Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Future Ready Young Adults: Building Creative And Adaptive Thinkers, Robell Yeung

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

Abstract of Project

Future Ready Young Adults: Building Creative and Adaptive Thinkers addresses a developmental gap in educational practices that prioritize technical proficiency over the psychological frameworks necessary for navigating systemic ambiguity. This project introduces an interdisciplinary, modular curriculum specifically designed for the challenges of emerging adulthood. By synthesizing Creative Problem Solving (CPS), James Clear’s habit architecture, and Martin Seligman’s PERMA model, the curriculum provides a structured pathway for cultivating creative self-efficacy and financial capability. Moving beyond traditional views of innate creativity, this model employs asset-based frameworks to treat cognitive agility and ambiguity tolerance as developable competencies. The project culminates …

Exploring Culturally Informed Approaches To Book Read-Aloud With Young Children, Raquel Plotka

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Early childhood is a critical period for language and literacy development. One-way adults introduce children to the world of books is through picture books read-aloud. Adults from different cultural background engage in this activity differently, and to date, the early childhood field has emphasized a constructivist approach to book reading typical in individualistic cultures. Other approaches to reading books that are common in collectivist cultures have not been explored. The present study investigated the reading styles teachers (n = 40) use in naturalistic settings and compared the advantages of using individualistic versus collectivist styles related to children participation and …

Centering Black Girl Love: Unearthing Black Girls’ Truths In A Predominantly White, Loveless Elementary School, Tyana R. Velazquez-Smith

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

This study examines the transformative power of literacy as a tool for healing, resistance, and revolutionary love in the lives of BLACK girls navigating predominantly white elementary school spaces. Revolutionary love is conceptualized as practices of care, affirmation, and joy that challenge systemic oppression while fostering belonging and possibility. Conducted in an elementary school in upstate New York, this research follows eleven participants from kindergarten through fourth grade, exploring their lived experiences and literacy practices during English Language Arts (ELA) instruction.

Drawing on Brian Street’s (1984) assertion that literacy is a social practice shaped by cultural and power dynamics, this …

Book Review: How Education Policy Shapes Literacy Instruction: Understanding The Persistent Problems Of Policy And Practice, Nicole Hertz

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Abstract: This review of How Education Policy Shapes Literacy Instruction: Understanding the Persistent Problems of Policy and Practice, edited by Rachael Gabriel, explores the most pressing educational concerns and their relationship to history and policy, written by scholars from all over the country, such as retention, intervention, early childhood and English language literacy acquisition, and coaching. With the current Science of Reading (SoR) movement and all the related laws that are being passed throughout the United States based on current educational reform measures, this review explores the relationship to past, present, and future literacy legislation, through a historical lens, …

Peer Relationships & Friendship, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will discuss some of the important factors surrounding peer relationships and friendships. What does it mean to be a friend? How can we teach children to resolve conflict in friendships? How can peer pressure influence behavior? Using clips from Sesame Street and other children’s media, students will consider these, and related, questions about the power of peers.

Depression And Anxiety, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will explore many aspects of depression and anxiety and how individuals with these disorders are affected by them throughout their development. Students will use topical readings and videos from Sesame Street and other media sources to learn about risk and protective factors, symptoms, and treatment of depression and anxiety. Students will also explore the impacts of parental depression and anxiety in addition to children's understanding and experience with these disorders. Students will participate in activities and discussions that broaden their understanding of how these disorders can impact children and adolescents and analyze these disorders' effects on their social …

Bullying And Victimization, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will discuss concepts related to bullying and victimization. Using clips from Sesame Street, students will consider what it means to be a bully, victim, and bystander, as well as how teachers, parents, and educators can intervene. Additionally, this module will help students think critically about some of the potential impacts of bullying and victimization on development across the lifespan.

Testing The Knowledge Of Early Childhood Educators, Dianne S. Mccarthy

Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education

Teacher certification exams are supposed to assess if a student is likely to succeed in teaching. What if an exam seems to be inappropriate? This article is an inquiry of the New York State Content Specialty Test for Early Childhood Candidates, particularly the math section. It raises the issue of whether we are asking the right questions and ascertaining the right data to decide if someone has the appropriate math knowledge and is ready to teach math to young children.

Project Cps: Curriculum Content + Creative Problem Solving = Successful Integration, Kathleen C. Frazier

Creativity and Change Leadership Graduate Student Master's Projects

The goal of my master’s project is to empower teachers to unlock the Creative Problem Solving potential in their students and open the door to a world of possibilities by providing strategies, resources, and support to integrate CPS into their teaching practice.

