Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Title 1 Third-Grade Teachers' Experiences With Writing Strategies To Improve Students' Writing Proficiency, Kim Robertson

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Third-grade students are not meeting minimum proficiency in opinion and informational writing, as determined by scores from the annually mandated Georgia Milestones Assessment (GMAS) in the 19 elementary schools in a local school district in central Georgia. Guided by Vygotsky’s social-constructivist perspective, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Title 1 third-grade English Language Arts teachers’ experiences with using writing strategies designed to improve students’ writing proficiency on the GMAS in the Title 1 elementary schools in a local district in central Georgia. Data were collected using semistructured interviews with 10 third-grade teachers who were chosen from …

Supporting Elementary Educators Through A Nervous System Regulation And Social-Emotional Learning Skills Workshop Intervention: An Musc Capstone Project, Lily Morgan

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Doctoral Capstone Symposium

Teachers have a great influence on developing children’s emotional intelligence, regulatory capacity, and occupational engagement. These professionals also happen to report some of the highest rates of stress, mental health challenges (Agyapong, B. et al, 2022), and burnout (Xie, M., et al, 2022). Providing teachers with education and support on nervous system regulation, social-emotional learning skills, and related topics can improve their ability to manage job stress, enhance modeling and interactions with students, and improve their quality of life. This project aimed to enhance knowledge, provide access to resources, and serve to support elementary educators at an inner-city school in …

Bridging The Gap Between Early Childhood Educators And Occupational Therapists Through The Development Of An Occupational Therapy Toolkit, Jessica Quick, Cynthia Haynes, Madison Bieg

Spring 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

A Early Childhood Education and Occupational Therapy Toolkit created to help bridge the gap between the professions based on clinical observation and a needs assessment.

Improving Preschoolers' Number Sense Using Counting Collections And Ten Frames, Ashley Gellings

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Recently, literacy has received considerable attention in education, often overshadowing mathematics instruction. This inquiry-based research study investigates the impact of counting collections and ten frames on improving preschoolers' number sense to determine if it can serve as an effective Tier 1 instructional strategy for younger learners. After reviewing the literature, the researcher decided on a Tier 1 instructional change to support further growth in number sense. Research indicates that students who master counting and cardinality skills by the end of preschool are more likely to succeed in future mathematics. While there is no specific information to determine the correct type …

Strategies For Reducing Violent Behavior In The Classroom, Barbara Lynne Jacobson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Violence in classrooms remains a significant concern in schools across all grade levels globally. Existing research highlights the detrimental effects of such behavior on both students and educators, contributing to elevated teacher stress and increased attrition rates (Ferguson, 2024). Students exposed to violence may exhibit school avoidance, decreased academic performance, and psychological challenges (Ferguson, 2024). This school improvement project seeks to identify effective, evidence-based strategies teachers can use to reduce violent behaviors, thereby fostering a more positive classroom environment. Grounded in a comprehensive literature review, an in-depth study was conducted in a public kindergarten classroom in rural Iowa. Findings from …

Increasing Student Engagement In The Preschool Classroom, Kimberly Anderson

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Schools have a lot to worry about. In the classroom, engagement is a critical element that should be addressed more often. When students are not engaged, educators could start seeing more behavior problems. Research has shown that students who are engaged tend to have better test scores and grades. This study aims to investigate/research how to instruct/teach early childhood students and to get them more engaged in the classroom. Based on a literature review on classroom/school climate, preschool special education, strategies/interventions in preschool classrooms, and preschool interactions/engagement, I used different instructional groups as well as different teaching strategies to collect …

Effects Of Pre-K Attendance On Academic Achievement, Elizabeth Spinsby

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study investigates the impact of pre-kindergarten (pre-K) attendance on academic achievement in literacy and math among students in grades K–2 at a private Catholic school. Data were collected from standardized assessments, comparing students who attended school-based pre-K to those who did not. Results show a statistically significant advantage in literacy for pre-K attendees at the beginning of kindergarten, particularly in the 2024–2025 cohort. However, these academic benefits tend to diminish over time, with no consistent significant differences observed in higher grades. The findings highlight the importance of early childhood education in providing an initial academic boost, though sustaining these …

