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Articles 1 - 30 of 96
Full-Text Articles in Early Childhood Education
Effects Of Character Education On Independent Conflict Resolution, Emily Stein
Effects Of Character Education On Independent Conflict Resolution, Emily Stein
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The inspiration for this project came as a response to the observations made by a lower elementary Montessori guide in a post-COVID classroom. It aimed to see how direct instruction of virtues affected students’ independent conflict resolution skills. This project lasted six weeks in a first through third-grade classroom of 22 students in an urban school. The guide introduced a new value each week through a read-aloud and a value affirmation. Students then had the remainder of the week to journal their thoughts on the virtue prompt of the week. The guide monitored student conflict using a tally sheet, marking …
Implementing Environmentally Conscious Skills Into Toddlers’ Routines, Martha Sanchez Romero
Implementing Environmentally Conscious Skills Into Toddlers’ Routines, Martha Sanchez Romero
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research aimed to determine the effects of implementing environmentally conscious skills in the daily routine of toddlers in a Montessori classroom. Evidence supports that routine helps normalize and internalize practiced skills. I collected quantitative and qualitative data from a mixed toddler class, over eight weeks at an independent school setting with 24, 18 months to 36 months. I utilized through pre- and post-questionnaires, tally sheets, and observational record- keeping. The results showed that toddlers were more successful with activities that were part of their daily routine, in increasing their purpose and coordination versus those found on the shelf. …
Developing Self-Regulation, Terriann Vandeventer
Developing Self-Regulation, Terriann Vandeventer
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
"Abstract This research seeks to determine if children can develop self-regulation through games and activities in early childhood. This research was completed over six weeks in a classroom of three- to six-year-old students in a Montessori school. The researcher presented weekly games to the students to develop self-regulation skills such as listening, following directions, and body awareness. The researcher completed student surveys using qualitative and quantitative data from teacher observations to support their findings. The research found that games and activities can develop self-regulation skills in young children, lead to positive self-regulation behavior, decrease negative regulation skills, and increase self-awareness."
The Impact Of Cognitively Guided Instruction On Students’ Mathematical Mindsets, Christina Keller
The Impact Of Cognitively Guided Instruction On Students’ Mathematical Mindsets, Christina Keller
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this research was to analyze the impact of an inquiry-based word problem-solving framework, known as Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), on students’ mathematical mindsets in an early elementary Montessori classroom. Students received one word problem-solving lesson per week over a six-week period. Students completed a pre-intervention and post-intervention mathematical mindset rubric, as well as CGI assessment. Both qualitative and quantitative results show that students had an increase in their variety of word problem-solving strategies, were able to solve word problems more accurately, and showed increased levels in self-efficacy, perception, and affinity towards math. Based on these results, CGI …
Leveraging Ai Tools To Reduce Teacher Stress And Workload, Kassidy Waddell
Leveraging Ai Tools To Reduce Teacher Stress And Workload, Kassidy Waddell
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research paper investigates the integration of AI-powered tools, specifically ChatGPT, to develop individualized lesson plans with the aim of alleviating teacher stress and reducing workload. Drawing upon theoretical frameworks such as Self-Efficacy Theory and the Technology Acceptance Model, the study explores the potential of AI technology to enhance classroom experiences. The research questions addressed in this study include 1) to identify the advantages and disadvantages of using ChatGPT in a classroom setting and 2) to assess whether integrating ChatGPT into a Montessori classroom can positively impact student and teacher learning. Qualitative data was collected over a five-week intervention …
The Impact Of Uninterrupted Work Periods On A School Leader’S Self-Efficacy, Heather Harvey
The Impact Of Uninterrupted Work Periods On A School Leader’S Self-Efficacy, Heather Harvey
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research paper examined the impact of an uninterrupted work period on a school leader’s sense of self-efficacy. The subject of this self-study was the Assistant Head of School at a private, non-profit Montessori school in the Southeastern United States. The interventions took place over five weeks, each consisting of a planned 90-minute work period without interruptions or distractions. The participant was instructed to use the time to focus on a project that required concentration. The subject reported their feelings of self-efficacy and job satisfaction on surveys throughout the study period to measure if they increased their feelings of …
