Language and Literacy Education Commons^™

Introduction To The Special Issue: Searching For Alternative Approaches To Conceptualizing And Teaching Russian Verbs Of Motion: Bridging Linguistics And Teaching Practice, Maria Bondarenko

Russian Language Journal

This special issue seeks to account for the current status of an emerging trend we have observed in linguistics and L2 instruction over the last two decades: reconceptualizing Russian verbs of motion (VoM). To contextualize the contributions to the issue, in this Introduction, I will give an overview of how this trend has evolved from its inception until the present time, delineating within it two successive stages called the Cognitive Turn and Instructional Turn.

Rebooting A Foundational Reading Program With Recent Evidence From The Science Of Reading, Kate Franz, Bong Gee Jang

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

The Science of Reading (SOR) movement has reshaped literacy education, emphasizing evidence-based instructional materials and practices. School districts have been propelled to evaluate existing instructional materials and to consider adopting new reading programs. This article examines how Road to Reading (RTR), an evidence-based program that aligns with the SOR focus on phonics and word recognition, can be updated to reflect newer research. Rather than a full overhaul, this paper proposes a “reboot”— targeted updates that refine the five-step lesson structure. Key improvements include expanded assessments, phonemic awareness integration, motivational supports, and instructional scaffolds to better meet diverse learner needs.These targeted …

Using Facebook To Discuss The Science Of Reading, Erica Barnes, Jaime Puccioni, Abigail Ferris

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Students in U.S. elementary schools continue to experience difficulty learning to read, with some attributing these difficulties to a lack of alignment with the Science of Reading (SOR). Social media plays a prominent role in disseminating information about the SOR, serving as a platform for discussion and debate that reflects many tenets of effective online professional development (OPD). The current study examines how one group of educators on social media sought out and discussed information related to the SOR. Content analysis was utilized to determine how contributors engaged with the group and what pedagogical content knowledge and SOR topics were …

Supporting The “Feelings And Language Of Thinking” And Meaning-Making In Elementary Student-Directed Inquiry Projects, Katarina N. Silvestri

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

This qualitative study investigates how three teachers attend to and pedagogically support socioemotional aspects of fifth-grade students’ learning during student self-directed inquiry projects called the Kids Inquiry Conference (KIC) using Spradley’s domain and taxonomic analyses of classroom observation and interview data. Theoretical underpinnings meet at the intersection of affective neuroscience, socioemotional competencies, and a Deweyan perspective of inquiry learning, emplacing this study within literature exploring the range of affective factors impacting elementary learners engaged in student-centered inquiry projects (e.g., identity work, motivation, self-regulation, etc.). KIC involved students self-selecting and developing research questions, designing a science activity, writing up a scientific …

“It’S Like Everything Changed:” Implementing A Blended Literacy Learning Intervention To Increase Engagement, Michael J. Hockwater

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Sixth-grade Academic Intervention Services (AIS) students at Wyndemere Middle School (WMS) in Western New York demonstrated a lack of engagement in AIS English Language Arts (ELA) class. In hopes of increasing their engagement, the teacher-researcher implemented a blended learning intervention that incorporated aspects of the flipped classroom model and student-selected texts. The findings of this action research qualitative case study were promising, with many student participants expressing an increased sense of engagement and enjoyment of AIS ELA class.

Strategic Considerations For Integrating Digital Technology And Literacy Learning, Christine N. Green

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

In an era of rapidly advancing technology, integrating digital tools into literacy instruction has become a vital component of effective educational practice. This article presents findings from a case study examining how digital technology was incorporated into the literacy block of a first-grade classroom. Through sixteen hours of classroom observation and three teacher interviews, four key strategic considerations emerged for planning literacy activities that utilize educational technology. These activities enriched student learning by encouraging engagement through multiple modes of literacy. These strategic considerations include building digital connections that complement instructional goals, strategically adding digital tools, allowing students to lead, and …

Beyond The Book Cover: Learning About Peritextual Features In A Book Club, Jan Lacina, Avery Penman, Maddie Baldikoski

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Holding conversations about setting, character, and plot are important conversations in a book club, but just as important are conversations about book features. This classroom practice article describes our experience teaching about peritextual features during a book club with children with learning difficulties.