The Power Of Pre-Reading Skills, Amy Vandermeer

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Early primary students can struggle with pre-reading skills, and this struggle leads to a lack of reading development as they enter primary grades. Research reveals that factors such as working memory and disorders such as dyslexia influence children's reading development, yet strategies such as orthographic mapping and embodied learning can improve their pre-reading skills. Research has also shown that pre-reading skills are correlated with later reading abilities. This study aims to describe the characteristics of pre-reading skills and explain the impact of pre-reading skills on later reading abilities. Based on a literature review on the impact of pre-reading skills, assessment …

Meta-Analysis Of Proven Effective Teaching Strategies To Increase On-Task Behaviors In Preschool Students, Mandalyn Westphal

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

On-task behavior of students, defined as time that students actively engage in learning, is one of the forefront objectives that comes to mind when teachers think of efficient teaching and classroom management. However, as simple as it may seem to achieve this objective, many classroom teachers struggle with ways to increase or maintain the amount of time students in the classroom remain on task - and, in turn, decrease the amount of off-task or problem behaviors by their students. This meta-analysis seeks to provide strategies to augment preschool students’ on-task behaviors based on a review of evidenced research studies found …

The Power Of Predictability: Examining The Impact Of Structured Routines On Behavior And Attentiveness In Early Childhood Education, Brittany Peters

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

This study examines how structured routines impact preschoolers' attentiveness and behavior in a small-town classroom with a diverse student population, including ELLs and children with IEPs. The research uses observations, teacher interviews, and parent surveys to examine how routines shape engagement, transitions, and self-regulation. Using a mixed-methods approach, the study integrates qualitative and quantitative data to explore how these routines influence engagement, transitions, and behavioral development. The study gathers data through systematic observations, structured behavioral assessments, semi-structured teacher interviews, and parent surveys, providing insights from multiple perspectives. Drawing on the principles of practitioner inquiry (Fichtman-Dana & Yendol-Hoppey, 2020), the study …

Pathways To Progress: Policy-Driven Innovation And Community Building In Early Childhood Integrated Education, Hallie Caddy, Rachael Flynn, Annie Insana, Cathy Eschete

SPARK Symposium Presentations

The presentation outlines Belmont University's efforts to transform early childhood education through an innovative integrated teacher preparation program and the development of a new preschool. It discusses the changing landscape of Tennessee’s early childhood education policies, including new licensure endorsements that blend early childhood and special education. Belmont aims to address challenges such as teacher shortages and accessibility while aligning with the university’s mission of serving diverse communities. Key strategies include understanding community needs, anchoring initiatives to the university’s mission, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, and leveraging critical resources. The university is preparing to launch its integrated early childhood education program …

Optimizing Sensory Processing: General Education Classroom Strategies, Elizabeth Lowry

Post-Professional Occupational Therapy Doctorate - Innovations in OT Symposium: Transforming Possibilities into Practice

Introduction

In the general education setting, teachers often feel unequipped to address sensory processing deficits. There is little research in the general education setting within this area, but implementing sensory strategies can be beneficial for all students. The purpose of this capstone project is to support sensory processing behaviors within the elementary education setting.

Methods

General education classroom teachers/staff within Pembroke Elementary School (Public Schools of Robeson County, North Carolina) participated in an educational in-service that took place in February 2025. During this time, an 11-field RedCap survey was developed and a pre-survey/post-survey was provided to the participants to gauge …

Identifying Universal And Language-Specific Features In Play-Based Writing Of Young Children, Shaya Helbig

Dissertations

Young children’s marks when writing consist of universal features such as scribbling and drawing, and language-specific features such as letters or letter-like forms and spaces (Clay, 1979; Puranik & Lonigan, 2011; Rowe & Wilson, 2015; Teale & Sulzby, 1985). It is widely agreed that exposure to words and written language play a pivotal role in children’s writing development (Clay, 1979; Teale & Sulzby, 1986). However, it remains unclear whether children form more complex writing skills through specific developmental stages, and if age plays any part in this progression (Clay, 1979; Justice & Vukelich, 2008; Teale & Sulzby, 1986). The lack …

