Fiction Reader: A Case Study Documenting the Impact Reading Fiction has on One Child’s Literacy

Abstract

This qualitative research case study explores the impact that fiction reading has had on one 10 year-old child’s literacy experience and learning. The Common Core State Standards have been adopted across the United States; the Standards prescribe educational milestones for each grade level, K-12. Literature and informational texts are represented throughout the State Standards for English Language Arts. The purpose of this study is to explore and observe one elementary-level student’s interactions with literary, fiction texts, in order to learn about the impact fiction reading has had on the child’s literacy experience. Within this qualitative research study, I inform elementary-level instruction and educate teachers on the implications of using fiction texts in the classroom. As a result of the triangulation of my data collection with peer reviewed research, I was able to find that the reading of fiction has impacted my focus learner in three unique ways. The three found themes translated to my research findings: fiction is used to teach lessons and morals, fiction is read for pleasure, and fiction is used to aid story sequencing and comprehension.