Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Students Writing Across The Disciplines, Elizabeth Arrigoni

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

A Literature Approach Program For A Sixth Grade Classroom, Leigh Ann Koenig

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to create a reading program which encourages student-led discussion, exposes students to a variety of genres, and develops higher-level thinking. Strategies for using literature as the foundation of a reading program were examined. Evidence from the review of literature indicated that participation in literature response groups encouraged choice, social interaction, and promoted a deeper level of understanding. Instructional strategies, techniques, planning, and the role of the instructor in a literature program were dis.:ussed.

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 thirtieth annual Children's Book Festival held on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 1998.

Taoism The Adolescent Way, Claire Christine Osburn, Kathryn Ramsey

Theses Digitization Project

No abstract provided.

Teaching English/Spanish Cognates To Increase Reading Comprehension, Stacey A. Suhm

All Graduate Projects

A curriculum has been developed for middle school English as a Second Language (ESL) students to improve their reading comprehension. A review of the literature found that vocabulary is an essential part of reading comprehension and becoming aware of English/Spanish cognates can increase the students' English vocabulary. The curriculum includes a survey to assess a student's knowledge and use of cognates, lesson plans to introduce the concept of cognates, to practice recognizing English/Spanish cognates, and learn the correlation of suffixes between English and Spanish. The curriculum also includes lists of English/Spanish cognates divided by subjects.

An Early Intervention Reading Program For First Grade Students At Risk For Reading Failure, Tamara Ann Parriera

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of the project was to develop an early intervention program, which included strategies and techniques shown in the research to be most effective in improving reading. The review of related literature supported the need for early intervention with students having language or reading problems. The program consisted of assessment procedures and tools, activities, materials, record keeping, parent involvement, and cross-age tutoring.

A Computer Based Reading Program For Elementary Students, Wendy L. Clark

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a plan for teachers, media specialists and administrators to use in implementing the Accelerated Reader Program, a computerized reading management program. Research on the benefits of this program was studied. A handbook was created that includes information and processes for the set up, management and use of incentives for the Accelerated Reader Program. This information is presented both for implementation in the individual classrooms as well as school wide.

Accelerated Reader Program: An Implementation Guide For Teachers, Heather A. Hull-Stewart

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this project was to develop a plan for educators, librarians and administrators to use in implementing the Accelerated Reader Program, a computerized reading management program. Research on the benefits of this program was studied. A handbook was created that includes information and processes for the set up, management and use of incentives for the Accelerated Reader Program. This information is presented both for implementation in the individual classrooms as well as school wide.

A Poetry Curriculum For Primary Teachers, Janice M. Matheny

All Graduate Projects

This project examined the role of poetry in language development and literacy acquisition in children. The review of current literature strongly supported the rationale for providing poetry experiences beginning at an early age and continuing on through the first few years of school. All stages of language development benefit from exposure to rhythm and rhyme. Poetry can be there to bridge the gap as young children speak their first words, read their first book and write their first sentence. Included is a poetry curriculum centering on the theme of Playground Rhymes. It was specifically written for primary teachers. The research …

[Using Multimedia Technology In Elementary Student Presentations Of Literature Research And Reviews], Judy Ann Staples

All Graduate Projects

The purpose of this study was to help third grade students develop multimedia presentations using current technology to improve the related background knowledge and literary awareness of students for six different literature books. A second purpose was to use the authoring system, HyperStudio, to develop an interactive compact disc which future students could access before reading specific literature books to enhance reading comprehension.

Developing More Efficient Readers : A Guided Reading, Making Words, And Sentence Writing Practice, Nancy Hohanshelt

Graduate Research Papers

Inefficient reading of text by poor readers has always been a concern of reading teachers. This paper demonstrates an approach that increases vocabulary, aids comprehension, and improves writing. It incorporates three processes: guided reading, making words, and sentence writing.

