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Full-Text Articles in Education

The Importance Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Melissa Irvin Oct 2017

The Importance Of Play In Early Childhood Education, Melissa Irvin

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review stresses the importance of play for all early learners. The review begins by discussing the history of play and its impact on the evolution of family dynamics over time. Studies have shown that playing provides a safe and necessary way for young learners to be able to practice and experience a variety of life skills, including problem solving within a peer group while gaining and enhancing language skills. Through daily play, young children gain valuable life experiences through a variety of roles that will support growth and ultimately translate into adulthood. According to research, play is an …


A Review Of Literature: Project Based Learning In Early Childhood, Danielle Claussen Oct 2017

A Review Of Literature: Project Based Learning In Early Childhood, Danielle Claussen

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review describes how project based learning is initiated in an Early Childhood setting. It gives the reader a detailed description on the processes involved in implementation of project work. On how curriculum is incorporated into learning projects. As well as providing the reader with research and background about Project Based Learning.


Spatial-Temporal Math And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Nicole Dillnger Oct 2017

Spatial-Temporal Math And Its Effect On Student Achievement, Nicole Dillnger

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose behind this action research was to determine the effect Spatial-Temporal (ST) Math, a web-based mathematics program, has on student achievement at a second grade level. The ST Math program was given to a small group of second grade students on top of the classroom mathematics curriculum while another group of students strictly used the classroom mathematics curriculum. A pre and post assessment were given to these students over an eight week period. This quantitative data was analyzed to determine the correlation between the students’ exposer to ST Math and their achievement on the assessments. After analyzing the data, …


Effects Of Upper Elementary Grade Reading Buddies On Literacy Skill Concepts Development In At Risk Preschool Students, Brianna Cleland Oct 2017

Effects Of Upper Elementary Grade Reading Buddies On Literacy Skill Concepts Development In At Risk Preschool Students, Brianna Cleland

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of peer reading buddies on early literacy skill acquisition in preschool students. Data was collected over an eight-week period. Following a four-week period of general classroom instruction, a reading buddy partnership was developed with a fifth-grade class. Peers from fifth grade read with preschool students twice a week over a four-week period for a total of eight sessions. Following the treatment period, quantitative data was collected and analyzed. Analysis suggests that peer reading buddies enhances literacy skills in preschool students—especially in the areas involving the use and appreciation of books.


Choice And Its Effects On Motivation To Read, Kayla Cantu Oct 2017

Choice And Its Effects On Motivation To Read, Kayla Cantu

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research study was to determine if there is a connection between the implementation of choice in the classroom and students' motivation to read. Research-based literacy framework and a choice model were used over an eight week period of time. Qualitative data was collected at the beginning and the end of the study in the form of surveys. Analysis of the data concluded that kindergarten students when given opportunities for choice in the classroom their motivation to read increased.


The Impact On Inclusion In A Child Care Setting, Amanda Winslow Oct 2017

The Impact On Inclusion In A Child Care Setting, Amanda Winslow

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine commonly reported barriers impacting inclusion in a child care setting. Data was collected through qualitative survey responses via an electronic survey and a small focus group of child care providers. Analysis of the data collected suggested that low wages in child care, home child care, and other community-based settings made it difficult to recruit qualified personnel to support quality inclusion in child care. Additionally, transportation and limited funding opportunities were challenges for inclusion in child care programs.


The Effect Of Take Home Literacy Bags On Parents’ Feelings Towards School, Lisa Fernstrum Oct 2017

The Effect Of Take Home Literacy Bags On Parents’ Feelings Towards School, Lisa Fernstrum

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research was to determine by what method take home literacy bags have an impact on parents’ feelings towards school. Parents completed a short survey early in the school year, prior to literacy bags being sent home. Literacy bags were sent home weekly for six weeks before parents were asked to complete the same survey for a second time. Analysis of the collected data suggests take home literacy bags have a positive impact on families' feelings towards school.