The Influence Of Social Stories On Early Learners, Kate Whiting
The Influence Of Social Stories On Early Learners, Kate Whiting
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research study was conducted in a two or three-day-a-week preschool class within a suburban area in the Midwest. This study collected observable student behavior over four weeks. The study aimed to decrease anxiety and undesirable behaviors among preschool-aged students within a classroom setting. Undesirable behaviors include prolonged anxiety when transitioning from the first learning environment, home, to the second, school. In addition, behaviors such as trouble following routine expectations and transitioning within a preschool classroom. The student participants in this research were given Social Stories to help ease anxiety within the preschool classroom during routines and separation from …
The Effects Of Work Plans On Independence In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Cynthia Narine
The Effects Of Work Plans On Independence In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Cynthia Narine
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project aimed to examine the effects introducing picture-based work plans would have on independence in a Primary Montessori classroom. The intervention took place over seven weeks and involved a middle-class suburban classroom with 25 children ages three to six-years old. Data was collected through the use of tally sheets which recorded the number of times children asked for suggestions; tables which recorded the number of children engaged in meaningful work; an observation log for observations taken globally; and a field journal which recorded the researcher’s thoughts, questions, and other observations at the time. The data showed a …
Increasing Concentration Through Multistep Practical Life Works In A Montessori 2-6 Classroom, Gay Luise
Increasing Concentration Through Multistep Practical Life Works In A Montessori 2-6 Classroom, Gay Luise
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
"This intervention was intended to combat apathy and disengagement in a preschool Montessori classroom. Four traditional Practical Life tasks were introduced to 15 students, dusting the shelves, sweeping the floor, carpet sweeping, and mopping the floor. These tasks required many different types of movement to complete. The intention was to test Dr. Montessori’s assertions that movement is essential for early brain development. The research took place in an urban Montessori and included 15 participants. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected over a four-week period. At the end of the intervention, findings indicated that their ability to concentrate increased after …
The Effects Of Music And Movement On Learning Sight Words, Khou Moua
The Effects Of Music And Movement On Learning Sight Words, Khou Moua
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research aimed to evaluate the effects of music and movement on learning sight words. This study occurred in a public Montessori classroom in a metropolitan area in Minnesota. There were 19 students, ages 4-6, and 10 targeted sight words. Students viewed Jan Richardson and Jack Hartmann’s Sight Word Music videos during the 6-week intervention. In each video, students were encouraged to dance, move, sing, and follow the instructions of the musician. Baseline and post-assessment data, student attitude surveys, video observations, and student activity worksheets were collected and evaluated from 10 kindergarten students. Quantitative data revealed increased student proficiency …
The Effectiveness Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons In A Montessori Environment, Megan Green
The Effectiveness Of Grace And Courtesy Lessons In A Montessori Environment, Megan Green
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This study explored the effectiveness of grace and courtesy lessons in teaching a specific set of social skills to young children as well as how this approach impacts children’s ability to navigate related social situations successfully and independently. Research took place over seven weeks in a Montessori primary environment, comprised of 26 children aged 33 months to six years of age. The school is located in an urban, low socioeconomic area and is a hybrid private early childcare center and K-6 charter school. Research data was gathered in the form of field journal notes to record the presenter’s general thoughts …
The Effectiveness Of Roleplaying In Teaching Preschoolers Social Skills, Qi Pan
The Effectiveness Of Roleplaying In Teaching Preschoolers Social Skills, Qi Pan
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of role-play as a means of enhancing the social skills of preschool students in a Montessori setting. A total of 37 children between the ages of two and a half to six years who participated in a five week study. The interventions were conducted once a week for four weeks, during which children took turns participating in simulated scenarios that mirrored their everyday experiences. After the role-play presentation, assessments and group discussions were conducted to evaluate the children's comprehension. The research data was gathered before, during and after the interventions. The researcher …
Montessori Parent Education: Supporting Early Childhood Independence Through Social-Emotional Learning, Gloria Boesenberg
Montessori Parent Education: Supporting Early Childhood Independence Through Social-Emotional Learning, Gloria Boesenberg
