Date of Completion

Spring 5-31-2019

Document Type

Open Access Capstone

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

First Advisor

Bobby Ricketts

Second Advisor

Jeremy Szteiter

Abstract

In this paper, I discuss the importance of a strong literacy foundation, the challenges of acquiring that foundation, and the consequences of functional illiteracy. I emphasize the role that parents and caregivers can play in establishing a positive, engaged learning disposition and ways that adopting confident thinking habits and attitudes can help children in their early learning. To facilitate these behaviors and dispositions, I have provided the early design of three original children’s stories and an accompanying parent/caregiver toolkit with questions, strategies, and activities. The aim and focus of this research is early intervention using the reading experience as an opportunity to open lifelong learning pathways through modeling, scaffolding, and practicing methods and messages presented through story.

Download

Share

COinS