Reading and Science
A Home Science Reading Project
Reading and Science
Grant Dr. Zhihui Fang in Reading Dr. Rose Pringle in Science Dr. Linda Leonard Lamme in children’s literature
Research Project to determine if 15 minute reading mini-lesson Books read at home Impact students learning in science and reading
Reading Research Support
Factors that influence school success:Reading at home Reading trade books in addition to textbooksBridging the gap between home and schoolMore time spent readingBook AccessBook qualityOpportunities for reader response
Science Research
Reading science books increases science knowledge
Home involvement increases science knowledge
Books increase interest in science
Goals
Increase science knowledgeIncrease reading abilityIncrease time spent readingIncrease exposure to high quality science
literatureIncrease family interactions with booksDevelop positive attitudes toward science and
reading
Program Development
Purchase good books Accurate Science Well-written NSTA Outstanding books Orbis Pictus Books Variety of reading levels Broad coverage of science areas
Book BinsCheckout sheetsBook Record Forms
Procedures
Check out booksReturn books one week laterFill out Reading Record FormsRespond to booksCheck out new books
Data Sources
Classroom Observation during checkout and book returns
Interviews of StudentsReading Record FormsCheckout recordsStudent surveysParent surveys
Issues and Solutions
Time Streamline checkout
Too few books Purchase a few moreVoluntary ParticipationTeacher buy-inTeacher ModelBook loss Labels
Findings
Standardized tests with Control Group Significantly higher reading scores Significantly higher science knowledge No significant difference in attitudes toward
science or reading
Findings
Students read up to 20 science books Book selection critical Some students did not read any books Some books were popular Some students preferred one branch of
science
Checkout Conversations
I’m gonna share this with my Dad!Where’s the frog book? I wanted the
frog book!Ahhhh! Birds!You got THAT book? Wow!I want that one. It’s Mine!Hurry up. I want to start reading.
Book Responses
Factual The biggest muscle in your body is your thigh How lions fight
Bizarre People flush stupid things down a toilet A dude lived for 7 years with a spike in his head
Analytical Forced wording (Edison worked tirelessly) Websites to verify information
Role of Teacher
Elaborate Provide science terminology Ask questions to keep attention Relate book to curriculum Ask science questions Tell personal stories
Family Perspectives
Loved the program Read some of the books Discussed the books Wanted more information about the program Varied in the amount of participation Complained about a Charles Darwin book
Next Study
Train teachers How to find good books How to teach about nonfiction informational
books - formats, etc. How to organize program
Need to make it a requirementBetter communication with families
Student Perspectives
Varied greatly Participated weekly Participated occasionally Never participated
Wanted more book selections Thought the program should be mandatory A few stated that reading was a burden A few said that reading brought their family
together
Trends in Nonfiction Literature
Accuracy and authenticity Narrative nonfiction Student appeal Multiple genres Focus on one small topic Thorough coverage Diversity of issues and topics
Parting Thoughts
Feelings of the researcher Thrilled
To purchase so many good books To see the enthusiasm of the students To hear the conversations about books That the teachers continued the program
Concerned That those who needed it most did not participate That the program costs money
Top Related