Education Commons^™

Visual Phonics : Its Impact As An Instructional Tool To Promote Literacy Development In Kindergarten Students, Lori J. Bower

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature examined the impact of See The Sound/Visual Phonics (STSNP), a supplemental instructional strategy, on kindergarten students, especially those at risk for future reading challenges. STSNP is an instructional strategy originally designed for use with children who are deaf/hard of hearing, that utilizes the multi-sensory tool of gesture to focus on the development of phonemic awareness skills. Research reviewed for this study first examined the importance of phonemic awareness in overall literacy development. Additional studies reviewed establish support for the use of multi-sensory instructional approaches, including the specific use of gesture to help efficiently encode information. This …

Vocabulary Matters : Why Vocabulary Instruction Is Important And How To Implement Quality Instruction In Preschool, Melanie Blocker

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined why vocabulary instruction is important in preschool, and ways that a teacher can implement quality vocabulary instruction into the classroom. The review describes why vocabulary instruction is crucial in preschool, and then provides five different ways that a teacher can implement vocabulary instruction into the preschool classroom. Vocabulary instruction is valuable as it builds the foundation for later reading skills, such as comprehension. The conclusion of this literature review provides recommendations on how to implement vocabulary instruction into preschools, educational policies, and teacher practices.

Parent-Child Interaction : How It Impacts Language And Literacy Skills, Angie Thurman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review is to examine the importance of parent-child interaction in children ages birth through five-years old. The review focuses on how these interactions impact literacy and language skills in young children. Parent interventions and strategies to help children grow in the areas of literacy and language are also highlighted. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations for parents and teachers as well as suggestions for future research.

Impact Of Family Engagement On Child Outcomes In Preschool, Kathryn S. Ingham

Graduate Research Papers

This review considered the impact of family engagement on child outcomes in preschool and what variables impact the success of family engagement in preschool. Many child outcomes are affected by family engagement. This particular work focuses on child outcomes related to literacy and approaches to learning. The variables of the family engagement examined include demographics, culture, family unit, and socioeconomic status. Many forms and degrees of family engagement are described with the degree of success for family engagement determined by the actual participants. Findings of the review point towards family engagement promoting positive outcomes for children enrolled in preschool despite …

Technology And Young Children, Jamie Vircks

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the purpose of technology use with young children. Examination of literature on effects of technology usage in the classroom, and ebook use to teach emergent literacy skills, was done. Insights showed that young children are learning more than just academic skills while using technology. They are learning cultural and social norms. In the classroom, children as young as three years old are being introduced to technology as a way to teach practice and reinforce new literacy skills. The review had mixed results as to whether technology use with young children to teach literacy skills is effective. Further …

Prep-Kindergarten Teachers' Beliefs : Basic Skills Versus Child-Centered Orientation, Katie Stundahl

Graduate Research Papers

This research paper is a partial replication of the Stipek and Byler (1997) study, "Early childhood education teachers: Do they practice what they preach?" The study focuses on teachers' beliefs, goals, standardized testing, and parental pressures of early childhood education. Results of this study revealed prep-kindergarten teachers from the state of Iowa believe social skills are the most important goal of their programs. This confirms the literature review of what is developmentally appropriate for early childhood classrooms. Nearly all teachers in this study reported that they believed their programs to be appropriate for young children and that parental pressure regarding …

The Use Of Touchscreen Devices To Support Writing Development Of Preschoolers, Celeste Mortvedt

Graduate Research Papers

This review examines the use of touchscreen devices to support writing development of preschool children. Examination of the impact of touchscreen device writing on brain development of preschoolers is also included. Benefits and challenges of using touchscreen devices to support handwriting development are analyzed and reviewed along with recommendations for classroom implementation, future research, and educational policy.

Play-Based Early Childhood Classrooms And The Effect On Pre-Kindergarten Social And Academic Achievement, Amy Mcginn

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the effects of a play-based early childhood curriculum on the academic and social development of pre-kindergarten children. The findings in this literature review examine the relationships between free play, social skills, and academic outcomes in the early years of school. The reviewed research suggested a positive correlation between free play in early childhood and future school success in literacy and social development. The conclusion of this review includes recommendations for improving teacher practices and educational policies.