To achieve this, I have designed a book that presents an original and engaging

imaginative characters to foster an immersive and interactive learning experience that will capture the imagination of both students and teachers.

Meet the Spirit of Creativity, represented as E. Paul Torrance, along with four Creative Problem Solving Characters who will guide teachers and students through …

Taking Science Museums To The Edge: How Science Museums Can Advocate For Social Justice, Education And Inclusivity Through Their Exhibits, Sasha C. Naples

Museum Studies Theses

Science museums have often associated affluent populations and quality education with access to scientific material and content. While these institutions have become more accessible in many ways, they can and should increase their efforts to include BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities and individuals. As the need grows for diversity in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields so does the demand for science museums to include these communities’ needs and wants. This thesis discusses the need for and importance of BIPOC representation in science museums and what museums have already done to include them in their programming and …

Explicit Instruction In A Second Grade Picturebook Author Study, Ted Kesler

The Language and Literacy Spectrum

Using the Learning by Design multiliteracies framework, writing workshop was transformed into composing workshop. The researcher worked with a team of four second grade teachers in an urban public elementary school to redesign their Kevin Henkes author study to equally value art and design, guiding their students in creating their own narrative picturebooks. The researcher addresses the following two research questions: 1. What explicit instructional practices did the teachers enact? 2. What influence did these explicit instructional practices have on the second graders’ composing work? The researcher applied cross-case analysis, first to create an inventory of explicit instructional practices, and …

Evaluating The Impact Of The Learner Profile Attributes On Early Years Learners' Social And Emotional Development, Abo N. Chebib Mrs, Alhanouf Alkhalifa Mrs, Rania Abdulatife Miss, Amina Habish Mrs

International Graduate Program for Educators Master's Projects

Social Emotional Development is the process by which children gradually develop their ability to assimilate, perceive, articulate, and coordinate their emotions, in readiness to form deep connections with others. Thus, programs like the PYP that strengthen children’s aptitude and learning capacities, have been predicted to have a direct and significant impact on further boosting social and behavioural development (Dix and Gregory, 2020). The Primary learner profile(LPA) is a pedagogical framework for students ages one to twelve. It helps to drive students' “Social-Emotional Development”. Students learn to develop critical thinking learning skills and approaches that support their intellectual, physical, social, and …

Research Methods, Erica Weisgram Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will explore the role of psychological research in the development of Sesame Street. Specifically, this module will look at the history of research in the development of the series, the process that is used in the development of the season, the formative research that is conducted, and the summative research that is conducted. Case studies of research conducted on the impact of Sesame Street on children’s development.

Body Image, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will explore the concept of body image and the attitudes of today’s children, adolescents, and young adults towards their bodies. Through topical readings and video clips from Sesame Street and other media sources, students will examine external factors influencing the development of body image, such as societal expectations and social media, as well as the consequences to mental and physical health that result from maintaining a poor perception of one’s body. Students will investigate how positive body image may be cultivated among children and young people, and the techniques necessary to do so effectively.

History Of Sesame Street, Erica Weisgram Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will learn the history of Sesame Street in order to provide important context for other modules. Students will learn about the goals of the program as it was developed and some of the key players that conceptualized Sesame Street and brought it to production. Students will also begin to investigate the role of developmental psychology and research in the development of the program.

Homelessness, Emily F. Coyle Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will learn about the impact of homelessness and housing insecurity on child development. This topic is large, and instructors may consider focusing the scope on a particular arena of child development (e.g., academic vs. psychosocial outcomes). Students will learn about which children are at risk for experiencing homelessness and why, as well as the effect of experiencing homelessness on particular aspects of child development. Students will consider the value of including examples of those experiencing homelessness in child-directed media, such as Sesame Street.

Gender Development, Emily F. Coyle Ph.D., Erica Weisgram Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will learn about the development of gender role and identity, and gender stereotyping in child development. Materials include an emphasis on major theories of gender development as well as contemporary research in gender diversity including transgender child development. Students will learn how Sesame Street addresses issues around gender stereotyping and gender diversity.

Peer Relationships & Friendship, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will discuss some of the important factors surrounding peer relationships and friendships. What does it mean to be a friend? How can we teach children to resolve conflict in friendships? How can peer pressure influence behavior? Using clips from Sesame Street and other children’s media, students will consider these, and related, questions about the power of peers.