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project evaluated how a one-time parent education session focused on emotional coaching and social-emotional learning affected children’s independence in a small, private Montessori preschool. During the five-week study, children’s task independence and self-management at home and school were assessed by parents and teacher, respectively. Parents reported greater confidence in supporting children’s independence and emotion regulation following the intervention. Both task independence and self-management levels were high at school. While task independence at school did not increase due to parent education, task independence increased at home. There was a trend toward increased self-management at home following intervention, and …
Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North
Effects Of Practical Life Activities And Normalization In The 3–6-Year-Old Classroom, Lori North
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
"This study aims to determine the effects Practical Life activities have on the process of normalization of students in a Montessori primary classroom. The research took place over six weeks and included 22 participants. Each day the participants were given Practical Life lessons, such as dry pouring, rolling up a work mat, walking around the ellipse, etc. Students who can concentrate and work freely in the Montessori classroom are moving toward normalization. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to examine the effects of how Practical Life activities assist the process of normalization of children ages 3-6. Findings suggest that …
The Influence Of Yoga And Meditation On Intrinsic Motivation In Early Childhood Education, Nicole Laviolette
The Influence Of Yoga And Meditation On Intrinsic Motivation In Early Childhood Education, Nicole Laviolette
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
"The objective of this action research was to see if daily voluntary yoga and meditation influence intrinsic motivation in a 3-6-year-old Montessori classroom. The time frame of this study was over six weeks in the beginning of the school year at an urban public Montessori school. The children who participated in the study were eighteen 3-6-year-old students. The experiment included using two apps, one for meditation and one for yoga, every morning for forty-five minutes. Children were welcomed to join when they were ready and leave when they felt refreshed. Some positive effects of our research were an increase in …
Focusing On Grace And Courtesy In The Hopes Of Achieving A More Peaceful Classroom Community, Marshetta Davis
Focusing On Grace And Courtesy In The Hopes Of Achieving A More Peaceful Classroom Community, Marshetta Davis
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Children are at risk of becoming adults who are unable to live, work and thrive together within communities across the United States of America due to lack of respect for themselves, other humans and things in the world which goes along with social courtesies. The researcher was an early childhood education teacher who holds a Montessori certification. For six weeks, the participants in the study were able to focus on Grace and Courtesy lessons in which they participated by observing the teacher modeling care of self, care of others, and care of things with careful attention with, mindful movement, and …
Finding Roots In The Montessori Social Studies Curriculum, Kimberly Torres
Finding Roots In The Montessori Social Studies Curriculum, Kimberly Torres
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research aimed to determine if an equity audit of the Montessori social studies curriculum and learning about the researcher’s culture impacted professional self-efficacy and resilience. This six-week intervention and study was a self-study through daily regimented activities. Three weeks were used to learn more about the researcher’s own culture and history. Three additional weeks were dedicated to the equity audit process, where the researcher revised original lessons or created new, culturally sustaining lessons to augment the curriculum. The data collected was completed daily using four tools: an attitude scale, a guided questionnaire, a reflective journal, and finally during …
Improving Student Concentration Through Caregiver Education, Arianna Fearing
Improving Student Concentration Through Caregiver Education, Arianna Fearing
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research was conducted in a primary classroom at a Montessori school. Using caregiver education that focused on the importance of limiting screen time, it aimed to increase student concentration during the work cycles. The research collected data through pre and post caregiver attitude scales and questionnaires as well as concentration and observation logs during the morning work cycles. Utilizing both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the data revealed a successful intervention with an increase in student concentration. This study can serve as a framework for future research projects that look at how caregiver education, focusing on different topics, …
"What Are The Effects Of Parental Informational Nights/Parenting Classes On The Parent’S Understanding Of The Montessori Method?", Mackenzie Brown, Kayla Gamble
"What Are The Effects Of Parental Informational Nights/Parenting Classes On The Parent’S Understanding Of The Montessori Method?", Mackenzie Brown, Kayla Gamble
