Effects of an interactive, literacy-rich environment on the social, language, cognitive, and literacy development of young children with and without special needs: a dissertation

540 Pages·1999·7.6 MB·English

by  Canelli, Jeanne M.

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THE EFFECTS OF AN INTERACTIVE, LITERACY-RICH ENVIRONMENT
ON THE SOCIAL, LANGUAGE, COGNITIVE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS
A DISSERTATION
submitted by
Jeanne M. Canelli
In partial fblfillment ofthe requirements
for the degree of
Doctor ofPhilosophy
LESLEY COLLEGE
November, 1999

THE EFFECTS OF AN INTERACTIVE, LITERACY-RICH ENVIRONMENT
ON THE SOCIAL, LANGUAGE, COGNITIVE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS
M
Jeanne Canelli
Lesley College
November, 1999
ABSTRACT
Play and literacy teaching practices are documented in this study offour young children,
two with typical development patterns and two with mild to moderate special needs, who
attended the same early childhood program for one school year. Data from year long videotaped
and teacher observations, information from parents and previous teachers, and initial and end of
the year formal and informal assessments are organized into four child studies. Conclusions from
the data suggest that children with mild to moderate special needs initiate and engage in play
activities by themselves and, in time, with other children. The data further suggest that when
young children with and without special needs are immersed in an environment that includes
reading and writing materials and interactions with peers and adults, they incorporate literacy
activities into their play. Combined teaching strategies from both early childhood and special
education support each child's participation, development, and progress.

THE EFFECTS OF AN INTERACTIVE, LITERACY-RICH ENVIRONMENT
ON THE SOCIAL, LANGUAGE, COGNITIVE, AND LITERACY DEVELOPMENT
OF YOUNG CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT SPECIAL NEEDS
Contents
Chapter Title Pages
Introduction
1 The study ofchild development in the United States 2
during the twentieth century
2 Play and literacy: Literature review 29
3 Statement ofthe Problem 61
4 Research Methodology 68
5 Child Studies 76
6 Analysis 184
7 Conclusions 196
Appendix - A 207
Coding instruments
Appendix - B 232
Descriptions ofassessments and scoring criteria
Appendix - C 236
Samples ofchildren's writing
References 249