Date of Award
8-2026
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education, Leadership and Public Service
Program
Reading Specialist for K-12 (MAE)
First Advisor/Chairperson
Christi Edge
Abstract
This study investigated the connections between wolf stories, wolf history, and educational theories: critical literacy, schema theory, reader response theory/transactional theory, and the use of intertextual approaches in the classroom. In this study, I used a mix of transactional theory as the theoretical framework, self-study methodology, and living educational theory research methods to study myself as an educator, methods of teaching in a classroom, and children’s literature. My first finding, detailed in Chapter One, was discovering the connection between wolf stories and wolf history. I argue that the relationship between wolves and humans is represented in literature, and the representation of wolves in literature then in turn influences the relationship between humans and wolves in real life. My second finding, detailed in Chapter Two, was discovering ways I can use educational theories to teach about wolf topics. I argue that implementing a critical literacy lens is an effective way to teach about wolves, and wolf topics are an avenue to teach students critical literacy skills. The research on teaching about wolves from a critical literacy lens is very limited. My thesis helps fill a gap in knowledge about the connections between wolf history, wolf stories, and educational theory.
Recommended Citation
Lubig, Olivia, "The Stories We Tell About Wolves" (2026). All NMU Master's Theses. 928.
https://commons.nmu.edu/theses/928
Access Type
Open Access
Olivia Lubig.pdf (221 kB)
Signed Signature Page