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Developing Self-Regulation, Terriann Vandeventer Dec 2023

Developing Self-Regulation, Terriann Vandeventer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"Abstract This research seeks to determine if children can develop self-regulation through games and activities in early childhood. This research was completed over six weeks in a classroom of three- to six-year-old students in a Montessori school. The researcher presented weekly games to the students to develop self-regulation skills such as listening, following directions, and body awareness. The researcher completed student surveys using qualitative and quantitative data from teacher observations to support their findings. The research found that games and activities can develop self-regulation skills in young children, lead to positive self-regulation behavior, decrease negative regulation skills, and increase self-awareness."


The Impact Of Role-Play On The Self-Regulation Of Preschoolers Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jennifer Myers Dec 2023

The Impact Of Role-Play On The Self-Regulation Of Preschoolers Following The Covid-19 Pandemic, Jennifer Myers

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This Action Research Project examined the impact of role-play on preschoolers’ self-regulation development in a Montessori primary classroom. The class consisted of 18 students; ages 3-5 years old. Four of the nine students in the intervention had delays, disruptions, or modifications to their Montessori experience, possibly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Role-play scenarios were performed by the students for four weeks. The results show that role-play positively impacted self-regulation in the primary classroom. The average percentage of self-regulated behaviors increased by 28.5% from the pre-intervention week through the last intervention week. Modeling of self-regulated behaviors increased, and modeling of dysregulated …


Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North Dec 2022

Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"This study aims to determine the effects Practical Life activities have on the process of normalization of students in a Montessori primary classroom. The research took place over six weeks and included 22 participants. Each day the participants were given Practical Life lessons, such as dry pouring, rolling up a work mat, walking around the ellipse, etc. Students who can concentrate and work freely in the Montessori classroom are moving toward normalization. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to examine the effects of how Practical Life activities assist the process of normalization of children ages 3-6. Findings suggest that …


A Prepared Environment At Home For One Adolescent: The Effect Of Exercises Of Practical Life On Self-Regulation Of An Adolescent, Melissa Herrick Franzen Aug 2022

A Prepared Environment At Home For One Adolescent: The Effect Of Exercises Of Practical Life On Self-Regulation Of An Adolescent, Melissa Herrick Franzen

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project investigated the effect of exercises of practical life on the self regulation of an adolescent in his prepared environment at home. Participants included two parents (of which one was the researcher) and one adolescent boy aged sixteen. The research took place over seven weeks in the home of the adolescent. The researcher prepared areas of the house to create a setting for practical life exercises. A pre-attitude scale for the adolescent and pre assessments for the parents and the adolescent provided baseline data. This data supported the selection and design of the eight materials for the …


"Mindfulness Breathing In Support Of Emotional Self-Regulation In A Montessori Upper Elementary Environment", Emily Farris Aug 2022

"Mindfulness Breathing In Support Of Emotional Self-Regulation In A Montessori Upper Elementary Environment", Emily Farris

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to examine whether the implementation of mindfulness breathing exercises aided in emotional self-regulation. This study incorporated various breathing techniques five days a week for five to ten minutes each day. The six-week study involved 14 children between the ages of 9 and 12 years in a private Montessori school in the southern region of the United States. Data collection included daily observations of the breathing exercises, pre and post-behavioral self-assessments, a daily reflection tool by the researcher, and a student feedback form. Results showed an increase in regulated behavior and breathing techniques being used …


The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Exercise On Children’S Executive Functioning, Emily E. Osborn May 2022

The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Exercise On Children’S Executive Functioning, Emily E. Osborn

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study examines the effect of combining vigorous exercise with cognitively engaging games on children’s executive functioning skills such as self-direction, engagement, and focus. Over four weeks, the research took place in a Montessori early childhood classroom with 17 children ages 2.6 to 6. The four-week study included a one-week baseline week to collect initial data on the capabilities of self-direction and comprehensive data on energy levels and engagement. The children participated in a 14-minute movement activity with 7 minutes of vigorous exercise and 7 minutes of cognitive-engaging games. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative data tools to examine …


