b) How are teachers using the differentiation strategies of which they are aware when planning and implementing lessons that involve technology in the areas of content, process, product, and learning environment? This mixed-method study used three tools for data collection: a questionnaire, structured observation protocol, and a focus group. The questionnaire and observation protocol …

Learning In Green Spaces : A 1st And 2nd Grade Curriculum On The High Line, Alyssa Anker

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This social studies curriculum provides educators with the framework for teaching 1st and 2nd graders about the High Line and other New York City parks. It provides the lens for students to explore how parks are used, observe the commonalities among different parks, and investigate the uniqueness of the High Line.

A 5-Year Review Of Aahperd Poster Presentations In The Area Of Sport Education, David C. Barney, Brad Strand

Faculty Publications

One desired outcome of k-12 physical education is that all students will have positive experiences during their classes. If students have positive experiences in physical education, they will physically likely be physically active throughout their lives (Barney & Strand, 2008). Unfortunately, for some students the physical education experience has been boring, unnecessary, a waste of time, or just not cool (Rice, 1988). One tool physical educators can manipulate to ensure that student's have positive experiences in physical education, is the curriculum. Barney and Deutsch (2009) found that the curriculum used in a middle school program played a major role in …

Student Centered Mathematics In An Isolated Skill Environment-Constructivist Methods In Mathematics, Amy Katherine Sorenson

Mathematics Graduate Theses

"A research paper submitted to the Faculty of the Department of Mathematics in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Elementary and Middle Mathematics Education"

The Effects Of Professional Development On Implementation Of The 2010 Mississippi Science Framework On Teachers' Attitudes About Teaching Science In Elementary School, Kimberly Lanette Carroll

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study attempted to determine the effects of professional development on teachers' attitudes about teaching the 2010 Mississippi Science Framework in elementary school. Subjects were elementary teachers in grades three through eight. A sample size of 26 teachers was selected from two school districts; one was rural and the other was an urban school district. The selected participants were then randomly assigned to either the control or treatment group. Teachers in the treatment group met once a week for four weeks for at least 90 minutes per session that focused on improving knowledge and attitude toward science inquiry. The treatment …

Recreational Technology And Its Impact On The Learning Development Of Children Ages 4-8: A Meta-Analysis For The 21st Century Cl, Joey Templeton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on technology (specifically video games and interactive software games) and their effects on the cognitive development of children ages 4-8. The research will be conducted as a meta-analysis combining research and theory in order to determine if the educational approach to this age group needs to change/adapt to learners who have been affected by this technology. I will focus upon both the physical and mental aspects of their development and present a comprehensive review of current educational theory and practice. By examining current curriculum goals and cross-referencing them to research conducted in fields other than education (i.e. …

Passion Pursuits: A Guide To Independent Student Learning, Institute For The Development Of Gifted Education, Ricks Center For Gifted Children, University Of Denver

Ricks Curriculum Units Series

Passion Pursuits is designed as differentiated enrichment for gifted learners. Integrated across several content areas, Passion Pursuits offer opportunities for reading, research, writing, and the creation of a variety of products. When used in a pullout setting where learners come together for a period of time each day or each week, some of the activities and lessons may be done independently outside of school. When used in a home school setting, field experiences may dominate the research section of the unit and greater lengths of time may be allocated to each project, allowing for expansion and complexity in both concepts …

"We're Studying You": Dilemmas In, And Approaches To Social Studies Curriculum About "Other" Cultures, Joseph Bacal

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Studies of "other" cultures are a major part of many elementary school programs. This paper applies some of the recent thinking in anthropology to my own praxis as a teacher. From this standpoint, I ask a number of questions about the theory and practice of "studying" groups of people. How are representations of people created and framed for children? How do children read and interpret these representations? What are different ways that social studies materials construct versions of people? What kind of representations do I want to use in my teaching and how do I want to use them?

