Date of Award
1-1-1991
Document Type
Practicum
Degree Name
Doctor of Education
Department
Child and Youth Care Administration
Advisor
June Delano
Committee Member
Judy L. Perlin
Keywords
children's literature, curriculum development, elementary education, literature appreciation, literacy, parent participation, preschool education, reading activities, reading attitudes, reading readiness, teacher involvement, television viewing
Abstract
This practicum was designed to foster literacy in young children. The primary objectives were for teachers and parents to regularly create experiences with literature for their children.
The writer administered a survey to determine the extent to which parents read to their children, brought them to the library, and limited the amount of their television viewing. Further, children were surveyed to determine the popularity of the reading corner in each classroom. A plan was implemented that empowered teachers to create an extensive literature-based curriculum within the school. Parents regularly received information concerning these activities as well as the importance of their involvement in their children's literacy development.
The results were positive. Follow-up surveys revealed an increase in parent-child reading activities as well as in the appeal of reading activities in the classroom. Teachers responded very favorably to the challenge of curriculum development in this crucial area.