Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Summer 2002

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Gail Goss

Second Committee Member

Carol L. Butterfield

Third Committee Member

Craig Hughes

Abstract

Relevant literature pertaining to reading, reading comprehension, comprehension evaluation, characteristics of readers, findings regarding strategy instruction and its use on comprehension, and specific pre-reading strategies was studied. The need for second language learners to receive comprehension strategies in order to develop schemata, activate prior knowledge, and develop meaning for unknown vocabulary was noted. Teaching specific reading strategies to increase the second language learner's comprehension of a text was emphasized. A handbook of pre-reading strategies to be used with first grade learners was created for teacher use. The handbook outlines each pre-reading strategy, its purpose, and the procedure to follow when teaching it. The handbook also provides a mini-lesson connected to a piece of children's literature for each pre-reading strategy. Black line masters also accompany each mini-lesson where applicable.

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