Using Literature Circles to Increase Readign Comprehension in Third Grade Elementary Students
Graduation Date
Summer 2011
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Document Form
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program Name
Education
Program Director
Madeliene Peters, EdD
Abstract
Reading comprehension strategies are important skills for a child to learn. Good strategies support struggling students to be more successful in all subjects at school as reading is the basis for subsequent mastery of most subjects (Bender & Larkin, 2003).
This action research project examined the use of literature circles in a third grade class. The research examined student performance on reading comprehension assessments before and after the use of literature circles. Other evidence of student learning and engagement with reading were examined.
This paper presents the findings of this research and provides third grade teachers with literature circles activities to support the development of reading comprehension in their students. This research found that through the use of literature circles students developed better comprehension skills while increasing social skills that will lead to enriched learning.