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Articles 1 - 30 of 31
Full-Text Articles in Education
The Importance Of Teaching And Learning Patterning In Early Math Education, Jan M. Hessman
The Importance Of Teaching And Learning Patterning In Early Math Education, Jan M. Hessman
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review explores the importance of patterning in early math education. Patterning skills are a unique predictor of future success in mathematics. With the Common Core not addressing patterning as a standard in early math education, many educators have come to believe that the importance of patterning is not significant. However, past and present research studies have yielded convincing results that demonstrate the importance of including patterning in early math curriculums. Incorporating patterning into young students' math experiences requires several specific instructional strategies to optimize the benefits of learning patterning skills.
The Power Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Rachel Mary Nichols
The Power Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Rachel Mary Nichols
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review synthesizes research on how early childhood classrooms use play as a learning tool for students. The review of literature examines different types of play and how children develop in relation to play. Play in the classroom is often viewed as a reward for completing schoolwork, but in preschool classrooms and beyond, play offers a wide variety of learning opportunities and aids in the development of new skills. This literature review uses scholarly articles and journals to examine the different types of early childhood play in the classroom and how children develop in relation to being able to …
Preschool Assessment, Christy Faber
Preschool Assessment, Christy Faber
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Assessments in early childhood are being addressed by educational leaders, administrators and teachers to meet the needs of preschoolers and ensure that these young children are school-ready. A school improvement plan was created using research-based methods. This school improvement plan looks at the need to create a developmentally appropriate preschool assessment report based on state standards with age appropriate objectives outlining specific benchmark skills to show teachers and parents an accurate picture of how children are progressing and growing. The focus of the literature review is based on the need for preschool assessments, types of assessments that are developmentally appropriate …
Pre-A Guided Reading In Early Childhood Literacy Skills, Laura Schumacher
Pre-A Guided Reading In Early Childhood Literacy Skills, Laura Schumacher
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project is to show that gains in literacy skills through implementation of guided reading practices at the preschool level, if successful, prove that guided reading instruction is a meaningful and purposeful practice in teaching literacy skills at the early childhood level. The researcher worked with 47 preschool children ages four and five. Participants attended a state-funded preschool program in an elementary school building. An alphabet literacy skills pre-test was given. A writing sample of the participant' s names, with no visual reference, was obtained. Throughout the weeks, students participated in lessons and activities that …
Appropriate Risk With Two And Three Year Olds, Heather Bruno
Appropriate Risk With Two And Three Year Olds, Heather Bruno
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The focus of this school improvement plan was to explore existing research and data on the benefits and concerns present when allowing young children to play with toys and natural items in the outdoor environment that expose them to more risk. Based on that information, a plan was made to thoughtfully add some appropriate risky play elements to the outdoor playground at the Iowa State Child Development Laboratory School over the duration of one school year. By adding these elements, opportunities for growth of large motor skills and overall learning and development may occur. To assess growth, two assessment tools …
The Effects Of Technology In Early Childhood, Krista Werling
The Effects Of Technology In Early Childhood, Krista Werling
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review examines the effects of technology in early childhood. This literature review uses scholarly journals and articles to show the advantages and disadvantages of technology in early childhood. The research examines how technology can impact a child's development in the areas of (a) social emotional, (b) physical, (c) cognitive, (d) language, (e) mathematics, and (f) literacy skills. The advantages and disadvantages of technology will be reviewed in each of these early childhood developmental areas. Parents and teachers must be aware of screen time guidelines. Recommendations from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the …
Effectiveness Of Number Sense Instruction And Memorization Of Math Facts, Katie Barnes
Effectiveness Of Number Sense Instruction And Memorization Of Math Facts, Katie Barnes
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Math instruction is taught using a variety of methods and strategies. This literature review compares two strategies of math instruction: the instruction of number sense versus the process of memorizing math facts for students. The literature review identifies various math strategies for both number sense instruction and memorization of math facts. This literature review synthesizes studies published in scholarly journals on the topics of number sense, memorizing math facts, timed tests, math anxiety, and teacher perspectives. Studies from this review reveal that number sense instruction is beneficial for student learning to build the foundation for future mathematical knowledge before the …
Children Living With Trauma, Maggie Boyd
Children Living With Trauma, Maggie Boyd
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
There are many experiences that can happen to children that may lead to trauma. This literature review uses scholarly articles and journals, as well as books, to explore the impact trauma has on children. The research shows that there are many factors that may influence a child’s life and cause a child trauma. Trauma has a significant impact on the wiring of a child’s brain. As a result of the wiring, or lack of wiring due to trauma, children will show deficits in physical, social emotional and cognitive skills. Many times trauma can be misunderstood and diagnosed as a disability …
