Resisting the Summer Slide: A Pilot Evaluation of Brilliant Storytellers for Summer Literacy Development

• In Event: AERA Poster Session Wednesday 3:45pm
  In Poster Session: Research in Research and Literacy (SIG 11) Poster Session I

Abstract

This pilot study examined students’ oral reading fluency, comprehension, and self-efficacy after participating in Brilliant Storytellers, a summer performing arts curriculum with embedded reading instruction. Grounded in the theory of automaticity and the associative thinking framework, the program integrated repeated reading and comprehension strategies within creative, collaborative storytelling activities. Thirty-five elementary students participated in the five-week program, which totaled 24 hours of instruction. Results showed statistically significant gains in oral reading fluency, with small but non-significant effects in comprehension and self-efficacy. The program was implemented in a Midwestern setting, primarily serving students from low socio-economic backgrounds. Findings suggest that integrating evidence-based literacy instruction into performing arts may be a promising strategy to support summer reading development.

Authors

• Sydney Katherine Johnson, Ball State University

• Kathrin Maki, University of Florida

• Lisa DaVia Rubenstein, Ball State University