Exploring Culturally Informed Approaches To Book Read-Aloud With Young Children, Raquel Plotka

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Early childhood is a critical period for language and literacy development. One-way adults introduce children to the world of books is through picture books read-aloud. Adults from different cultural background engage in this activity differently, and to date, the early childhood field has emphasized a constructivist approach to book reading typical in individualistic cultures. Other approaches to reading books that are common in collectivist cultures have not been explored. The present study investigated the reading styles teachers (n = 40) use in naturalistic settings and compared the advantages of using individualistic versus collectivist styles related to children participation and …

Centering English Language Learners’ Literacy Through The Use Of Ai-Powered Tools To Enhance Teacher And Student Success, Shalander Samuels, Alecia Blackwood

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

There has been an increase in the number of English Language Learners (ELs) and, therefore, an increase in the number of linguistic diversities in the general classroom nationwide (Clark-Gareca et al., 2020; Cullen, 2015). Technology has been utilized to promote and support English Learners' success as it can be a significant tool for scaffolding and differentiating instruction (Abobaker & Moleta, 2025; Wolf et al., 2016). Artificial Intelligence (AI), to be specific, has emerged as transformative when supporting ELs across K-20 academic spaces, especially with the increasing demand to integrate technology into learning. AI creates pathways to effectively support the needs …

Centering Black Girl Love: Unearthing Black Girls’ Truths In A Predominantly White, Loveless Elementary School, Tyana R. Velazquez-Smith

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

This study examines the transformative power of literacy as a tool for healing, resistance, and revolutionary love in the lives of BLACK girls navigating predominantly white elementary school spaces. Revolutionary love is conceptualized as practices of care, affirmation, and joy that challenge systemic oppression while fostering belonging and possibility. Conducted in an elementary school in upstate New York, this research follows eleven participants from kindergarten through fourth grade, exploring their lived experiences and literacy practices during English Language Arts (ELA) instruction.

Drawing on Brian Street’s (1984) assertion that literacy is a social practice shaped by cultural and power dynamics, this …

О Взаимодействии Грамматики И Словаря На Занятиях По Рки: Глаголы Перемещения И Их Лексикографические Толкования / On The Interaction Of Grammar And Vocabulary In Teaching Russian As A L2 (Rki): Motion Verbs And Their Lexicographic Definitions, Svetlana Krylosova

Russian Language Journal

This article examines how lexicographic definitions can be meaningfully integrated into the teaching of Russian grammar within a university-level Russian-as-a-foreign-language curriculum, focusing on the case of paired motion verbs. Drawing on the theoretical framework of Igor Mel’čuk’s Explanatory Combinatorial Lexicology, the study shows how academic dictionary entries can be transformed into learner-friendly tools tailored to the needs of advanced learners. Through a detailed analysis of pedagogically adapted definitions for the verbs letet’ and letat’, the author outlines a step-by-step classroom approach. Particular attention is paid to how semantic distinctions between the verbs are clarified and how common learner difficulties …

Preservice Teachers As Active Decision-Makers In The Learning Process, Katrena Leininger

The Reading Professor

One goal of a teacher education program is to facilitate the opportunity for preservice teachers to become adaptive and responsive to students' needs. Thus, teacher education programs include field-based clinical experiences. The purpose of this article is to describe a qualitative study of 94 preservice teachers' perspectives about their participation in an interactive field experience model, designed by the researcher/instructor, where they were the active decision-makers in the learning process of a young child. Social constructivist theories that situate learning as embedded in sociocultural environments framed this study and the interactive field experience model. Participants' video and written reflections along …

Engaging Children With Learning Difficulties In A Book Club, Jan Lacina

The Reading Professor

This article examines the implementation of a before-school book club at a university laboratory school serving children with learning difficulties. The study highlights the role of intentional book selection and discussion in fostering empathy and a love of reading among diverse learners, particularly within special education contexts.