The guided reading segment is where the text is introduced and then read by the students. Difficult words are studied and mini-lessons may be initiated at this time or a later time. The second portion of the lesson is for making words. A word is chosen from the guided reading text and becomes the target word for this portion of the …

Reading Recovery In The Classroom : A Literacy Team Approach, Nancy Strunk Larsen

Graduate Research Papers

A recent remedy for the concern over continued progress and over communication between Reading Recovery and the classroom is to adapt Reading Recovery practices in the regular classroom. A Title I Reading Recovery program in a Midwestern school adopted this very remedy. The program initiated in this elementary school has two Reading Recovery teachers, three first-grade teachers, and two second-grade teachers who work collaboratively as a literacy team. The goal of the program is to use a teamwork approach to teach reading both with the idea of meeting the instructional needs of the student and also of teaching the classroom …

Book Discussions : Guiding Students In Creating Their Own Questioning, Christine Matthew

Graduate Research Papers

Book discussions increase the understanding and personal meaning of books through the students' active participation during the reading process. Previous to book discussions the students would give a statement from the book or paraphrase the book. With the new format students are able to talk about the character's feelings, predict the happenings in the story, discuss the circumstances in the story and how the story could have been written differently.

The success of the book discussions makes it an easy decision to continue the program. This process is very enjoyable and can be adapted for any classroom and teacher. The …

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 …

An Intergenerational Literacy Project For Migrant Families, Sandra E. Harmening, Amy C. Kiesz

All Graduate Projects

The relationship between student achievement and parental involvement was reviewed and found to be significant. A model project was developed to include seven migrant families intergenerationally within the context of the classroom. The purpose was to enhance the relationship between students and parents/guardians and between these low literacy families and the school institution. The result was projected to be a better understanding of each family's heritage, an increase in volunteerism at the school site, more interest in school work and accomplishment, and the possible residual effect of parental desire to improve their literacy skills.

Development Of A Family Literacy Program To Improve English Reading And Language Acquisition Of Limited English Speaking Parents And Children., Terri Lee Ritter

All Graduate Projects

A family literacy program to assist Hispanic parents and children in improving English reading and language acquisition skills was developed. Limited English speaking families in Quincy, Washington were served by a variety of lessons, developed in response to need. The results showed a desire by families to continue with the project, as well as an higher achievement in score on the reading and language sub-tests of the Metropolitan Achievement Test by students having a seventy percent program attendance rate in comparison with limited English speaking students of non-participating families. Program modifications for the following school year were discussed.

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.

The Characteristics Of Learners Enrolled In Advanced Level Courses In Hebrew, Chinese, And Japanese At Brandeis University, Vardit Ringvald

Educational Studies Dissertations

Researchers, practitioners, and policy makers in the field of foreign language study in higher education in the United States are familiar with the phenomenon of declining numbers among learners in advanced foreign language courses. The studies that have examined this phenomenon such as Graman (1987) and Dupuy (1994) investigated the learners of so-called "easy" and commonly taught languages, such as French, German and Spanish and suggest that the learners' positive learning backgrounds outside the formal language program are the main factors that influence the learners' decision to continue their language study in the advanced level courses. This study offers new …

Success At Last : One Teacher's Growth In Understanding Of Writer's Workshop, Cindy L. Davis

Graduate Research Papers

Writer's workshop is an approach to teaching writing that corresponds to the whole language philosophy. Much of the literature published on the topic of whole language, and specifically writer's workshop, describes the ideal classroom environment. However, "whole language in the intermediate classroom is often given less attention in professional books and journals than the primary classroom receives" (Gannon-Smith, 1991). As a reading and language arts teacher of sixth grade students, I have been interested in teaching writing through the use of writer's workshop. There are some general whole language themes which can be used to build a motivating writing environment …

Early Literacy Experiences And Their Affect On Children's Literacy Development, Jolene Miller

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a review of literature relative to the importance of early literacy experiences for children. The primary focus this paper was to look at the benefits of early experiences with literature on children's literacy development.

The primary early literary experience investigated was children being read to by adults, and the benefits of this activity related to literacy development. Other components· of a rich literacy environment and their potential benefits were discussed. All of the activities that were investigated were found to positively influence literacy development.