Can You Improve Phonological Awareness With Skill Boxes Through A Five-Minute Daily Routine?, Lisa Holland Oct 2017

Can You Improve Phonological Awareness With Skill Boxes Through A Five-Minute Daily Routine?, Lisa Holland

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Phonological awareness is a necessary component in order to learn how to read. These skills have to be taught to children. Children who have deficits in phonological awareness are at risk for a learning disability such as dyslexia. This is why explicit instruction in phonological awareness is crucial for development. Due to this, it is important to start assessing children on these skills in preschool and start interventions if they are needed. The purpose of this action research was to shed light on how crucial phonological awareness skills are for development and how if a child is deficient in this …


Addressing Behavioral Deficits In Early Childhood Education: Promoting Positive Socio-Emotional Development Through Dramatic Play, Abbi Strobbe Aug 2017

Addressing Behavioral Deficits In Early Childhood Education: Promoting Positive Socio-Emotional Development Through Dramatic Play, Abbi Strobbe

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper investigates the detrimental effects behavior can have on a child’s social-emotional development and the vital role dramatic play opportunities have in overcoming these developmental deficits. A child’s trajectory for success in school begins in early childhood. Children experience meaningful connections to learning, as well as higher teacher and peer approval, when they are capable of maintaining positive interactions in the classroom. For this to occur, children must have a solid foundation in socio-emotional skills such as expression, understanding, and regulation. Behavioral deficits impede development and reduce the likelihood of academic achievement. However, application of early behavioral and social …


Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Evidence Based Practices, Michaela Creighton Aug 2017

Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Evidence Based Practices, Michaela Creighton

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Each child that has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is different. However, they have similar characteristics in that they lack communication, social, and adaptive skills. As well as reduced cognitive functioning and gross motor skills. This literature review will look at some of the evidence-based practices for teaching children who have been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. It provides information on how to implement them in the early childhood classroom, and focuses on how each practice allows the teacher to adapt it to the student with ASD in one's classroom. It is important that trainings are offered for …


Using A Language And Literacy Intervention To Increase Autistic Students' Social Interactions With Peers, Ellyn Goerdt Aug 2017

Using A Language And Literacy Intervention To Increase Autistic Students' Social Interactions With Peers, Ellyn Goerdt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the research looking at an intervention done with four preschool students with autism-like tendencies. Two of the students are on the autism spectrum and two students show autism-like tendencies and deficiencies. All four students struggled in social situations and play with their peers. The intervention provided for all four students was a checklist of skills needed to be successful in a social situation; group games, cooperative play and cleaning up. The article review discusses many supports provided and areas of need for young and adolescent students on the autism spectrum. The results of the intervention showed that …


Flexible Seating In The Early Childhood Classroom, Chasity L. Hardin Aug 2017

Flexible Seating In The Early Childhood Classroom, Chasity L. Hardin

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Flexible seating has become a recent trend in education. As teachers try to reach the different needs of learners, flexible seating is another way to allow students to comfortably be engaged in learning. Flexible seating gives children the power to choose. Giving them the power of choice, gives students ownership over their participation and engagement in the classroom. Flexible seating can include a variety of options including scoop rockers, pillows, disc o’ sits, standing desks, therapy balls, and many more options. Some professionals are beginning to note that students are often more engaged in their learning when flexible seating options …


Phonemic Awareness Interventions And Their Effects On Fast Scores, Shari Lehnhoff Jul 2017

Phonemic Awareness Interventions And Their Effects On Fast Scores, Shari Lehnhoff

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a correlation between the implementation of phonemic awareness interventions in the transitional kindergarten classroom and the results of the Early Literacy Implementation (FAST) scores. Technology-enriched phonemic awareness interventions were provided weekly over a period of two months. Data was collected through qualitative observations and quantitative FAST test scores. Analysis of the data collected suggests that the transitional kindergarten student’s FAST scores increased as the phonemic awareness intervention is implemented in the classroom.


Best Practice For Developmentally Appropriate Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction, Debra Wittrock May 2017

Best Practice For Developmentally Appropriate Kindergarten Handwriting Instruction, Debra Wittrock

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Handwriting is a significant component of literacy development in young children. It is a foundational skill that will influence students’ reading, writing, language use, and critical thinking. A review of the literature finds the following themes of high importance when presenting writing instruction in an early childhood classroom: automaticity of transcription skills through repeated practice, letter writing fluency before compositional fluency, writing as a critical step in overall literacy development, the role of explicit instruction as intervention for writing difficulties, and the lack of proper preservice training or professional development for teachers to integrate appropriate early writing practices into kindergarten …