I …

Ocean: An Integrated Curriculum Unit, Institute For The Development Of Gifted Education, Ricks Center For Gifted Children, University Of Denver

Ricks Curriculum Units Series

An integrated curriculum is an instructional approach that connects the disciplines to an underlying theme or topic. Immersing students in an integrated-thematic unit provides the backdrop for experiences to occur across the disciplines. Shaping coursework around integrated themes is especially appropriate for gifted students, however using an integrated-thematic curriculum is appropriate for all learners as it develops students' abilities to make connections, to solve problems by looking at multiple perspectives, and to integrate information from different fields of experience. An integrated-thematic curriculum permits students to be active participants in their own learning as they design their own explorations and take …

Teaching Spelling: An Integrated Developmental Approach Within The First Grade Reading And Writing Curriculum, Dorothy Bower

All Graduate Projects

There has been extensive research concerning various instructional procedures for the acquisition of spelling skills. Many research-based principles of effective spelling instruction have emerged from one of two contrasting models for the development of spelling competence. Traditionally, spelling has been taught with textbooks and workbooks. Students followed a structured program with the goal oflearning to spell the weekly list of words. According to the traditional model, spelling is taught as a separate curriculum. Advocates for spelling reform suggest spelling instruction should be based on the understanding of the developmental nature of the child. This project report provides guidelines and strategies …

A Balanced Reading Approach To Teaching Reading In Kindergarten And First Grade, Leah Ann Bodeen

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific activities that teach children various tools that assist in learning how to read. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis in kindergarten and first grade. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge of reading. The project concentrates on two philosophies of how to teach reading; phonemic awareness and whole language. The final product encompasses both philosophies and creates a curriculum that links the two into a balanced approach to reading.

A Balanced Reading Program For The Primary Grades, Hope Kranz Mcdonald

All Graduate Projects

The focus of this project was to create specific.activities that teach children various tools that assist in learning how to read. The project implements a balanced reading curriculum with an emphasis in kindergarten and first grade. Throughout this project the students will be exploring a variety of ways to acquire the knowledge of reading. The project concentrates on two philosophies of how to teach reading; phonemic awareness and whole language. The final product encompasses both philosophies and creates a curriculum that links the two into a balanced approach to reading.

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 …

Teaching History Through Children's Literature: An Integrated Approach For The Fifth Grade Classroom, Tamara Gayle Crook

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

During my teacher education training I have become fascinated with the idea of teaching social studies through historical novels. As a result of this fascination, I chose curriculum development pertaining to this idea as the subject of my honors project. The purpose of this project was for me to develop, teach, and evaluate an integrated unit using historical novels to teach social studies and a variety of other subjects. I selected the American Revolution as the theme of my unit.

In this paper I have included a brief overview of my review of the literature on this topic, the procedures …

Sex Differences In Reading Achievement In Elementary School Students, Dianne Davis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there is a difference in reading achievement in male and female students in the elementary school. The subjects were 600 selected students from elementary schools operating in a public schoo1 system in the Southeast. The Iowa Tests of Basic Skills (ITBS) scores For 1987 were collected for 600 third, fourth, and fifth grade students. This test was administered to all A elementary school students in the spring of the year by the regular classroom teacher. The children participated in the regular classroom curriculum and no treatment was administered to the subjects …

A Curriculum For Mainstreaming The Gifted Third Grader In Reading Through Children's Literature, Suzanne Horn

Theses

Mainstreaming the gifted third- grader in reading should be accomplished through the implementation of a modified curriculum that meets the child's unique educational and specialized needs. This curriculum should be process and product oriented . Process modifications should include the use of higher levels of thinking, inductive reasoning, reasoning strategies, freedom of choice, and open-endedness . It should include appropriate changes of pacing and a variety of teaching models . The curriculum should result in a product that is based on instruction. This curriculum should be enriched with literature that exhibits fluent, flexible, original, and elaborative writing.

With these criteria …

The Successful Substitute: A Practitioner's Handbook, Gail Winferd Still

All Graduate Projects

This project provides a notebook of useful information to be used by substitute teachers in Kennewick School District. The intent was to provide a notebook of routine activities, programs and procedures to improve conmiunication between substitutes and regular teachers. By standardizing the notebook's usage throughout the district and organizing the information exactly the same in each notebook, the substitute can quickly gain the information necessary to carry out the teacher's plans and maintain a smooth operating learning environment.

The Cousteau Log Centering On Marine Animals For Elementary School Children, Annie Suffron

All Graduate Projects

"Centering on Marine Animals for Elementary School Children" was a multi-curricular learning center design in four parts. It consisted of an introduction on Bubbles the Whale, including a picture, a puppet, a song, a Sea Script, and task cards. Following the introduction were three units on Sea Monsters of the World, the Migration of the Grey Whale, and the Ecology of the Southern Sea Otter. Each unit contained a picture of the sea animal, a puppet, a song, a Sea Script, a Quiz, map(s), and task cards.

