Date of Award

Spring 2011

Thesis Type

Open Access

Degree Name

Master of Liberal Studies

Advisor(s)

Dr. Debra Wellman

Abstract

Picture books (stories in which the both the text and illustrations contribute to meaning) have long been thought of as appropriate only at primary grade levels because of their short length, simple plots, and minimal number of characters. When used at the secondary level, their principal function has been as remediation for struggling readers or English language learners (ELLs). However, anecdotal evidence and an exhaustive literature review strongly suggest that the supplemental use of picture books increases engagement and learning among high school students at all instructional levels. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of picture books on high school students’ engagement with these texts.

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