Date Approved

4-29-2019

Embargo Period

4-30-2019

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

MA Reading Education

Department

Language, Literacy and Sociocultural Education

College

College of Education

Advisor

Madden, Marjorie

Committee Member 1

Browne, Susan

Committee Member 2

Chen, Xiufang

Keywords

kindergarten, oral language

Subject(s)

Language arts (Kindergarten)

Disciplines

Language and Literacy Education

Abstract

The purpose of this research inquiry is to study how kindergartners use oral language when interacting with texts during guided reading, read aloud books, and literacy discussions. Six students were selected from a Basic Skills Instruction (BSI) intervention program to participate in this study. As the academic demands have increased in the kindergarten classroom, it appears that there is a decline in the oral language skills that are the foundation for success as an emergent reader. This study examines the effects of engaging students in talk about books to promote their oral language and reading skills. Characteristics of literacy talk from both the students and the teacher during literacy events are analyzed. Findings from this study suggest that talk that supported students' interests, the use of open-ended questions, collaborative talk with peers, and selecting authentic literature with moral and justice themes are key components to encourage literacy talk in the kindergarten classroom. Implications for educators are also discussed in this study.

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