Vocabulary for Literacy: Developing an Early Literacy Curriculum for Preschoolers

Cristina Williams: Speech Pathology & Audiology

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Arnold Olszewski

Graduate Student: Lauren Satterlee

Chloe Mech: Speech Pathology & Audiology

Hannah Mortimer: Speech Pathology & Audiology

Rachel Bell: Speech Pathology & Audiology

Colleen Altomari: Speech Pathology & Audiology, Italian Studies

Phonological awareness is the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words (Anthony & Francis, 2005). Phonological awareness and vocabulary are foundational skills for literacy (NELP, 2008). There is evidence of a relationship between phonological awareness and vocabulary knowledge in children (Metsala, 1997). This project will explore a novel intervention strategy  for vocabulary and phonological awareness, based on best practices.

Do  children demonstrate gains in phonological awareness and vocabulary skills following intervention?

Data collection is underway but looks promising. 

Children showed gains in corresponding phonological awareness and vocabulary skills after brief instruction.

 Lesson delivery was more efficient than two separate interventions. 

Future research should investigate this at a larger scale.

• CALL Lab

• Faculty Mentor: Dr. Arnold Olszewski

• Graduate Student: Lauren Satterlee

Anthony, J. L., & Francis, D. J. (2005). Development of   phonological awareness. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 14(5), 255-259.

Metsala, J. L. (1997). An examination of word frequency and neighborhood       density in the development of spoken-word recognition. Memory & Cognition, 25(1), 47–56. https://doi.org/10.3758/bf03197284

National Early Literacy Panel. (2008). Developing early literacy: Report of the National Early   Literacy Panel. Washington, DC: National Institute for Literacy.

Throughout my research experience I have been fortunate enough to learn and grow in various areas of the NACE Career Readiness Competencies. Specifically, I have grown in communication by understanding the importance of promptly listening and asking questions in an organized and effective manner. Another aspect where I have grown is in my leadership skills by using innovative thinking and seeking help when needed. I have also learned how to serve as a leader by always approaching my duties with confidence and optimism. Lastly, I have grown in my teamwork abilities by learning how to effectively collaborate with others, build relationships, and manage setbacks.