Elementary Education Commons^™

Multiple Intelligence Motivational Activities Using Literature For Kindergarten And First Grade Students, Heidi Jo Ann Otis

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to identify a set of multiple intelligence activities that foster motivation for reading. These activities were to accompany specific pieces of children's literature. Children who are motivated and spend more time reading become better readers (Gambrell, 1996). The central element for this project was to develop activities for children's literature using Gardner's multiple intelligence theory. Gardner lists those seven intelligences as: Linguistic, logical/mathematical, spatial, music, kinesthetic/body, interpersonal and intrapersonal (Gardner, 1983). By giving young children a variety of intellectual modalities associated with children's literature it was hoped that all students would develop an early …

A Resource Manual For Elementary School Administrators; Focusing On Programs And Activities For Parent And Community Involvement In Elementary Schools, Robert M. Chase

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design a resource manual for elementary school administrators that focused on programs and activities for parent and community involvement in elementary schools. This was accomplished by reviewing current literature and programs which emphasized school activities for parents and community members.

Parent Perceptions Of The Value Of The Juanita Apartment School Program, Stanley B. Hughes

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to determine parent perceptions of the value of the Juanita Apartment School program. To accomplish this task interview questions were developed and family interviews conducted. Transcriptions of audio interview tapes were made and all data studied to determine response patterns. Families interviewed indicated the Juanita Apartment School program had either been "very helpful" or "helpful" in making their children feel more positive about and be more successful in elementary school.

Authenticity In Language Arts For The Average Fouth Graders, Karen Ann Rossman

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to develop an integrated Language Arts program based on the Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements and which focuses on authentic experiential activities. Research was completed which supported the use of integration of the language arts as well as authenticity in learning. The concluding activity was the writing of an autobiographical story by each student.

Writing Across The Curriculum For Primary Grades, Jenneifer L. Perri

All Graduate Projects

Writing activities have been developed for the primary classroom to help in the teaching of science and social studies. Both research and observation have shown that writing is a thinking process which has a positive impact on all areas of the curriculum. The project included specific writing activities which can be taught during specific science and social studies themes. A list of writing prompts which can be used when using learning logs has been provided as a way to encourage reflection and interaction with curriculum content.

An Inservice Training Manual Of Selected Writing Techniques To Improve Reading Achievement In Primary Grades, Roni L. Rumsey

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a manual of writing techniques that could be used in kindergarten and first grade classrooms, in order to increase reading achievement. To accomplish this, current research and literature on emergent literacy, reading, writing, and communication was reviewed. Additionally, information and selected materials from selected schools and school districts related to the utilization of writing techniques to improve reading skills was obtained and analyzed.

A Primary-Level Art And Music Program For Little Star Eduation Center In Taiwan, R.O.C., Shu-Hui Hsiao

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a primarylevel art and music program for Little Star Education Center, private academies in Taiwan. To accomplish this purpose, a review of current literature regarding primarylevel art and music curricula and instructional strategies was conducted.

A Model Program In Music Orientation And Skill Development For Li-Gang Elementary School Ping-Dong County Taiwan, Jean Yu-Chun Chen

All Graduate Projects

This project was to design and develop a model program in music orientation and skill development for Li-Gang Elementary School, Ping-Dong, Taiwan. To accomplish the purpose, a review of current literature regarding elementary-level music programs was conducted. The program emphasizes activities that will help music become a part of a child's overall development and education, and is based on the premise that music classes for young children should be "Fun with a Purpose" and "Learning by Doing". The program concentrates on four specific areas: listening to music, moving to music, singing and playing musical instruments. More specifically the musical concepts …

Values Education: Using The Washington State Essential Academic Learning Requirements In Social Studies To Teach Values, Elizabeth Smith

All Graduate Projects

The development of a Values Education curriculum included with the Social Studies curriculum was studied. Related literature was reviewed. The review of literature showed that school systems that have tried a comprehensive values education plan are finding some pro-social results from their programs. Lessons were developed for West Valley (WA) fifth grade students using the Washington State Essential Learning requirements in Civics. A summary, conclusions and recommendations are included.

A Model Fourth Grade Science Curriculum Based On Multiple Intelligence Theory And Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements For Science, Kerry Lynn Ward

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a model fourth grade science curriculum based on Howard Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences and in line with Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science. Along with this, assessment criteria were to be designed for each learning activity. To accomplish this purpose, current research on Multiple Intelligence Theory, assessment, curriculum development and Washington State's Essential Academic Learning Requirements for Science were reviewed. Finally, student learning objectives, learning activities and corresponding assessment criteria were adapted and developed.

A Model Playground Behavior Program For Primary Level Students In The Cashmere School District, Scott R. Griffith

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to design and develop a Model Playground Behavior Program for elementary-level students in the Cashmere School District, Cashmere, Washington. To accomplish this purpose, current research and literature on playground safety and programs were reviewed. Additionally, related information from selected school districts was obtained and analyzed for possible ideas or practices to be included in the model playground program.

Literature-Based Supplimental Activities In A Second Grade Classroom, Heidi Stevens

All Graduate Projects

The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics recommendations and the Washington State Commission on Student Learning Essential Academic Learning Requirements are addressed. The benefits of integrating mathematics and literature are studied. Integrated activities, materials, and a bibliography of children's literature that supplement a traditional mathematics CUITiculum for primary students are developed. Recommendations for implementing the project are given.

A Resource Guide For Teachers Of Kindergarten Through Second Grade With Skills To Enhance Classroom Management, Christie E. Cox

All Graduate Projects

It is the intent of this project to create a resource guide to provide general education teachers with effective strategies in dealing with primary aged students who exhibit aggressive behaviors. The resource guide will provide effective behavior management models, intervention strategies, and techniques for assessment based on selected literature.