Shifting The Discourse: How Asset-Based Literacy Practices Unlock Multilingual Learners' Potential, Robert A. Griffin

The Reading Professor

As multilingual learners (MLs) grow in number, educators must shift from deficit-based literacy instruction to asset-based approaches that leverage students' home languages, cultures, and identities. This article explores three research-backed strategies, culturally responsive texts, digital storytelling, and community-integrated literacy projects, that empower MLs and enhance engagement, motivation, and literacy development. Grounded in real-world classroom applications and empirical research, the discussion provides practical solutions for integrating these strategies, addressing common challenges, and fostering an inclusive learning environment. The author, an experienced teacher educator, shares anecdotes on how his students implement these strategies in their diverse classroom settings to maximize ML success. …

Teachers' Perceptions Of Pandemic Learning Losses Among English Language Learners: Effects Of Language Proficiencies And Language Modalities, Audrey Figueroa Murphy, Bruce Torff

The Reading Professor

Practicing teachers (n=95) completed a survey in correlational research conducted to determine the extent to which, and the ways in which, they reported learning losses among English Language Learners stemming from the Covid-19 pandemic. Two candidate factors were examined: language proficiencies (L1 and L2) and language modalities (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Students weak in both languages showed the largest losses, and students strong in both, the smallest. Low L-2 students suffered larger losses than high-L2 students regardless of L1 proficiency. In speaking skills, when L2 is weak, low-L1 students had larger losses than high-L1 students. Teachers reported no significant differences …

Table Of Contents

The Reading Professor

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Guidelines For Authors

The Reading Professor

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About The Cover

The Reading Professor

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In Memoriam

The Reading Professor

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Cover

The Reading Professor

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The Effects Of Study Abroad Programs On Second Language Acquisition (Sla), Isabel Odewald

NEXUS: The Liberty Journal of Interdisciplinary Studies

As study abroad programs have increased annually by 10%, numerous researchers have examined how participation in study abroad programs have affected second language acquisition (SLA) in students (Isabelli-Garcia, et. al, 2018). Reviewing previous literature evaluating the relationship between study abroad programs and undergraduate students overall academic achievement, personal growth, and career preparation, it has been found that study abroad programs impact students academically, emotionally, and cognitively. Specifically focusing on factors such as the duration of study abroad programs, personality of students, students’ motivations, and engagement with peers abroad, the current literature review provides explanations of relevant SLA theoretical frameworks and …

An Exploration Of Elementary Teachers’ Experiences In Providing Instruction For Students Identified As At Risk For Dyslexia, Laurie J. Flannery Ms

Doctor of Education Program Dissertations

The problem addressed in this study was the need to understand if teachers were prepared to provide instruction for students identified as at risk for dyslexia after the implementation of a dyslexia screener. Dyslexia legislation requiring screening for dyslexia has been passed in numerous states (National Center for Improving Literacy [NCIL], 2023), but studies have indicated teachers do not feel prepared to provide instruction for students identified as at risk for dyslexia (Jones et al., 2019; Shaywitz et al., 2007; Wadlington & Wadlington, 2005; Washburn et al., 2011). The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore the experiences …

First Opinions, Second Reactions: A Collection Of Innovative Online Reviews Of Literature For Children And Young Adults, Janet Alsup, Christy Wessel-Powell

Purdue University Press Books

First Opinions, Second Reactions: A Collection of Innovative Online Reviews of Literature for Children and Young Adults features selected pieces from the journal First Opinions, Second Reactions, which reviews children’s and young adult books. The journal, and this book, consist of reviews of books written by scholars of children’s and YA literature, followed up with responses from those who share the books with their intended audiences—children and teens. The editors have selected twelve issues classified under four thematic categories (social and political issues; diversity and inclusion; identification and empathy; and genre study) to represent the depth and breadth of …

Interactive Read-Alouds Of Translingual Texts As A Catalyst For Literacy Engagement Among Emergent Bilingual Elementary Students: A Case Study, Anna Handy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

