Date of Award
7-1-1989
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Education Specialist
Department
Center for the Advancement of Education
Advisor
Dr. Joan Horn
Keywords
evaluation checklist, Expressive One Word Vocabulary Test, expressive vocabulary, first grade readiness, kindergarten development, kindergarten students, language acquisition, language activities, language processing, language skills, listening skills, monitoring sheets, musical activities, Peabody Vocabulary Test, recordings, receptive vocabulary, screening assessment, self-concept, verbal development, vocabulary development, vocabulary instruction
Abstract
This practicum addressed the need for methods to improve the receptive and expressive vocabularies of kindergarten children. The Peabody Vocabulary Test and the Expressive One Word Vocabulary Test were employed as screening devices to assess students. Language based activities, recordings, and musical activities were used to enhance development of language skills. Students were engaged in stimulating language activities over a period of ten weeks. Appropriate classroom experiences were provided to help instill positive self-concepts while stimulating vocabulary development. It was hoped that an increase in vocabulary would better prepare the students for success in first grade. The results showed the program was beneficial to the target group and that students showed a desire to learn. The Appendices include language activities, an evaluation checklist, and monitoring sheets.