Today@Dal

The Language and Literacy Lab at Dalhousie University invites children in Grades 4 and 5 to take part in a study looking at how children understand what they read. To learn more and/or sign up to take part, please visit out website at https://langlabatdal.weebly.com/signup-leaps-and-bounds.html.

Who is completing the study? 

This exciting study is being conducted by Dr. Hélène Deacon, her students, and the team at the Language & Literacy Lab (LLL) at Dalhousie University.

How long does the study take? 

The total visit will take ~45-60 minutes. 

Where does the study take place? 

The study will take place in person at the Language and Literacy Lab at Dalhousie University. We have a reserved parking spot and a playroom for siblings to wait in. 

What do you receive for taking part? 

Children will receive a sticker sheet, a certificate, and a $10 Amazon gift card after the completion of the session as a token of our appreciation. You will also have the option to receive a letter with your child’s reading level based on a standardized test of word reading. This feedback will indicate whether your child’s performance is appropriate for their age-level.

What will you and your child do? 

Your child will be asked to complete a variety of language and reading activities. For example, children will be asked to rearrange muddled sentences or choose meanings for words. Most activities are done individually, and others might be done in small groups. Some activities are audio-recorded. In total, these activities will take 45-60 minutes.  
We make it clear to the children that we are interested in how they do these activities rather than whether they get things right. Based on our experience, children find these activities fun and engaging, and enjoy working one-on-one. We thank children for their participation with prizes, such as colourful pencils, erasers, and stickers, as well as a certificate. 

Questions 
If you have any questions about taking part or any other aspect of the study, please contact Lab Manager Stef Hartlin at langlab@dal.ca.