Deb L. Marciano, Ph.D.
Professor of Elementary and Literacy Education
Teaching and Learning
I have taught at every level, Pre-K through graduate school, in Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Georgia, and in Italy.
Lifelong Learning: I admit I am a bit of a techno nerd. I am an Apple all-the-
way person and am very close to earning my Apple Teacher certification. My
spare time is also spent creating technology, such as this WIX website.
During the Pandemic, I created a blog of creative activities for families,
educations, and students. The Reading Rhinoceros Resources is free and full of
creative ideas. (https:readingrhinoceros.blogspot.com)
In 2018-19, I completed three university courses in Italian language and culture, which builds on my lifelong learning of Italian. Si, io ho fatto tre A.
I love spending my free time learning new things like sailing, watercolors and DYI. We have tropical trees: 3 figs, lemons, a lime, an avocado, a kumquat, and 2 pomegranate trees. This year I grew sweet potatoes, herbs, and tomatoes. Learning when and how to prune and care for these gems is ongoing.
When learning something new, I often start with a children's book on the topic. I love using Where's Walrus? to teach about literacy and social studies in Italian classrooms! (see publications and presentations).
I even found a children's book about the Siena Palio Contrade. Then I traced my heritage to Selva. We are excited to visit their church, stable, and social club and we have became honorary members in 2018. In 2019, August, they won the crazy horse race!!!! We brought them luck! This has also provided a source of research on child development and community.
Children's Literature is a great way to make cross cultural and cross content connections. In my literacy courses, I always use Eric Carle's books and paper making techniques to demonstrate that ANYONE can be successful at being creative. We make Carle inspired paper, then design a book cover for a future personal collection of children's poetry. It is the most relaxing part of the semester.
Study abroad contributes to one's life in amazing and sometimes unexpected ways. To that end, I have taught abroad twice and have traveled extensively. The experience is amazing, even more as a teacher, to see places through your students' eyes. St. Augustine is credited with saying, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” Take the time to travel...
