This SLP Wants to Improve Literacy and Comprehension!

Funded Dec 30, 2022

Thank for for your generous support in funding my literacy project. The wide assortment of books that was purchased because of your donations are perfect for to teach my preschool and kindergarten students about elements of text.

In preschool, I'm using books like "Pete the Cat" and "Pig the Pug" to help my students learn about characters, problems, and how to predict what might happen next. The colorful illustrations and catchy cadences of the text certainly hold their attention. They also love noticing the small details in the pictures that might change from one page to the next! These stories are also great in helping them practice real-world skills; for example, when Pete the Cat kept losing his buttons, he didn't get upset - he just kept movin' and groovin'! Their teachers and I can help our little learners remember Pete's reaction when something not-so-fun happens to them too.

In kindergarten, I'm using these books to "up the ante" with their comprehension and recall skills. I've been using the Story Grammar Marker visuals to scaffold their understanding of text elements, such as the setting, kick-off event, plan, consequence, and resolution. Having fun books keeps them engaged in the stories, and they love seeing how many of the elements they can remember! We started off with more salient features (character, setting), and have moved on to being able to talk about more abstract elements like characters' feelings and consequences of their plans and attempts. My whole-group, push-in lessons are helping the students build a deeper understanding of a text, but they just see it as having a fun story read to them and being able to do make something cute to take home!”

With gratitude,

Ms. Kari