Invented Spelling And Its Effect On Kindergarten Students' Reading And Writing Abilities, Kelli A. Daly

Graduate Research Papers

This review investigated the effects of invented spelling on kindergarten students and how it can affect their phonemic awareness, as well as how it can affect his or her reading and spelling in kindergarten. In addition, this review compared different writing instruction techniques and how they differ and impact a child's writing and spelling in kindergarten. Several articles compare the use and acceptance of invented spelling in comparison to conventional spelling. Findings from the review propose that invented spelling is a beneficial technique to helping young children learn to read and write and has a positive influence on their reading …

The Development And Support Of Geometric And Spatial Concepts In Preschool- And Kindergarten-Aged Children, Laura J. Becker

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of the literature review is to discuss the development of geometric and spatial concepts in preschool- and kindergarten-aged children. This development can be seen through the children's mental and manual rotation, as well as children's experiences with spatial reasoning. The factors that influence these concepts, such as spatial talk and spatial play are also examined. This review identifies ways that teachers can support the development of geometric and spatial concepts in the classroom, such as exposure to materials, pedagogy, interventions, and their own professional development. The conclusion of this literature review synthesizes the evidence, discusses recommendations, and provides …

Sound : The Study Of Differentiating Pitch And Volume With Preschoolers, Jennifer Lyn Miller

Graduate Research Papers

I designed an exploratory study for adapting an early elementary physics of sound science module to use in preschool. The purpose of the study was to observe and collect data regarding the use of an inquiry-based physical knowledge activity, implemented in a play-based preschool setting, and how this knowledge could assist in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in early childhood.

Using random sampling from a classroom of 20 students, I chose six participants between the ages of four and five. As prekindergarten children experimented with sound, I probed understanding of two of the main concepts in the …

Increasing Vocabulary And Oral Language Skills Of Pre-K English Language Learners Through Shared Storybook Reading And Take-Home Literacy Bags, Angela Butler

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of Shared Storybook Readings and Take Home Literacy Bags utilizing Dialogic Questioning Techniques on the oral language skills and vocabulary knowledge of preschool-aged English Language Learners.

Eleven preschool students identified as English Language Learners in a suburban school district took part in the six-week intervention. Each week students were exposed to three read-aloud experiences utilizing Dialogic Reading Techniques and Questioning and a Take Home Literacy Bag for further reading experiences with their families. Student growth was assessed weekly using three tools: Teaching Strategies GOLD observations, a Teacher-Created Vocabulary Assessment, and …

Sign Language In The Preschool Classroom : A Self-Study, Dianna Geiger

Graduate Research Papers

This research was a self-study involving the learning and implementation of sign language in the preschool classroom. Over the course of eight weeks, I taught myself sign language and implemented what I learned in my preschool classroom of three- and four-year-old children. Through journaling, videotaping and surveys, I was able to increase my sign language knowledge at a good rate, increase student engagement and find a unique way to bond with my students. My memory was the biggest challenge for me during the study. Knowing someone that speaks in sign language would be beneficial to someone just starting out. While …

Strengthening Early Mathematics In Early Childhood Classrooms : A Professional Development Project, Jennifer Lynn Jansen

Graduate Research Papers

This project outlines a series of professional development sessions for preschool teachers that focus on early mathematics. Each session emphasizes key mathematical content and builds teachers' understanding and positive attitudes toward mathematics. Teachers also explore how children's knowledge and skills in the content topics develops and examine examples of children at various levels of understanding and stages of learning with regard to mathematical content.

The sessions also emphasize how the mathematical content can be explored in preschool classrooms in ways that support children's foundational learning in the area of mathematics. Another element of this project is the use of site-based …

The Impact Of Specific Interventions On Child Engagement In A Preschool Classroom, Sarah Elizabeth Farber

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of my action research was to integrate environmental changes and instructional strategies into my preschool classroom. These strategies were presented at monthly professional development trainings, which focused on increasing the engagement of all students in the classroom. This study included a sample of three students, two general education students and one with an individualized education program (IEP). These students were video recorded once a month at group time and observed using a data collection tool presented at the professional development meetings.