The Importance Of Trauma-Informed Practices In Schools, Heather French
The Importance Of Trauma-Informed Practices In Schools, Heather French
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Students who have been exposed to trauma may face social/emotional, behavioral, or cognitive developmental delays, poor health, problems in school, and mental health issues. These effects may last into adulthood. The intent of a trauma-informed school approach is to break the cycle of trauma by identifying trauma in students, providing support and interventions to help students cope and heal, and helping prevent future trauma. In order to meet these standards, schools need to collaborate with families and mental health professionals. Teachers need the proper training in trauma recognition to be able to provide an environment for all students to feel …
The Effects Of Teacher-Made Books On Preschoolers Choosing The Book Area, Vanessa Gilbert
The Effects Of Teacher-Made Books On Preschoolers Choosing The Book Area, Vanessa Gilbert
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine the effect of teacher-made books on preschoolers choosing the book area during free choice time. The research setting was an ECEAP classroom in a rural public school in Eastern Washington. The participants included 11 three and four-year-old students in an inclusive preschool program. Quantitative data compared student behaviors in the book area collected through video observation during pre- and post-intervention times. The study found adding teacher-made books, which included photographs of the students, to the book area had a positive impact on children choosing the book area during free choice …
Movement To Enhance Learning And On-Task Behavior In Early Childhood Classrooms, Angela James
Movement To Enhance Learning And On-Task Behavior In Early Childhood Classrooms, Angela James
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this literature review was to examine the impact of movement on learning and behavior. The literature provides numerous studies that reveal effects of movement on student achievement and on-task behavior of young children. As educators strive to keep students engaged and on-task, research shows that movement opportunities are a strategy to be utilized. Physical activity can benefit self-regulation and academic performance. Strategies for using movement in the classroom are given to support teachers.
Play-Based Early Childhood Curriculum And Early Literacy Success Link, Kristi Clark
Play-Based Early Childhood Curriculum And Early Literacy Success Link, Kristi Clark
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review synthesizes research on how play-based learning and early-literacy success are linked. The review shows changes in early childhood education in the 20th Century and how play-based curriculums have affected children’s early literacy success. This literature review cites past studies carried out by influential early childhood theorists. Publish research on this topic reveals strong evidence that children’s literacy is developed through play, particularly when guided and teacher-directed play experiences connect to early literacy in a positive manner.
The Effect Of Social Emotional Skill Instruction On Cognitive Development, La'toria Horan
The Effect Of Social Emotional Skill Instruction On Cognitive Development, La'toria Horan
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this literature review is to gather evidence on the effect of teaching social emotional skills on the cognitive development of young children. Social emotional skills are skills that people use to interact with others, manage their emotion and address social situations. Teachers use social emotional learning (SEL) programs to directly and indirectly to address social skills acquisitions in the classroom. This review of the research shares the results of studies about the variety of methods available to teach children social skills and the benefits of mastering those skills. The wide-spread financial commitment by schools for SEL programs …
Effective Methods Of Alphabet Instruction For Preschool, Kelsey Throne
Effective Methods Of Alphabet Instruction For Preschool, Kelsey Throne
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
When children complete preschool with strong alphabet knowledge, there is a higher likelihood that they will read at a level of proficiency or above by third grade. Third-grade reading proficiency is highly predictive of school success factors, including continued reading fluency and high school graduation rates. This literature review compares two different teaching strategies to determine the most effective way to teach the alphabet to preschool students. When considering the pace in which the alphabet is taught, some classrooms teach a letter a week whereas other classrooms teach one letter a day. Multiple studies were analyzed to determine the best …
Using Kinesthetic Motions And Visuals To Help Promote Sight Word Recognition Through Snap Words, Lisa Charbonneaux
Using Kinesthetic Motions And Visuals To Help Promote Sight Word Recognition Through Snap Words, Lisa Charbonneaux
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project studied the impact kinesthetic motions and visuals had on sight word recognition in kindergarten students. Over the course of seven weeks, 28 students from two kindergarten classrooms were given sight word instruction. The experimental group included kinesthetic motions and visuals through the use of Snap Word cards with their sight word instruction. The control group received sight word instruction by presenting the sight word without added kinesthetic motions or visuals. The experimental group included 15 students and the control group consisted of 13 students. Students from both the control and experimental groups were given identical pre …
Preparing Incoming Kindergarteners And Parents For The Transition Into Kindergarten, Jessica Kempema
Preparing Incoming Kindergarteners And Parents For The Transition Into Kindergarten, Jessica Kempema
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The move into kindergarten is a critical transition for kindergarten students and their parents as the transition can impact the child’s academics journey through school. It is essential that preschool and elementary schools prepare families for the transition. This action research project studies the question: how can schools make the transition into kindergarten smoother for both incoming kindergarteners and their parents? The researcher reviewed data from the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment of 26 kindergarten students and also conducted a parent survey to determine how schools can better prepare students and parents during the move into kindergarten. The study found the transition …
