Abstract
The field of TESOL, containing an extremely diverse population of students, is prime for the use of differentiated instructional tools. However, available learning materials are lacking in meaningful differentiation as well as assertion of their efficacy in TESOL, making them difficult for educators to source and apply meaningfully in classroom settings. This paper explores a practical application of instructional differentiation and specificity through the creation of a TESOL learning material, a game, that is directed at a specific student population and need, that being logographically-literate sinophone English language learners (ELLs) learning phonics and reading skills. The literature on the specific transition between logographic and alphabetic literacy is extremely limited; this paper attempts to create precedent for this discussion through a practical, creative application of language studies knowledge and design theory. Through the creation and testing of the game, Hinges!, we create further implications for the future of TESOL curriculum development by asserting the efficacy of linguistically-informed, specific learning materials for unique ELL populations.
Advisor
Broda, Matthew
Department
Education
Recommended Citation
Canfield, Daphne E., "Dealing a Good Hand: Game Design for Sinophone Acquisition of English Phonics in TESOL Classrooms" (2026). Senior Independent Study Theses. Paper 13167.
https://openworks.wooster.edu/independentstudy/13167
Disciplines
Adult and Continuing Education | Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education
Keywords
TESOL, SLA, Phonics, UDL
Publication Date
2026
Degree Granted
Bachelor of Arts
Document Type
Senior Independent Study Thesis
© Copyright 2026 Daphne E. Canfield