While the population of emergent bilingual students continues to increase in U.S. schools, the teaching force remains predominantly White and monolingual, with many educators underprepared in how to support emergent bilingual students’ literacy development or sustain their diverse linguistic practices. This is reflected in longstanding gaps in performance between monolingual and multilingual students on standardized assessments of reading. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explore one possible approach to increase emergent bilingual students’ engagement during and response to literacy instruction: interactive read-alouds of children’s books that incorporate translanguaging. This study sought to describe and interpret how emergent …

Reading Interventions In The Modern Era: Reconceptualizing The Utility Of Video Games, Senaida Mehmedovic

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Youth in the United States continue to have difficulty developing reading skills, with only 31% of fourth graders reading at a “proficient level” (NAEP Reading: National Average Scores, 2024). Youth struggling to develop reading skills often have reading anxiety (Chow et al., 2021; Martinez, 2019; Ramirez et al., 2019), which impacts their reading skill development even more (Mohammadpur & Ghafournia, 2015); the interwoven and cyclical relationship between reading anxiety and reading comprehension requires interventions to address these needs concurrently (Francis et al., 2019; Francis et al., 2021; Grills et al., 2012). The increased avoidance and paired aversion of reading-related tasks …

Phenomenological Inquiry: High School English Language Arts And Reading Professional Development Design And Delivery, Michelle Jestice

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This qualitative, phenomenological inquiry aimed to understand the overall essence of public high school English language arts and reading professional development design and delivery from an inclusive, sociocultural, responsive theoretical lens. The lens extended previous scholarship, combining six educational concepts and theories to develop an ideological framework for high school English language arts and reading professional development design and delivery. They include Vygotsky’s (1978) sociocultural theory, Knowles’ (1978) andragogy, Shulman’s (2013) content-pedagogy-curricular contextualization, Hammond’s (2015) culturally responsive teaching, Bennett’s (1986) intercultural competencies, Smale-Jacobse and others’ (2019) and Tomlinson and others’ (2003) concepts of differentiation: referred to as SACReD. A central …

Game-Based Learning As A Dynamic System: A Review Of The Literature, Meadow Mcgalliard

University Honors Theses

Game-based learning (GBL) in its development as a field has found itself at an ever-increasing complexity with regard to theories, design elements, and outcomes that define it. It's been long since proven that games produce learning and the ways in which this benefits educators and designers have broad applications, from direct game implementation to integrating GBL knowledge into non-game spaces. The density and complexity of design in GBL prove beneficial for learning opportunities, as the adaptability of design can create an almost infinite series of outcomes in a highly replicable manner. In this broad review, I attempt to display the …

Cogniti Project: Ai-Augmented Teaching And Learning, Colin N. Webber Dr

Staff Scholarship - Australia & Dubai

The presentation explores two use-cases for custom AI agents in classrooms, notably a reflective practice trainer and a role-play agent with a "neurodiverse persona". "Ralph" and "Blue" were developed by the author to introduce concepts of AI as collaborator rather than "answer machine".

Refugee Student Perspectives On Educators’ Role In Fostering Resilience In U.S. Schools, Ann Marsh, Clementine Msengi, Sandra Harris

Tapestry: Journal of Research in Education

This qualitative study focused on five individuals who arrived in the United States either as refugees from conflict areas or as asylum seekers already residing in the country. The refugees were from Afghanistan, and the asylum seekers were from Iran. The researchers employed a phenomenological approach to conduct in-depth interviews with refugees, asylum seekers, and parents of such students, all of whom had experienced attending school after their arrival in the United States. The research question explored the role of teachers, instructors, and professors in fostering resilience among refugee students. Consistent with existing literature, the findings indicated that the teachers' …

Arts-Based Sustainability: From New York To Malawi, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Recognizing that libraries serve multiple constituencies and subject areas, this chapter documents and advocates for development of transdisciplinary arts-based research (ABR) and culture-related projects linked to environmental challenges. Libraries contribute collections and spaces, as well as the research of library and information scientists. Libraries are currently among invisible contributors to sustainability planning and services. The chapter will link this invisibility to the value of what visual arts refer to as negative space elements in subjects ranging from traditional ecological knowledge to environmental science. Library collections, projects, and research contribute to education for sustainable development (ESD) as required to achieve the …