Mindfulness Breathing And Self-Regulation: The Effects Of Covid-19 On Children, Savannah Lontz May 2022

Mindfulness Breathing And Self-Regulation: The Effects Of Covid-19 On Children, Savannah Lontz

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The impacts of COVID-19 affected the self-regulation of children around the world. This resulted in dysregulated behavior. A study was conducted around mindfulness breathing and its effects on self-regulation. The participants in the study were children ages six to nine and the location of the study was in a public charter Montessori elementary classroom. The study consisted of implementing mindfulness breathing twice daily for a period of five weeks. Participants’ behaviors were observed, and their dysregulated behaviors were tallied. The participants also took surveys before and after the intervention took place regarding their self-regulation. Additionally, the participants were interviewed about …


Fostering Emotion Regulation In Lower Elementary Children Through Practical Life Exercises, Doris En-Chia Lin Dec 2021

Fostering Emotion Regulation In Lower Elementary Children Through Practical Life Exercises, Doris En-Chia Lin

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research investigated how integrating practical life exercises and self-regulation lessons could foster emotion regulation in lower elementary children. Twenty First and Second grade students in a public Montessori school participated in this four-week study. Quantitative data tools included students’ feelings self assessments, parent questionnaire, feelings check-in, and tallies of student behavior. Qualitative tools included students’ feeling journals, my observation journal, and children’s practical life reflection. Data analysis indicated that teaching children to identify their feelings and offering choices of calm down activities in the practical life area gave children the tools to recalibrate themselves. By the end of …


The Impact Of Extended Recess With Loose Parts Play On Montessori Primary Student Self-Regulation And On-Task Behaviour, Rossana Cogorno Maldonado May 2021

The Impact Of Extended Recess With Loose Parts Play On Montessori Primary Student Self-Regulation And On-Task Behaviour, Rossana Cogorno Maldonado

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

"Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to study the impact of extended recess with loose parts play on student self-regulation at recess and on-task behavior after recess. The population for this action research study were students in grades one through three at a public Montessori elementary school in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia during a Covid-restricted school year. The intervention involved 45-60 minutes of extended recess with access to loose parts play for three weeks. Data collection included the following: loose parts play field observations, conflict type and frequency, on-task behaviors tally, and student self-assessments of on-task behaviors. …


The Impact Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons On Self-Regulation In A Toddler Montessori Environment, Catherine S. T. Greene May 2020

The Impact Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons On Self-Regulation In A Toddler Montessori Environment, Catherine S. T. Greene

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The skills associated with self-regulation begin in toddlerhood. This action research study was designed to assess the impact of Grace and Courtesy lessons on toddler behavior. Students participated in lessons on how to greet a friend, how to ask for a turn and how to express affection. The study took place in a Montessori toddler classroom of 14 children, aged 26-36 months old. The classroom was part of a half-day Montessori preschool located in the South Eastern United States. I used field notes and tally marks to observe behavior in the classroom. Observations were done daily, and the data collection …


The Effects Of Connecting Rituals On Verbal Conflicts In The Montessori Preschool Classroom, Dave Budish May 2020

The Effects Of Connecting Rituals On Verbal Conflicts In The Montessori Preschool Classroom, Dave Budish

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to see if a program through Conscious Discipline called Connecting Rituals would decrease the number of verbal conflicts in a Montessori preschool classroom. Conscious Discipline is a non-punitive, non-adversarial behavior program that is backed by current brain science. One aspect of the Conscious Discipline model is Connecting Rituals. Connecting Rituals are short games, nursery rhymes, and finger plays that adults and children do together in large or small groups. The Connecting Rituals would increase self-regulation and social skills in a Montessori preschool classroom. The study was conducted in a Montessori preschool classroom …


Breathing And Behavior: The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices On Work Completion And Self- Regulation In The Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom, Kate Spencer May 2020

Breathing And Behavior: The Effects Of Mindfulness Practices On Work Completion And Self- Regulation In The Upper Elementary Montessori Classroom, Kate Spencer

