University of Delaware

EDUC 310: Reading and Writing in the Primary Grades

Fall 2003

Dr. Karchmer

Welcome to our web page. We are elementary education and special education majors at the University of Delaware. Here you will find links to work completed in EDUC 310: Reading and Writing in the Primary Classroom. Enjoy!!

University of Delaware students enrolled in EDUC 310: Reading and Writing in the Primary Classroom participated in a collaborative Internet project with Mrs. Kreul's fourth graders in Wisconsin. Students from both classes read Judy Blume's Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. As the text was read, each class participated in literature circles, discussing the text from a variety of perspectives including the illustrator, connector, passage master, vocabulary enricher, and discussion director.

Before completing the book, the teacher education students engaged in a variety of activities. First, to explore the purpose and usefulness of graphic organizers, the students completed Venn Diagrams comparing two characters from Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Next they used their notes from the diagram to practice a form of poetry known as an ACROSTIC POEM. Second, as they further studied the writing process, the students created a list of engaging reflective writing activities related to the book. To examine the different writing genres and the writing process, each student completed one writing activity from the list. Before writing, they were required to first complete a graphic organizer of their choice illustrating how they brainstormed the activity before writing the text. Third, to practice developing vocabulary and comprehension lessons related to authentic literature, the teacher education students worked in groups to create and teach lessons to their classmates related to Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing. Their good work is posted below.

Comprehension and Vocabulary Lessons for Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Acrostic Poems for Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing

Writing Activities (Click on a name below)

Janette	Zoe	Steven	Jaclyn	Rachel W.
Karen	Abbie	Ashley	Katie	Julie
Jennifer	Dina	Matt	Alicia	Tracy
Sarah	Erin	Lauren W.	Lauren P.	Lauren G.
Rachel M.	Jillian	Dana	Megan	Cindy

Standards

The above projects support the following National Educational Technology Standards for Teachers (NETS):

#1: Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.

#2: Teachers demonstrate a sound understanding of technology operations and concepts.

#3: Teachers implement curriculum plans, that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.

The above projects support the following Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC) Standard:

Principle #6: The teacher uses knowledge of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication techniques to foster active inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.