Date of Award

5-2015

Document Type

Action Research Project

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education, Montessori

First Advisor

Olivia Christensen

Department/School

Montessori Early Childhood, Montessori Elementary Education

Abstract

Abstract In the early academic years, read aloud time is frequently incorporated in the daily classroom schedule. For our investigation, we wondered if certain strategies (interactivity, scaffolding, and modeling enthusiasm) would help to foster deeper connections, conversation, and literary skills when used during read aloud time. We observed teacher-directed read aloud time in two Montessori environments, one with toddlers ages 2-3, and one with elementary children ages 6-9. We used various sources of data collection methods to help us track student engagement and focus, with and without the strategies implemented. The results of the study showed that more children stayed focused and engaged longer during read aloud when the teacher used scaffolding, showed enthusiasm and was interactive while reading. When these strategies were not implemented during a read aloud time, children became more easily distracted and were less inclined to make related comments or ask questions. Interactivity, enthusiasm, and scaffolding helped the children to make insightful connections within the text and to their own lives. In order to make read aloud time a more effective learning experience in the classroom, these strategies can be practiced regularly. To continue to help foster early reading skills and maintain an interest in literacy, interactivity, scaffolding and enthusiasm can be implemented during every classroom read aloud time.

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