The results showed that the environmental changes and instructional strategics implemented were effective in increasing the engagement …

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of School- And Center-Based Preschool Programs : Implications For Early Childhood Policy, Christy Martin

Graduate Research Papers

Currently, preschool programs in Iowa are found in a variety of locations and environments. This paper reports the advantages and disadvantages of school based, center based, and a blended program model with classrooms both in a center and school buildings. The purpose of this research is to provide information to school districts and preschool programs. Preschool professionals in Iowa were surveyed and interviewed about the physical locations of their programs. Methods in this study include a survey of 33 participants and 3 interviews. Research and implications for early childhood policy regarding physical locations of preschool programs are discussed. This research …

Using Sign Language In The Infant Room, Sara Paar

Graduate Research Papers

Trying to figure out what an infant needs can be frustrating for the child's parents and caregivers. Around eight months of age, infants can start pointing at things they want and start to mimic hand motions from simple finger plays like Pat-a-Cake. In this study, Early Head Start teachers in one classroom went from using four sign language signs in the classroom to using 12 signs for five weeks. The teachers recorded how many times they used each of the 12 signs during interactions with the infants. They also recorded whether an infant repeated the sign when the teacher showed …

What Relationship Between Preschool Class Sizes And Student Behaviors Do Teachers Report?, Lindsey Steen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reports a study on whether preschool teachers of differing class sizes report a relationship between class size and student behaviors. Classes were categorized into small, medium, and large class sizes. Teachers reported Teaching Strategies GOLD scores for socio-emotional skills and gave their opinions about class sizes, Results of this study suggest that there is a relationship between class size and students' social emotional skills, but not always in accordance with teacher opinions.

Using The Instructional Coaching Model To Implement Positive Behavior Supports In Early Childhood Special Education Programs, Heather Donoho

Graduate Research Papers

Challenging behaviors in early childhood programs are of increasing concern to teachers in preschool programs. The use of Positive Behavior Supports, or PBS, has been on the rise in a variety of preschool programs as a way to increase acceptable behaviors while using tiered interventions to identify children in need of specific skills training in hopes of decreasing the chances of negative behaviors. While most teachers are in favor of the PBS initiative, many teachers report not having enough time or expertise to implement the program to the best of their ability. Another new initiative in preschool programs is that …

Technology, Toddlers And Vocabulary Development, Gwendolyn Dayton

Graduate Research Papers

Emergent literacy with toddler age children has a strong foundation in vocabulary development. There are many methods currently being employed to foster vocabulary development. Dialogic reading, sign language, finger plays and songs are just a few of those methods. It is important to look for a curriculum that provides a format to combine these strategies into a cohesive presentation. Understanding the increasing importance that technology plays in the lives of our children is also crucial. Selecting the right technology may provide the solution for infusing vocabulary development into the early learning environment. This project will design a curriculum to implement …

Transition To Kindergarten : A Project For The Grinnell-Newburg School District, Donna Godar

Graduate Research Papers

This project looked at the following research questions:

How can schools establish a strong transition plan for students entering kindergarten?

What information would be valuable to evaluate and revise a kindergarten transition plan for the benefit of all parties involved?

In order to answer these questions, current literature was reviewed looking at all parties involved in the transition to kindergarten: children, families, schools, and the community. The path to the project included collaboration initially with kindergarten and preschool staff and led to the final development of the project collaborating with two community members, a preschool laboratory director and a scholar …

Infant Literacy, Tera Weber

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project is to share the importance of reading to infants with their caregivers and teachers. This project will highlight what the research says regarding reading, what the infants gain from reading, and ideas on how to incorporate reading into group settings with infants through a professional development project. Participants in this professional development opportunity will be able to see recorded examples of teachers reading to infants, infants interacting with text, and materials that teachers may take back to their classrooms.

