3-D Literacy helps our students bring words to life. Techniques kept students engaged, thinking, interactive with one another socially and emotionally and excited to come to school. Teachers said this program brought out talents in students they were not aware of. In addition, students’ knowledge of vocabulary increased as did their reading levels. Tracy Wright, Principal PS 39
Read more of our 3-D Literacy Testimonials at the bottom of this page!
3-D Literacy is an exciting, interactive, and valuable program created and developed by Sundog teaching artist Richard Grunn. Incorporating multiple intelligences and brain-based learning theories, 3-D Literacy is designed to help teachers integrate theatre games, creative literacy concepts, and technology/engineering into the curriculum.
We explore elements of literacy, phonology, spelling patterns, word meaning, grammar, and word formation. Our exercises and concepts help students’ ability to understand, interpret, create, infer, and communicate various levels associated with literacy.
Using 3-D Literacy in the classroom:
- Opens doors for students to understanding reading through a different lens;
- Increases vocabulary and helps students develop a finer control of rhetoric through interactions with others;
- Gives students freedom coupled with responsibility;
- Encourages acceptance for a diversity of personalities and ideas;
- Supports the social health of the class as a community.
In 2018-19, Sundog’s 3-D Literacy helped raise student reading scores by 5 – 10 levels in 55% of participating students. After this 15-week program, 98% of students raise their reading scores by at least one level. [Evidenced by Fountas & Pinnell, Teachers College, and WRAP testing]
Research supports the need for drama-based instruction for literacy
When children have been involved in the process of integrating creative drama with reading, they are able to better comprehend the written scenarios on standardized tests. —DuPont: Reading Research and Instruction, 1992
Children reading below grade level are the greatest potential beneficiaries of enacting stories in order to understand them. —Page Study of the Child as Spectator and as Participant–University of Massachusetts
Sundog Theatre offers 3-D Literacy programs for students and Professional Development for teachers.
Sample testimonials from schools using 3-D Literacy
I have seen great progress in my students this year. They were so engaged during literacy activities it resulted in an increase in Teachers College scores. I have also noticed their self-esteem and confidence have improved. This program has made a great difference and I look forward to working with Sundog again next year.Teacher, PS 44
3D Literacy empowered our students to have confidence in their abilities to break apart a text, focusing on the vocabulary being used, the sentence structure, and the underlying message. It helped give students the confidence they need to perform in front of a large crowd and speak clearly and smoothly so that everyone can understand them. 3D Literacy is a program that enhances all components of the ELA instruction block.Teacher, PS 41
The 3-D literacy program provided our students with a unique opportunity to develop literacy skills using different modalities. They developed confidence in their own abilities, practiced working as part of a team, used language to effectively express their ideas, and improved their ability to focus. These skills translated into improved reading and writing performance.Linda Woolverton, Former Principal, PS 31
Our students benefited greatly from 3-D Literacy–academically, socially and behaviorally. More astounding is that one student with Autism Spectrum Disorder, went up four reading levels during the 15 weeks of the program. She participated throughout and was part of the culminating performance. Her mother cried tears of joy when she saw this.Cynthia Leonard, Assistant Principal, PS 44
Contact Sundog Theatre for fees and information. (718) 816-5453 or email info@sundogtheatre.org