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a mindfulness curriculum and practices on student self-regulation and work completion. The study took place in a large suburban school in western Canada with 19 participants in a grade four, five and six Montessori classroom. The intervention took place over a period of six weeks, during which the researcher led mindfulness lessons using the MindUp curriculum. Additionally, students took part in mindfulness and yoga practices daily and weekly, respectively. Data was collected using student journals, an observational tally, student work cycle folders, and student pre and post surveys. The …


The Effects Of Character Education Literature Of Bucket Filling Strategies On The Ability Of 5-Year-Old Students To Self-Regulate In A Montessori Classroom, Margaret R. Kennedy Dec 2019

The Effects Of Character Education Literature Of Bucket Filling Strategies On The Ability Of 5-Year-Old Students To Self-Regulate In A Montessori Classroom, Margaret R. Kennedy

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research project was to explore how the implementation of bucket filling could affect self-regulation in 5-year-olds in a Montessori classroom. The bucket filling theme is character education children’s literature. The collection of data for this action research utilized a mixed method of quantitative and qualitative, including the pre- and post-Preschool Self-Regulation Assessment, daily observation reflections, and tally sheets of behaviors. The data collected and analyzed in this study use of bucket filling can have some effect on self-regulation skills in 5-year-olds in a Montessori classroom. Self-regulation is essential to success in the classroom and in …


"The Impact Of Trauma-Informed Strategies On Self-Regulation And Sense Of Belonging In Elementary Students", Sakeenah M. Franzen Dec 2019

"The Impact Of Trauma-Informed Strategies On Self-Regulation And Sense Of Belonging In Elementary Students", Sakeenah M. Franzen

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effects of trauma-informed strategies on self-regulation and sense of belonging in elementary students. The research took place over a six-week period in an upper elementary classroom in a public Montessori school in the MidAtlantic. The population included 20 students ages 9-11. The intervention utilized traumainformed strategies such as mindfulness, yoga, community building, a calm box, and solo time. Data was collected through daily observations, a daily log, pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, and student journals. The repertoire of interventions proved to be beneficial in positively affecting self-regulation among students. Some positive …


The Effects Of Implementing Montessori At Home On Children’S Independence And Self-Regulation In A Montessori Classroom, Betty Namuddu, Emily Vance, Victoria Litton May 2019

The Effects Of Implementing Montessori At Home On Children’S Independence And Self-Regulation In A Montessori Classroom, Betty Namuddu, Emily Vance, Victoria Litton

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The ultimate goal of Montessori educators is to prepare the child, the whole child. One who is not only excelling academically, but also is independent, a critical thinker, and can collaborate with people from all different walks of life. The role of the Montessori educators is to prepare and guide children to independence, this is an increasingly difficult goal to achieve independence and self-regulation especially in the three to six, and six to nine age group. The Montessori guides have grappled with the disconnect between the home environment and school environment, citing it as the major obstacle to children’s independence. …


Effects Of Mindfulness Strategies On Student Self-Regulation Skills In Primary And Elementary Students, Kandace Alphonso, Saboohi Durrani, Monika Sood May 2019

Effects Of Mindfulness Strategies On Student Self-Regulation Skills In Primary And Elementary Students, Kandace Alphonso, Saboohi Durrani, Monika Sood

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of mindfulness-based interventions, such as the MindUP curriculum and Exercises of Practical Life, on primary and elementary aged students’ self-regulation skills. This study consisted of a sample size of 38 students from three different Montessori environments. The data was collected over a period of four weeks using a pre and post parent assessment, observational field notes and tally sheets, and a behavioral student self-assessment tool. Results show a connection between the mindfulness interventions implemented and the children’s ability to self-regulate their behaviors and emotions. The data shows positive effects on …


The Impact Of Second Step Implementation On Students’ Social-Emotional Skills In An Elementary School Setting, Sara M. Dewald, Brittany B. Ternes, Megan R. Wald May 2019