Invented Spelling And Its Value In Kindergarten, Michelle J. Mcdonald

Graduate Research Papers

This review examined the purpose of invented spelling in kindergarten, and what invented spelling can tell us about a child's development of letter/sound knowledge, phonemic awareness skills, concepts of print, and language skills. Additional examination of literature on invented spelling in a comprehensive literacy program focused on the connection between reading and writing. Several studies included comparisons of writing instructional methods. Invented spelling has value as an assessment tool for various literacy skills. Criticisms and controversies were reviewed, as well as recommendations for the use of invented spelling to optimize its value in the kindergarten curriculum. Findings of the review …

Using Positive Behavior Instructional Support (Pbis) In Early Childhood, Megan Merkel

Graduate Research Papers

Challenging behaviors in early childhood education are becoming recognized as a serious barrier to social-emotional development and an indication of severe maladjustment in school and adult life. Educational professionals have been seeking to define, elaborate, and improve on existing knowledge related to the prevention and resolution of young children's challenging behaviors. The current literature review was conducted to describe the relationship between children's challenging behavior and implementing Positive Behavior Instructional Support (PBIS) and Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) in early childhood classrooms and programs. In addition, this review presents conclusions, recommendations, suggested educational policies, and needed future research.

Peer Coaching In Early Childhood, Michelle Silvera

Graduate Research Papers

Researchers have reached a consensus that early childhood educators should have sufficient knowledge and skills in child development and early childhood education issues. This is because the quality and success of programs designed for early childhood education lie in the qualifications of the teacher in charge of such programs. These requirements are especially true for vulnerable and disadvantaged children. Therefore, it is incumbent upon the early childhood educators to provide the children and their families with rich and meaningful educational experiences because they are often held accountable for the outcome of the children. This literature review demonstrates that one way …

The Impact Of Pretend Play On Cognitive And Academic Development Of Kindergarten Students, April Marie Thelen

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review is to identify the cognitive and academic benefits of pretend play for kindergarten-aged children. The review will also identify ways that kindergarten teachers can integrate pretend play within their curriculum. The research reviewed enabled mathematics and literacy to be identified as related outcomes associated with pretend play. It also identified several teacher roles necessary for productive pretend play within kindergarten curriculum. The conclusion of this literature review includes recommendations for future action and education policies based on the research reviewed.

Observation As A Formal Assessment Tool In Early Childhood Classrooms: A Professional Development Module, Kathleen M. Thornton-Lang

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this professional development module to is to explore various purposes and methods of implementing observational techniques in assessment tools in early childhood classrooms. The research reviewed focused on early childhood assessment types, including a brief review of six specific instruments, and implementation methods available to infant and toddler through preschool-aged teachers. This professional development module's base is a resource support system to help advance the observational skills of current and future teachers in the early childhood field.

Teachers' Perceptions Of Skills Needed For Children's Entry Into Kindergarten, Jessica Blohm

Graduate Research Papers

Kindergarten readiness is an ever-increasing topic in the field of early education among educators. Research has indicated that children learn better if parents, preschool and kindergarten teachers' expectations are aligned. The purpose of this project is to understand local preschool and kindergarten teachers' perceptions of skills needed for children's entry into kindergarten. Teachers from two school districts and local preschools and daycares will be surveyed using the local Head Start Kindergarten Readiness Goals. Information gained will potentially lead to modifications in curriculum and learning goals for children, aid in professional development practices for teachers, and better prepare children in the …

Sign Language And Gestures In Young Early Childhood, Donna Uhlenberg

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature and research review is to understand better the use of sign language and the importance of gestures to children in young early childhood. Children, even at the earliest ages, begin the process of effectively communicating with people and the environment around them. The beginning forms of communication originate in the form of body movements, also known as gestures. Sign language has been present in recorded history since the 16th century, and the first written records of it began in the 17th century. Sign language is most widely used with individuals who have hearing or speech …

School Readiness : What It Means To Be "Ready" For Kindergarten, Brian D. Kingrey

Graduate Research Papers

This review of the literature examined the recent literature on the subject of school readiness. The purpose of this review of the literature was to identify how schools and parents view school readiness, as well as how emergent literacy plays a role in preparing students for public school education. Assessments, skills, early learning standards, literacy practices, and entry age were discussed.

In researching recent literature for the review multiple searches were conducted including the search terms of school readiness and transition. Pianta, Cox, and Snow (2007) discussed the domains of developmental functioning in the early childhood years, which served as …