An Elementary Art Curriculum For Private/Parochial Schools, Linda Porter Allison

All Graduate Projects

This project is written with the hopes of offering assistance to the private/parochial schools that either have not committed themselves to an art program or that are floundering within stagnating commitments or those that need stimulus to think about the benefits of an art curriculum. The seed thoughts for this project were first planted when the author began teaching in a private school and observed first hand curriculum deficiences in local private/parochial schools. The author conducted a survey of similarly founded schools which led to suspicions that art curriculum of the private/parochial elementary schools in the State of Washington are …

Games For Self-Directed Practice Of First-Grade Reading Skills, Betty Tester

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was twofold: (1) to develop a set of games which could be . used for self-directed practice of first-grade reading skills, the sequence of which correlated to the Ginn 720, 1979 Rainbow edition, reading series, and (2) to make available to other teachers, through development of a resource manual, the ideas for construction of the games developed. Literature on the use of games in education was reviewed.

Inservice For Elementary Teachers: Activities And Techniques To Motivate Readers, Beverly R. Pontius

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study is to provide an inservice course of study for teachers of children in grades one through six. The activities and techniques are designed to motivate children who are below grade level in reading and help them develop an interest in reading in the hope that reading may become a pleasure in their lives.

A Plan For Flexibly Scheduled Use Of The Terminal Park Elementary School Library, Carole Bowen Kirkpatrick

All Master's Theses

This thesis will show how flexibly scheduled use of the school library by teachers and children can be effective even.with inadequate facilities and personnel. It will also show how library experiences can be made purposeful, practical, interesting, and enjoyable for the children. The program is especially designed for use at Terminal Park Elementary School in Auburn, Washington, but can be easily adapted by any school having a full-time librarian.

An Elementary Mathematics Curriculum Study To Determine If Achievement And Attitude Can Be Influenced By A Textbook Adoption, Elsie M. Railey

All Master's Theses

There is on the market a wide range of contemporary mathematics textbooks available. Textbooks approach mathematics differently and there is a variation in terms of the amount of time allocated to a topic, the development of elementary concepts and laws of arithmetic, and the amount of drill and repetition. The sequential development of the texts follows closely, but the scope and content differ significantly. Specifically, it is the purpose of this study to determine if there is a significant difference between series, as opposed to those in another mathematics series, in the variables of attitude and achievement. The two textbooks …

The Orient In Elementary School Social Studies, Judith Rogers

All Master's Theses

It was the purpose of this investigation (1) to make a study of the Oriental Studies content suggested in textbooks, curriculum guides, and "new social studies programs" used extensively in elementary schools in the state of Washington, and (2) to develop suggested Oriental Studies content for elementary schools, with particular grade level specifications, keeping in mind the changing social structures of our society.

Clarification Of The Role Of The Teacher Of The Elementary Educable Mentally Retarded Child In Tacoma, Washington, Stephen Melseth

All Master's Theses

The basic problem is what role expectations does the teacher of elementary EMR children think she has compared to what her principal thinks her role should be? Role expectation statements from four areas were considered: (1) Curriculum and Instruction; (2) School and Community Relations; (3) Administration and Organization; (4-) Guidance and Evaluation.

Three specific questions are cited:

(1) Is there consensus for selected role norm items, among teachers of the elementary EMR child?

(2) Is there consensus for selected role norm items among the building principals?

(3) Is there consensus for selected role norm items between the focal and counter …

An Analysis Of Selected Science Curriculum Guides, Juanita S. Ellison

Graduate Student Research Papers

This study is an analysis of six science programs for the primary grades by examination of the guides. The guides have been studied; first, for rationale--the reason given for the guide; second, for the content--what is being taught and at what grade level; and third, for the processes used in teaching. The guides are: 1. Madison Public Schools, Guide to Teaching Science, 1960. 2. Richland Public Schools, Teaching Science in the Elementary, 1966. 3. Pomona Unified School, Primary Science Guide, 1962. 4. Seattle Public Schools, Science Source Book, Book I, II, and III, 1962-64. 5. American Association for Advancement of …