Guided Math: Best Practice For The General Education Classrooms, Kaylee Cloyed
Guided Math: Best Practice For The General Education Classrooms, Kaylee Cloyed
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Flexible small grouping and Guided Math is becoming widely used in elementary mathematics instruction around the world. However, there are some different viewpoints on whether or not this is the most effective math instruction for students and teachers. Research proves that being successful in math is important in order for students to be successful later in life at their careers. Since mathematics is so important for a successful life, many teachers and researchers are studying new intervention strategies to help students be successful in math. This literature review will contain peer reviewed, scholarly journals researching the history of education, math …
Directed, Structured Fine Motor Activities And Handwriting Development, Maggie Rozenboom
Directed, Structured Fine Motor Activities And Handwriting Development, Maggie Rozenboom
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this actions research project was to determine if the Transitional Kindergarten students who participated in directed, structured fine motor development increased their handwriting skills compared to those who did not receive directed, structured fine motor skill assistance. The study consisted of assessing students handwriting skills using the Handwriting Without Tears - Beginning Print at the beginning of the year, mid-year, and the end of the year. The quantitative data revealed that students who participated in daily fine motor activities that are directed for specific fine motor needs, including: pincher grasp, pincer grasp, whole-hand, and letter/number formation saw …
Social Emotional Learning And Its Effects On Behaviors In The Kindergarten Classroom, Nicole Bruce
Social Emotional Learning And Its Effects On Behaviors In The Kindergarten Classroom, Nicole Bruce
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research project is to determine the impact of explicit social emotional instruction in the kindergarten classroom. Quantitative data was collected through behavior reports to determine the effects that this instruction had on students' behavior. The kindergarten class consisted of 20 students, including eleven females and nine males. The research was done during winter of 2019-2020. Social emotional lessons were implemented over a four-week period to the kindergarten class. Data were collected to determine if negative behaviors decreased after implementing these lessons. It was concluded that implementing social emotional instruction for the four-week period did have …
Executive Function And Self Regulation In Early Childhood, Jill Casey
Executive Function And Self Regulation In Early Childhood, Jill Casey
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
There has been a shift in the kindergarten classroom from one filled with play and exploration to one filled with academic rigor. In response to this, the focus of many preschool classrooms have also shifted to focus more on academic development rather than social emotional development. Executive function skills, which include inhibitory control, working memory and cognitive flexibility have been found to predict academic success and school readiness more than IQ. Self-regulation which refers to controlling behavior in response to a stimulus is interrelated with executive function and also is a predictor of success. Caregivers and early childhood classrooms must …
The Level Of Engagement Of Typically Developing Students Versus Students Enrolled In Special Education And Their Response To Teacher-Led Music Instruction Versus Technology-Led Music, Candice Haugen
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Technology comes in many forms and is more accessible than ever before. There are many notable benefits of using technology. However, there are also negative effects when used incorrectly or not in moderation. There are various views on when technology should be incorporated into a classroom, the types of classrooms and how early within the educational setting it should be used. Based on research gathered, technology should be used within the classroom to enhance learning, not replace face-to-face interactions or experiences. Music within the early childhood classroom is beneficial to all learners within the environment. There are various ways to …
Peer Modeling Vs. Teacher Modeling For The Inclusive Preschool Classroom, Joshalyn Loutsch
Peer Modeling Vs. Teacher Modeling For The Inclusive Preschool Classroom, Joshalyn Loutsch
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this research was to examine the effects of peer modeling versus teacher modeling for students with special needs within the inclusive preschool setting. Data was collected for three different developmental areas for students with special needs: social emotional, language, and cognitive abilities. The data gathered determined that both peer modeling and teacher modeling are effective teaching strategies for students with special needs, but it is unclear whether one strategy is more efficient than the other is. Preschool is the foundation for a child's education and teachers need research-based strategies to implement quality instruction for students with special …
How Do Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac) Systems Impact Students, Melinda Rice
How Do Augmentative And Alternative Communication (Aac) Systems Impact Students, Melinda Rice
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This paper will focus on communication and why it is so important during literacy routines in the classroom. The research will serve as a gateway into understanding the world of how communication and literacy tie together and what the impact of using Augmentative and Alternative Communication devices could do for a student. The research will focus on emergent literacy routines for students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex communication needs and to what degree the communication systems help the students communicate and com-prehend the questions being asked of them.
