The Effects of Large Print on Student Literacy Development
During the 2023-24 school year, Project Tomorrow partnered with Thorndike Press, from Gale, part of the Cengage Group to investigate the impact of using large print titles to enhance student reading experiences and engagement in diverse classroom settings. We had conducted a similar study during the 2018–2019 school year resulted in landmark findings. Through the latest study, we discovered additional insights for classroom teachers and school librarians who are supporting improved literacy outcomes for all students.
The 2023-24 study was conducted in thirteen schools nationwide and involved elementary, middle, and high school students, along with teachers and librarians. Approximately 1,500 students in grades 4–12 and 56 educators participated in the study, which incorporated age-appropriate large print fiction and nonfiction titles, such as The Scarlet Letter, The Crossover, and The House on Mango Street. These resources were used in various instructional practices, including literature circles, book clubs, read-alouds, self-paced reading, and guided reading activities. Data gathered through surveys, focus groups, and interviews provided insights into how large print resources can support literacy development and engagement across diverse school communities.
The full white paper is accessible at https://www.gale.com/thorndike/ylp-research/2024-project-tomorrow-study
You can access the Executive Summary and related infographic below:
Accessible Reads. Proven Outcomes.
Make an Impact with Youth Large Print Infographic
Interested in conducting a special project with Project Tomorrow? Please contact support@tomorrow.org. To further explore the effects of large print on student literacy development, visit https://www.gale.com/thorndike/ylp-research.