A Journey Into Hybrid Play Space Approaches Within An Urban Context, Ross William Podyma Mr

International Journal of Playwork Practice

This paper explores the development and implementation of a hybrid play space approach at Normanton Park, in Derby, UK. It examines the integration of playwork and forest school principals within a free, open-access play environment, focusing on the role of adults in facilitating child-led play. The paper analyses the synergies and tensions between these approaches, considers the contributions of other organisations providing environmental opportunities for young people, and reflects on the application of these models in contexts of urban deprivation. It argues for the value of hybrid models in maximising inclusivity and accessibility while fostering children’s creativity, resilience, and connection …

Effects Of Trauma On Brain Development And Learning, Jodie Subbert

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Early childhood trauma significantly impacts brain development, particularly in the areas of language processing and executive functioning. This inquiry-based research explored how trauma influences students’ attention, engagement, and emotional regulation in early learning environments. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of trauma on learning and literacy development and to identify trauma-informed teaching strategies that support academic success in young learners. Data collected through reflective journaling, classroom observations, and teacher discussions revealed that students affected by trauma often struggle with emotional regulation, focus, and task engagement. However, the implementation of trauma-informed practices, such as consistent routines, emotional …

Language And Literacy In Early Childhood Education: Hybrid Syllabus, Michele De Goeas-Malone

Open Educational Resources

Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Education is a capstone course, which means it is a core course in the education degree that offers students nearing graduation the opportunity to integrate their learning to help them address issues in education related to the development of language and literacy from birth to 8 years of age. This course is also a writing intensive course. That means that you will be engaged in several high and low stakes writing activities throughout the semester.

This course is designed to promote your understanding of the importance of issues concerning language and literacy in early …

How Do Children Learn How To Learn? Promoting Early Development At Home Through Play: A Scoping Review, Annika J. Larson

Senior Theses

Early childhood is a critical time in human development, during which children are discovering and practicing countless skills, from basic motor and language skills to problem-solving, self-regulation, memory, and other foundational abilities like literacy and math skills. From infancy through childhood, play is thought to be the primary condition under which most early skills are developed and perfected. During this time, young children are especially vulnerable to adversity and negative environmental influences due to their brains’ high plasticity; adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) impact an individual well beyond early childhood, specifically in early skills deficits. Play is known to be a …

A Phenomenological Study Of School Staff Perceptions Of The Threat And Prevention Of School Violence, Rebecca Linton

Dissertations

My study addressed the issue of school safety and student mental health in schools in the United States. The purpose of this study was to identify the concerns staff members had about the system and procedures used to track students’ mental health and how staff and students are kept safe within the school environment. The overarching research question for my study was: What are the perceptions of school staff regarding school safety and the support students with mental health issues receive? I used a quantitative research method for my study, collecting data through surveys of teachers and administrators. The survey …

Testimonios Of Antiracist School Social Workers: Advancing Professional Equity And Updating The School Social Work Model, Leticia Villarreal Sosa, Christy Mccoy, Laurel E. Thompson, Stephanie Ochocki

School of Social Work Faculty Publications

During a modern era of rising white nationalism and racial reckoning, the opportunity to reimagine the national model for school social work practice was explored in partnership with practitioners, scholars, researchers, and leaders of the profession. It sparked a parallel process of engagement that required the critical analysis of the systemic and structural racism impacting not only our educational communities, but also the historical influences shaping the school social work profession. Like the many antiracist efforts that have come before, the revision process was impacted by a pervasive culture of white supremacy, yet what emerged was an equity-centered model to …

Peer-Mediated Interventions Within The Special Education Classroom, Jessica Sass

Master's Theses & Capstone Projects

Preschool teachers are being asked to do more with less, especially when looking at the shortage of staff and the increase in students with IEPs. Students are starting school with more significant social and language needs, and the ability to integrate into the general education classroom and provide support is becoming more challenging. Research suggests that peer-mediated interventions (PMI) are a viable option in providing support to students who need support in language and social skills, especially when peers involved in the interventions are trained, and exhibit prosocial behaviors and interest in the target students. This inquiry-based study aimed to …