Potential problems parents may have when trying to provide literacy experiences for their …

The Writing Portfolio : An Authentic Assessment Tool, Sondra L. Nelson

Graduate Research Papers

Using writing portfolios as an ongoing assessment technique in the second grade classroom was a rewarding experience for my students and me. Our collaboration through conferences provided many connections between instruction and assessment. The students even though they represented a range of abilities were able to assess their own work and grow from their own reflections. Their writing abilities emerged and were captured in their portfolios. Authentic assessments were displayed with pride as each of the students shared their portfolios with their parents.

Providing A Print-Rich Environment For Young Writers, Rita S. Nierling

Graduate Research Papers

A print-rich environment can provide many experiences to nurture young children's writing abilities. Cambourne's instructional elements for promoting literacy have been related to a literature-based program. Literature experiences and related writing activities extended to the science area of an elementary instructional program, specially to the concept of air, are developed.

The Role Of Prereading Instruction In Content Area Reading, Mary Carol Smith

Graduate Research Papers

The graduate project presented in this paper is a workshop for teachers of grades 4, 5, and 6. The workshop will consist of prereading strategies to use in the content areas. Participants will learn that prereading instruction is preparing the student to read content area material. Teachers involved in the workshop will also gain an understanding of the need for and importance of prereading preparation.

The Effects Of An Individualized Reading Program On Recreational Reading, Kim Aneweer

Graduate Research Papers

We are creating a nation of alliterates. The vast majority of our population can read and write, but choose not to. The researcher intended to investigate this problem by creating an individualized reading program for a group of fifth grade students. The reading program was designed according to the students· reading levels and interests. The researcher monitored the amount of time the students spent reading for pleasure. The study consisted of three phases. During the first phase, the students chose their reading materials. A computer program assisted the students in choosing their books in phase two of the study. The …

Integrating Children's Literature And Mathematics In The Early Childhood Classroom, Jamie M. Christensen

Graduate Research Papers

"Historically there have been three reasons for groups to formally adopt a set of standards: (1) to ensure quality, (2) to indicate goals, and (3) to promote change. For NCTM, all three reasons are of equal importance" (The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989, p. 2).

Now, more than any other time in history, mathematical reform is essential in our school systems. The traditional mathematics curriculum was designed to prepare shopkeepers, farmers, and factory workers for occupations in the early 1900s. Some of those skills are still useful in today's society. However, as the new millennium approaches, our future …

Using Interactive Writing With Reluctant Writers, Candis Frieden

Graduate Research Papers

Interactive writing provides an authentic opportunity for children to learn the conventions of writing while constructing meaningful text. As the teacher and children compose a text together, children are active participants in analyzing sounds and constructing words. While writing, children develop strategies for spelling. Interactive writing gives children confidence to use invented spelling which increases children's independence in writing.

Technology And Its Impact On Language Arts, Tresa Ann Dietrich

Graduate Research Papers

Language arts is a field where technology can be worked into the writing and reading fields with word processors, CD-ROMs, and other multimedia materials that focus on communication. Learning to effectively communicate is one goal of language arts education. This encompasses speaking, listening, writing, and presentation – utilizing all the available technologies and incorporating them into highly motivating and innovative units or activities.

Coordinating General Classroom Reading Instruction With Reading Recovery Instruction, Jane E. Bentley-Gadow

Graduate Research Papers

"Our Nation is at risk. Our once unchallenged preeminence in commerce, industry, science, and technological innovation is being overtaken by competitors throughout the world" (The National Commission on Excellence in Education, 1983, p. 5). 3 These were the opening words published in a 1983 letter to the people of the United States entitled, A Nation at Risk: The Imperative for Educational Reform. In 1981, the National Commission on Excellence in Education was created under the direction of the Secretary of Education, T. H. Bell. Its purpose was to investigate issues in America's education, define problems and identify solutions (The National …

Reading Recovery : The Teacher's Perspective, Nancy A. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

READING RECOVERY: The Teacher's Perspective presents a report of research that looks at Reading Recovery, an early intervention reading program for low-performing students, with the primary focus on the role the teacher plays. Data used was compiled from journal articles and personal interviews with three teachers randomly chosen from a Midwest school district. The basic questions were directed toward the teacher training, lack of professional input from the teachers in training, and the extensive paperwork required of the Reading Recovery teachers.

Results of the study indicated that teachers that are actively involved in the Reading Recovery program accept the program …