The Master Parent: A Parent-Child Relationship Program For Parents Of Elementary School Students, Kimberly Ellen Miller

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a parent education program for parents of elementary school children. The project was created with an extensive literature review. Parent education coordinators from various schools, hospitals, and social service agencies were consulted in the development of this project. Systematic Training for Effective Parenting, a published program from American Guidance Services, was used as a conceptual framework for The Master Parent program. The program was developed to provide information and support to elementary school parents. A summary with conclusions and recommendations for future parent education programs is included.

A Look At The Middle Ages: Tying Together Social Studies And Language Arts, R. Eric Despain

All Graduate Projects

This project presents a thematic interdisciplinary unit. Fifteen social studies lessons are focused on the middle ages and tied together with the book, The Castle in the Attic. There is also a companion language arts unit for The Castle in the Attic. This project was developed to help sixth-grade students apply information taught in social studies to language arts and help them to see natural connections that occur in learning.

The Development And Design Of Activities To Support Performance Based And Integrated Math Instruction For Fifth Grade Students, Lelia L. Coghill

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop and design activities and materials to support performance based integrated mathematics instruction for fifth grade students in the concept areas of place value, decimals, percents, and fractions. The activities and materials were prepared in conjunction with other disciplines, namely reading, writing, art, science, and social studies. The intent was to make mathematics relevant to real life with stress on student performance as an indicator of knowledge, understanding, and application. The activities make use of performance based, integrated, and real life situations, and the materials include technology, field trips, gaming, manipulatives, recording sheets, …

At-Risk Fourth Grade Students: Teaching Strategies For Developing Effective Interpersonal And Intrapersonal Skills, Robert Paul Griffith

All Graduate Projects

A representative sample of social skills and teaching strategies was developed for use by classroom teachers of students at-risk in the fourth grade. A literature search was conducted regarding characteristics of students at-risk, effective strategies for teaching social skills, and effective social skills programs. The strategies developed can be used by elementary classroom teachers to help improve prosocial skills of students at-risk.

A Study Of The Concomitant Problems Facing Most Of The "At-Risk" African American Students In The Benton Harbor Elementary School System: A Case For An Alternative Model, Simon M. Honore

Dissertations

Problem

It would appear that the problem of school truancy, retention, and subsequent academic failure is a major educational crisis which puts most of the African American students at risk in the Benton Harbor area schools.

Purpose

The purpose of this study has been to determine the concomitant educational problems facing the "at-risk" African American students in the Benton Harbor Elementary School System and to suggest positive changes through an alternative model.

Results

The results of the survey indicated that approximately 90-95% of Benton Harbor educators agreed to changes. Administrators and teachers strongly agreed that the recommendations, based on the …

Whole Language Based Strategies For Teaching Reading In The Content Areas, Ingrid Annemarie Spencer

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a thematic unit for use in a sixth grade classroom. The unit provides a whole language, integrated curriculum concentrating on ancient Greece. Fifteen lessons were developed for use with a social studies text to teach reading strategies to a class of sixth graders. The project includes a review of selected literature related to the topics of whole language instruction, thematic units, integration, and an explanation of how to utilize the project in a sixth grade classroom. A summary with conclusions and recommendations was included.

The Effects Of Sustained Silent Reading On The Attitudes Of Fourth Grade Students, Bernice Mcqueen-Bruce

All Graduate Projects

This project was conducted to determine whether sustained silent reading had a positive effect on the attitudes of fourth grade students. The Kear and McKenna Elementary Reading Attitude Survey was administered in a pretest, posttest format to three classes with one class designated as a control group. The results indicated no difference in attitude as a result of implementing a silent reading program.

Three Units Incorporating The Use Of Tradebooks On The Third Grade Social Studies Curriculum, Jeanne Hargreaves Rogers

All Graduate Projects

Social studies has traditionally been taught using textbooks. Many of these textbooks pose different problems for the students who use them. One reason for this is because the textbooks lack units that are literature-based. For this project, three social studies units were written incorporating literature. They were, Women in History, North American Indians, and Communities. These units include activities for creating interest, teaching the lesson, and evaluating the students' learning. Also included at the end of each unit is an annotated bibliography.

The Reading And Writing Connection: A Writer's Workshop Guide For Second Grade, Monica Louise Donovan

All Graduate Projects

The primary purpose of this project was to develop a writers' workshop curriculum guide for the second grade. The relationship between reading and writing was studied. Data was presented to support the reading and writing connection. By integrating reading and writing through the use of a directed guide, an effective educational curriculum for a writing workshop was developed. The research and results from writing samples received showed support that an integrated reading and writing program is advantageous. Implications for using a writers' workshop format are discussed.

Attitudes Toward Reading Held By Second Grade Students When Instructed In First And Second Grades Using The Basal Approach And The Whole Language Approach, Anne L. Kepner

All Graduate Projects

The attitudes toward reading held by second grade students when instructed using the basal approach and the whole language approach were studied. Forty surveys given to students at the end of their second grade year were analyzed. The results showed support for the hypothesis that students, taught reading by the whole language approach in first and second grades will have a more positive attitude toward reading than students taught reading by the traditional basal approach in the first and second grades.

A Handbook For Elementary Students And Parents, G. Joel Aune

All Graduate Projects

This project presents the development of a handbook for the parents and students of Vale Elementary School in Cashmere, Washington. The handbook was designed in response to a specific recommendation that surfaced during the Cashmere School District self study process which occurred during the 1988-89 school year. This handbook was designed to both define the policies and procedures of Vale Elementary School, and communicate those policies and procedures to parents and students. The handbook was developed with input from the parents and staff of Vale Elementary School. Handbooks from other elementary schools in central Washington were also consulted in the …

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 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.

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 …

"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.

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.

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.