The Effect Of Technology On Student Achievement With English Language Learners In An Early Childhood Classroom Setting, Tiffany Vasquez-Dewein May 2017

The Effect Of Technology On Student Achievement With English Language Learners In An Early Childhood Classroom Setting, Tiffany Vasquez-Dewein

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there was a correlation between the use of iPads to improve student achievement and traditional methods of teaching with four and five-year-old English language learners (ELLs). Two control groups of four ELLs were taught in math three times a week. Control group A was taught using iPad applications to support math teaching in alongside traditional teachings in math. Control group B were taught with age appropriate early childhood materials such as counting cards and manipulatives to support the traditional teachings in math. Data was collected at the end of …


The Impact Of Physical Activity On Academic Growth, Elizabeth Jane Merritt May 2017

The Impact Of Physical Activity On Academic Growth, Elizabeth Jane Merritt

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if there is a proven benefit to linking physical activity of the whole student learner and their overall academic growth of students in a kindergarten classroom. Implementation of a well-designed and planned physical activity curriculum was used with fidelity over a period of four months. Data was collected in both formats of quantitative and qualitative from students, teachers, parents and administration. Analysis of the data concludes that student academic growth was increased as a result of the increased physical activity of the students.


How To Boost Literacy In Ages Birth To Three, Brianna Johnson May 2017

How To Boost Literacy In Ages Birth To Three, Brianna Johnson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This literature review explores the history, viewpoints, theoretical frameworks, and themes in literature of early literacy in the United States. It also discusses legislation on this topic, such as No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Literacy in ages birth to three has been a long time educational issue. The ‘pendulum’ has swung between different approaches to literacy instruction. It is important for every person to be informed on this subject because early literacy affects each life. What one learns or fails to learn in the first three years of life affects the rest of …


The Impact Of See The Sound Visual Phonics Has On Beginning Readers, Kelsey R. Dewes May 2017

The Impact Of See The Sound Visual Phonics Has On Beginning Readers, Kelsey R. Dewes

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper takes a deeper look at the impact that See the Sound: Visual Phonics has for beginning reading instruction and early intervention instruction for young students. See the Sound: Visual Phonics is a strategy that incorporates hand cues and written symbols into every sound and letter in the English Language. This paper will compare the growth rates that students, who received the intervention and students who did not receive the intervention, made identifying letter names, letter sounds, and onset sounds. Throughout this paper research completed by Goldin-Meadow (2004) supporting the significance hand gestures have in development and student learning, …


Success Through Intervention, Megan Tonderum May 2017

Success Through Intervention, Megan Tonderum

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

No abstract provided.


Integrating Technology Into Kindergarten Writing Program, Colleen K. Hahn May 2017

Integrating Technology Into Kindergarten Writing Program, Colleen K. Hahn

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this action research project was to determine if incorporating technology into a kindergarten-writing program could increase their motivation and attitudes, and hence improve their writing abilities. Two types of technology were introduced to the writing program; one being an electronic portfolio to share their work and the second was a digital story writing software. Data was collected by use of attitude surveys, observational notes, and student writing samples. Analysis of the data suggests that students were more engaged during the writing time and were very motivated to write if they could publish it to their online portfolio.


Integrating Technology Into Morning Meeting In Early Childhood, Micaela Borer May 2017

Integrating Technology Into Morning Meeting In Early Childhood, Micaela Borer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

In early childhood education (ECE), there are many interpretations of the morning meeting. This meeting can encompass learning in several areas of early childhood namely mathematics, literacy, and social skill building. Many activities within morning meeting help with classroom management and can be beneficial to children with special needs as well including morning message, visual schedules, and calendar time. Some ECE professionals are beginning to note that technology can also be included in this crucial part of the school day. Incorporating technology not only will encourage young children to learn, but will prepare them for their future. Technology use is …


Dialogic Reading And Building Children’S Vocabulary, Melissa Boer May 2017

Dialogic Reading And Building Children’S Vocabulary, Melissa Boer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Parents and teachers have been reading books to kids for many years. In this century, technology has become a big part of our lives and has even started to take the place of books. It is easy to listen to books on-line and many parents think that if their child is looking at books on a technology device that is acceptable because it is still something educational. There is a time and place for technology, but nothing can replace the time a child can sit on your lap and listen to book being read. Children need to be able to …