The Impact Of Second Step Implementation On Students’ Social-Emotional Skills In An Elementary School Setting, Sara M. Dewald, Brittany B. Ternes, Megan R. Wald

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

A positive classroom and a positive school environment are needed to best support students, especially those students with major behavioral concerns. The implementation of the Second Step curriculum is one way to support positive student behavior. This study examined the impact of Second Step implementation methods on students’ emotion management skills. Peer-to-peer, small-group teacher intervention, and whole-group implementation groups in kindergarten and fifth-grade classrooms were studied. Data collection methods included observational checklists, a district created formative assessment, and pre- and post-tests created by the Second Step curriculum. The data collected indicated that many students had an accurate understanding of social-emotional …


Social-Emotional Learning In Pre-Primary And Primary Education, Jillian R. Larson, Paige A. Larson, Anna Marie C. Wiatros Aug 2018

Social-Emotional Learning In Pre-Primary And Primary Education, Jillian R. Larson, Paige A. Larson, Anna Marie C. Wiatros

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Students entering the school setting have a need for explicit instruction to develop their social and emotional competencies. The aim of this research was to study the effects of the Mind+Heart Social Emotional Curriculum as an intervention for pre-primary and primary students. This study consisted of preschool children (age 4) in a daycare setting and kindergarten and second grade students in a public school setting. Over an eight week period various data was collected: pre- and post-conversational dialogues, student journals, student self-assessments, and teacher observation logs of student behavior. The data presented a correlation between implementation and a reduction of …


The Effects Of Connecting Rituals On Tantrums And Physical Conflicts, Julia E. Neumann May 2018

The Effects Of Connecting Rituals On Tantrums And Physical Conflicts, Julia E. Neumann

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This study was conducted to determine if creating strong student-teacher relationships through a program called Conscious Discipline decreased the number of physical conflicts and tantrums, therefore increasing self-regulation, in an early childhood classroom. This study took place in an early childhood Montessori classroom. There were 25 participants, mixed genders, ages 2.5 to 6 years old. The researcher taught and practiced connecting rituals from the Conscious Discipline program every day during the normal large group time. The researcher collected data by using tally marks to record every time a physical conflict, individual tantrum, or connecting ritual without adult encouragement took place, …


Mindfulness And Its Effects On Self-Regulation In A Lower Elementary Classroom, Jennifer Yenter May 2018

Mindfulness And Its Effects On Self-Regulation In A Lower Elementary Classroom, Jennifer Yenter

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this action research was to determine the effect of a variety of mindfulness activities and exercises on self-regulation. Twenty-eight students from a lower elementary class of first, second, and third graders in a public Montessori school participated in the study. Data was collected over a period of six weeks using an on task behavior tally sheet, productivity scoring rubric, observational notes, behavior logs, self-assessments, student feedback, and an auditory following directions matrix. Results show a promising association between mindfulness and self-regulation. All students enjoyed partaking in mindfulness and reported positive associations with the intervention and showed increases …


Using Mindfulness To Self-Regulate In The Upper Elementary Classroom, Ashleigh L. Bartz Dec 2017

Using Mindfulness To Self-Regulate In The Upper Elementary Classroom, Ashleigh L. Bartz

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to determine the effects on students’ ability to self regulate while learning about daily mindfulness lessons. The study took place over the course of six weeks in an upper elementary class of 20 students, including four fourth graders, nine fifth graders, and seven sixth graders. The study was conducted in a rural public Montessori school in the Midwest. Students participated in a six-week mindfulness unit from The Mind Up Curriculum (The Hawn Foundation, 2011). The researcher collected data through a pre-and postassessment, students’ self reflections and graphs, researcher’s observation, and researcher’s daily journal. The …


Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger Dec 2016

Beneficial Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization, Leah Linebarger

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

This action research project investigated the effects on involving children in the practical life curriculum on normalization in the Montessori toddler and primary classrooms. 30 students, their parents and 7 teachers were participants. 12 students and their parents were from a toddler classroom and 18 from two separate primary classrooms. Data was collected pre and post study via questionnaires on the parents’ goals for their children. Many of the goals listed such as socialization skills, independence and emotional stability can be met through engaging the child in practical life activities and as the child meets these goals should normalize. A …