Handwriting Without Tears And Its Affect On Lowercase Writing, Cynthia Ungs
Handwriting Without Tears And Its Affect On Lowercase Writing, Cynthia Ungs
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The researcher hypothesizes that students with no prior Handwriting Without Tears instruction can transition to lowercase name writing easier than students that have had that instruction. The researcher has studied the handwriting samples based on common handwriting assessment qualities. Writing samples were taken monthly, one from each student. There were 9 students that the researcher received handwriting samples, all of white race. There were 7 boys and 2 girls in the test set. The students that received Handwriting Without Tears used this mixed upper and lowercase writing for some time and had a harder time transitioning to first uppercase and …
Using Rubrics And Self-Monitoring With Young Children, Jackie White
Using Rubrics And Self-Monitoring With Young Children, Jackie White
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research project studied the effects of using rubrics with preschool children. Research has shown the benefits of using rubrics with older students. This research project studied the effects of the Teaching Strategies Gold name-writing rubric with preschool-aged children. The literature review shows that young children are capable of metacognitive awareness to determine what needs to be learned. Rubrics can be implemented to aid students in evaluating their progress toward a learning goal. One group of preschool-aged children, three- to five-years of age, used the name-writing rubric to monitor their progress toward independently writing their name and was compared …
Flexible Seating In The Classroom, Sara N. Wright
Flexible Seating In The Classroom, Sara N. Wright
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review discusses flexible seating in the classroom. It explains specific types of flexible seating that was found in recent relevant research most often. These seating types are therapy balls, inflatable cushions, standing desks, and foot fidgets. Next, the importance of the physical layout and environment of the classroom is examined. This literature review goes on to explore the benefits and challenges of flexible seating. Some benefits are engagement, positive behavior, movement, social impacts, and student choice. Some challenges are expense, storage and space, discomfort and balance, and incorrect use. There are multiple considerations educators need to take when …
Movement Matters: The Importance Of Incorporating Movement In The Classroom, Dana Kleinjan
Movement Matters: The Importance Of Incorporating Movement In The Classroom, Dana Kleinjan
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review looks at what movement is and how it can improve student learning. Journal articles written in the last ten years were evaluated to find common themes that support incorporating movement throughout the school day including at recess, during physical education, and in the classroom. Brain research shows that moving while learning is beneficial. Movement ignites areas of the brain as well as improves neuron connections, helps to develop different areas of the brain, and offers a variety of mental health benefits such as lowered anxiety and depression. In addition, movement helps to prevent long term diseases such …
Overview Of Trauma And Trauma-Informed Practices, Chelsea Larson
Overview Of Trauma And Trauma-Informed Practices, Chelsea Larson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review explores trauma and trauma-informed practices. This literature review uses scholarly articles and journals explains an overview of trauma, toxic stress on brain development, assumptions of trauma-informed approaches, trauma screening and assessment, and an examination of teacher’s personal anxiety. The research will show how prevalent trauma is and negative impacts trauma has on students and adults. Trauma can cause a lot of difficulties on academic achievement for students. This literature review also includes information of protective factors such as resiliency, attachment, relaxation techniques, collaboration among professionals, instruction on expressing feelings, play in the classroom, and classroom environment suggestions. …
Promoting Play-Based Learning At Home, Canada C. Vandervelde
Promoting Play-Based Learning At Home, Canada C. Vandervelde
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This literature review discusses how teachers can help parents implement play-based-learning in their own home. The review first looks at what play-based-learning is, why it is developmentally appropriate in the early years, and how it has evolved and been used throughout the years. The review will discuss legislation that has made it difficult to practice play-based-learning in the classroom and how promoting parental involvement is one way that we can combat this. Home-visits, take-home-kits, and technology are then reviewed as viable ways to introduce parents to play-based-learning and help them implement it in their own homes.
The Impact Of Coaching To Support Professional Development In A Preschool Classroom, Katie Olson
The Impact Of Coaching To Support Professional Development In A Preschool Classroom, Katie Olson
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this action research study was to determine the effect that the combination of coaching and professional development have on teachers’ confidence levels and number of classroom practices carried out compared with teachers who only attend professional development. The participants included six female caucasian teachers who all teach preschool in public elementary schools in southern Iowa. Data was collected through the use of a rating scale and checklist of practices that were completed by the participants prior to and following the intervention. The results of the study indicated that there was not a large enough difference in the …