Term

Summer 2020

Capstone

Capstone Project

Degree Name

MAEd

Facilitator(s)

Jana Lo Bello Miller

Content Expert

Kayla Buresh

Abstract

Early literacy skills are a predictor of future reading and writing success. Whitehurst and Lonigan (1998) state that “Knowledge of the alphabet at entry into school is one of the strongest single predictors of short- and long-term literacy success” (p. 851). Students that enter kindergarten with early literacy skills are more likely to succeed in reading and writing as they progress through school. There are always students who leave preschool without adequate literacy skills, having made little progress throughout the year. Many times this includes English Language students making little growth. Han et al. (2013) states that EL students are at a higher risk of developing problems with reading. This research project explores answering the question: How can preschool teachers increase pre-academic literacy skills in EL students? This project is an eight day curriculum unit that is both engaging and hands on. It works on teaching and learning letter names and letter sounds. Each unit plan allows for differentiation for students as well as an at home connection for students to continue practicing with their families. This curriculum is intended to increase literacy for English Language students and prepare these students for literacy success for years to come.

Keywords

Early Childhood, ESL/ ELLs, Literacy

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text

dc_publisher

DigitalCommons@Hamline

dc_format

application/pdf

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School of Education Student Capstone Projects

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