Preschool For Parents: A Website For Parents To Review The Benefits Of A Proper Early Childhood Education, Tahrae L. Bonnes May 2017

Preschool For Parents: A Website For Parents To Review The Benefits Of A Proper Early Childhood Education, Tahrae L. Bonnes

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Every year many parents of young children face the challenge of deciding when and where they should start their child's educational career. Parents have to decide whether to keep their kids home with themselves or send them to daycare or preschool. These are just some of the many questions that run through their minds. Not to mention, this task has become increasingly difficult because of the many changes to the educational systems. This paper will explain a website created to help parents make informed decisions about their child's early childhood education through review of the various benefits a quality preschool …


The Use Of Visual Schedules, Amber Connelly May 2017

The Use Of Visual Schedules, Amber Connelly

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This paper explores the use of visual schedules to support students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder with transitions throughout the school day. Students diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder have a tough time interpreting verbal directions throughout the school day; therefore, there is an increase in student behaviors during transitions (Dettmer, Simpson, Brenda, & Ganz, 2000). The students utilized in this study are preschool aged students, which means they are between the ages of three to five. All students are in an integrated preschool classroom. The researcher implemented and created individualized visual schedules for each student in this paper. The researcher …


Kinesthetic Movement Activities And Boys’ Engagement And Behavior In Literacy, Mallory Munden May 2017

Kinesthetic Movement Activities And Boys’ Engagement And Behavior In Literacy, Mallory Munden

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

The purpose of this paper is to share the results of an action research project that studies the effects kinesthetic literacy activities have on boys’ engagement and behavior in the classroom. The study was done using one kindergarten classroom that measured boys’ engagement and behavior doing a non-kinesthetic literacy activity versus a kinesthetic literacy activity. The boys were also compared to the girls level of engagement and behavior in both cases. The following paper will share the results of the study that looked at kinesthetic literacy activities to improve boys’ engagement and behavior.


Preschool Social Emotional Learning And Curriculum Design: The Changing System, Amy J. Clark May 2017

Preschool Social Emotional Learning And Curriculum Design: The Changing System, Amy J. Clark

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

As early as the seventeenth century, theorists began to recognize early childhood as a distinct time of life. Prodigious research from the past forty years describes the positive educational outcomes for students attending quality early childhood programs. This literature review will examine the history of early childhood education and important themes that have emerged over time. The theme of social emotional learning will be a focus as one of the key outcomes of early learning programs and a determinant of later school success. In addition, the effects of poverty on the developing child, along with ways to mitigate these effects …


Brain-Based Learning And Whole Brain Teaching Methods, Aleen S. Wolken Apr 2017

Brain-Based Learning And Whole Brain Teaching Methods, Aleen S. Wolken

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Whole Brain Teaching is a teaching strategy that combines cooperative learning and direct instruction. It is a strategy that has been implemented within many K-12 classrooms throughout the nation. In this article, the researcher defines Whole Brain Teaching, describes its impact on student learning, and highlights conflicts and myths. The researcher also presents ideas on future research. The purpose of this literature review was to find information regarding implementation of Whole Brain Teaching in an inclusive early childhood classroom.


Outdoor Learning In Early Childhood, Holly Hooven Apr 2017

Outdoor Learning In Early Childhood, Holly Hooven

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Play is a skill that comes naturally to every child. Children love to explore and investigate. They do this to find answers to the questions they have and obtain through other experiences such as talking with parents, other children, as well as reading through books. Play is important for many developmental skills such as building on fine motor, cognitive development, and more. While many parents and teachers observe their children, or students, play within the indoors, many children are not getting a lot of outdoor time. Outdoor play is as important as indoor play. Outdoor play allows a child to …


Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports: A Preschool Approach, Tacy L. Vogel Mar 2017

Positive Behavioral Interventions And Supports: A Preschool Approach, Tacy L. Vogel

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

In this action research study, the author examined the effect of using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) language and rewards to positively motivate preschool students towards appropriate behavior choices. The study was conducted in the author’s preschool special education classroom, in a rural Iowa public school district. The study was completed between the months of September 2016 through March 2017. This study had 18 participates, including 12 females, six males and two three-year-old special education students. At the beginning of the study, PBIS language was not being used. There was an average of 14 negative or unwanted behaviors happening …