Identity, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will explore the various ways in which people form and perceive their identity. Students will use topical readings and Sesame Street video clips to learn how identity is formed, what identities are most recognized in oneself, and how other people can influence change in identities (parents, friends, culture). Students will participate in activities about their own identities as well as develop activities for others.

Divorce, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will provide an overview of parental divorce, as well as its impact on children and the family structure. Students will use topical readings and Sesame Street video clips to learn about the impact of divorce on children (e.g. academic, emotional, social), as well as factors that influence postdivorce outcomes (e.g., race/ethnicity, parenting styles, changes in family structure, availability of noncustodial parent).

Bullying And Victimization, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will discuss concepts related to bullying and victimization. Using clips from Sesame Street, students will consider what it means to be a bully, victim, and bystander, as well as how teachers, parents, and educators can intervene. Additionally, this module will help students think critically about some of the potential impacts of bullying and victimization on development across the lifespan.

Goal Setting In Kindergarten: Motivating Young Learners To Be Successful In Learning Sight Words, Ashley Brudvig, Taylor Anderson, Jarrett D. Moore

Journal of Inquiry and Action in Education

The purpose of this research was to determine the effectiveness of goal setting as a motivator for kindergarten students in learning grade-level sight words. This study was conducted over a 6-week period in two Midwestern kindergarten classrooms. The participants in the experimental group were trained in self-setting goals and participated in weekly check-ins and bi-weekly assessments. Themes in motivation were documented using a reflection survey and anecdotal notes. Student growth was tracked using sight word assessments and growth charts. Data suggested participants who set goals achieved higher gains than participants who did not set goals.

Distance Learning Effects On The Early Elementary Student's Socio-Emotional Development And English Acquisition, Alejandra Irene Escamilla Saldaña, Luisa Fernanda Quintanilla Herrera, Margarita Coronado Fernández

International Graduate Program for Educators Master's Projects

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted all schools throughout the world. Because of this experience, student’s learning may have been affected. This study sought to find if there could have been an effect in student achievement and development after a year of distance learning. Specifically, does an ELL student’s english acquisition, self-regulation and social skills scores lower after a year of distance learning? If there is a negative impact, do these lower scores get bridged to meet expectations after a year of in-person instruction and intervention? In this study, 16 teachers from PK to 2nd grade at ASFM in Monterrey, Mexico were …

International Conflict, Pamela Schuetze Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will consider how international conflict and associated traumas impact children.Using clips from versions of Sesame Street that air in countries experiencing violence and other children’s media, students will consider the impact of violence/trauma on neurological, cognitive and socioemotional functioning.

Incarceration, Pamela Schuetze Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will consider how having an incarcerated parent impacts children. Using clips from Sesame Street, students will consider how children cope with and understand having an incarcerated parent. Students will also how having an incarcerated parenting impacts socioemotional development.

Sesame Street Seminar – Autism Spectrum Disorders, Kathy R. Doody Ph.D

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The module will also provide insight into how Sesame Street has raised awareness and acceptance of ASD through a Muppet named Julia who is on the spectrum.

Death & Dying, Jill M. Swirsky Ph.D

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will consider how to discuss the difficult topic of death and dying with children. Using clips from Sesame Street and other children’s media, students will consider children’s cognitive capacity related to their ability to understand the concept of death. They will also learn about the role of parents in using children’s media as a teaching tool.

Fine And Gross Motor (Physical Domain), Kathy R. Doody Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will provide an overview of the physical domain in early childhood, specifically, fine motor(small muscles such as those found in the hands and fingers) and gross motor (large muscles such as those found in arms, legs,and core) and its development. The module will also provide insight into how Sesame Street has stressed the importance of physical activity to young children, as well as how they have provided age appropriate activities,songs, and video segments to teach fine and gross motor skill development.

Parenting, Pamela Schuetze Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

In this module, students will consider various aspects of parenting impact children. Using clips from Sesame Street, students will consider how parenting decisions and communication may impact child development. Students will also explore parenting resources developed by Sesame Worksheet to support and educate the parents of young children.

Language Development, Susan Geffen Ph.D.

Sample module-themed coursework with Sesame Street examples

This module will explore the various aspects of language development (phonetics, syntax,semantics and pragmatics). Using topical readings and clips from Sesame Street, students will consider the steps involved in learning language (e.g., learning word-object pairings), cues available in daily language, and techniques that parents and teachers can use to help children acquire language.