Using Self-Monitoring To Increase Self-Regulation In Young Children, Latoya T. Jones May 2016

Using Self-Monitoring To Increase Self-Regulation In Young Children, Latoya T. Jones

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

SELF-REGULATION IN YOUNG CHILDREN 3 Abstract The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of a self-monitoring system on the social-emotional behaviors of children in a mixed-age early childhood classroom. The study took place over the course of six weeks at a public Montessori school with twelve participants ranging from ages 4 to 7. Data was collected using a teacher questionnaire, observation tallies, teacher notes, and student feedback. Findings indicated that disruptive behaviors increased and children’s ability to communicate their emotions and recognize emotions in others only slightly increased. Although the results displayed minimal changes in students' ability …


Implementation Of Self-Regulation And Conflict Resolution Strategies Through Conscious Discipline In An Early Childhood Classroom, Alyssa F. Dapolito May 2016

Implementation Of Self-Regulation And Conflict Resolution Strategies Through Conscious Discipline In An Early Childhood Classroom, Alyssa F. Dapolito

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

CONSCIOUS DISCIPLINE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD 2 Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine if implementing Conscious Discipline® methods would improve self-regulation and conflict resolution strategies. The action research took place over six weeks in a Montessori classroom with 30 students ranging from 3-6 years old; however, the participants were eight specific four or five year old male students. Four data collection tools were used throughout the intervention; a pre and post intervention survey, a weekly behavioral observation, a student reflection, and an end-of-day self-reflection form. After analyzing the data, evidence showed improved behaviors. By implementing Conscious Discipline®, students …


The Effects Of Meditative Activities For Primary-Aged Children, Vanessa I. Padua-Evans May 2016

The Effects Of Meditative Activities For Primary-Aged Children, Vanessa I. Padua-Evans

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

The purpose of this research was to optimize the development of the will, a level of self-regulation, and cognitive function of primary-aged children through the habitual use of designated meditative activities. Past research and studies relating to meditation, neuroscience, the sensory needs of children and human development have determined that age-appropriate meditation exercises with preschool children would foster the development of self-regulation (Schwatz, 2011; Semple, Lee & Rosa, Miller, 2009; Thompson & Raisor, 2013; Zelazo & Lyons 2011). This four week study integrated tangible meditation tools and outlets: a yoga mat, bolster, a booklet with pictures of four restorative yoga …


Deep Breathing And Downward Dog: Supporting Students With An Ebd Through Yoga, Rachel A. Coates May 2015

Deep Breathing And Downward Dog: Supporting Students With An Ebd Through Yoga, Rachel A. Coates

Master of Social Work Clinical Research Papers

The purpose of this research project was to explore how school social workers are utilizing yoga as an intervention for youth who have an emotional/behavioral disorder (EBD). This research project was qualitative in design and seven school social workers from Minnesota were interviewed. Participants interviewed were school social workers from Minnesota that discussed how yoga was being used in schools to increase mindbody awareness and self-regulation among youth who have an emotional/behavioral disorder. Six themes emerged from the data including: normalizing yoga, benefits, yoga curriculum, feedback, barriers, and suggestions. Previous research has indicated that yoga is beneficial not only for …


Help Me Help Myself: The Role Of Helper Flags As Tools For Self-Regulation, Lara G. Bergman Dec 2014

Help Me Help Myself: The Role Of Helper Flags As Tools For Self-Regulation, Lara G. Bergman

Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers

Abstract The purpose of this action research was to determine if using flags, created as tools for signaling for help, was an effective way to develop persistence and encourage children to complete their chosen work. The study was conducted in a preschool classroom at a private Montessori school. Participants included 15 children aged three to five and three teachers. Data was collected in the form of student interviews, tallies, and observations made during the period of research. The results indicated that the helper flags increased the children’s persistence with their work and increased the likelihood they would complete their chosen …