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
"This action research paper aimed to identify the benefits of parent informational classes within the Montessori method. Parents participated in three informational sessions. The sessions discussed Montessori philosophy and each of the core areas in the Montessori classroom. Data was measured using pre-and post-surveys, allowing parents to elaborate on their understanding. Parents were also able to provide questions and feedback regarding areas they desired to learn more. Parents expressed that the informative classes provided them a better understanding of the Montessori philosophy and provided ideas for incorporating the method into their homes. The research concluded the importance of involving and …
The Effect Of A Culturally Diverse Art Curriculum On The Early Childhood Student’S Cultural Competency, Erin Reynolds
The Effect Of A Culturally Diverse Art Curriculum On The Early Childhood Student’S Cultural Competency, Erin Reynolds
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research project was completed to test the effects of a culturally diverse art program on early childhood students’ cultural competency. The setting was a Montessori early childhood classroom of 22 children. There were two Asian students, one African American student, and 19 Caucasian students. Data were collected using a student conference form, self-portrait rubric, and tally sheets - continent symbol matching, group discussions and art activities. A group presentation took place each week about an artist from one the six inhabited continents which included a biography and examples of their artwork. Following the presentation an art activity was …
The Effects Of Leading With Empathy On Faculty Morale In A Montessori Setting, Andrea O'Brian
The Effects Of Leading With Empathy On Faculty Morale In A Montessori Setting, Andrea O'Brian
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
"The purpose of this action research was to study whether a change of actions in school leadership, specifically leading with empathy, would effect faculty morale in a Montessori school. There is a common understanding that actions of school leadership are critical to creating a positive work environment. From the literature reviewed, while there are many factors that influence the morale of faculty, the actions of school leadership had the most significant impact and were also the simplest to implement in terms of cost and resources. The theory of servant leadership provided a framework for this research because it supports my …
What Evidence Of Change Emerges When Students With Behavioral And Learning Challenges Are Placed In An Early Childhood Montessori Environment In Rural China?, Jiao J. Zhang
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
Under current circumstances, educational issues such as the achievement gap, non-cognitive development, Executive Function, and students with challenging behaviors impact day-to-day classroom practices and fundamentally reshape the results of education. The purpose of this research was to utilize the Montessori environment and principles, as well as the “normalization” approach developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, to help students with behavioral and learning challenges find the balance of their mental developmental processes and maximize their academic achievement at the same time. This action research conducted focused-group case studies of the Montessori Normalization process for children possessing behavioral and learning challenges at a …
The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Exercise On Children’S Executive Functioning, Emily E. Osborn
The Effects Of Cognitively Engaging Exercise On Children’S Executive Functioning, Emily E. Osborn
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This study examines the effect of combining vigorous exercise with cognitively engaging games on children’s executive functioning skills such as self-direction, engagement, and focus. Over four weeks, the research took place in a Montessori early childhood classroom with 17 children ages 2.6 to 6. The four-week study included a one-week baseline week to collect initial data on the capabilities of self-direction and comprehensive data on energy levels and engagement. The children participated in a 14-minute movement activity with 7 minutes of vigorous exercise and 7 minutes of cognitive-engaging games. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative data tools to examine …
The Effect Of Antiracist Children’S Literature On Developing Racial Awareness In Early Childhood, Brittany L.M. Ladd
The Effect Of Antiracist Children’S Literature On Developing Racial Awareness In Early Childhood, Brittany L.M. Ladd
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
In this study, I asked the question, “What effect will antiracist children’s literature have on a white, homeschooled, 5-year-old child’s developing awareness of race and racial issues?” Over the course of four weeks, my child and I read and discussed antiracist children’s literature, and then I recorded my child’s signs of developing racial awareness using qualitative and quantitative data tools. In analysis of this data, I discovered that my child’s developing awareness focused more heavily on race and the understanding of skin tones than on racial issues such as a sense of equality. This finding aligns with early child developmental …
The Influence Of Role-Play Scenarios And Mindful Reflection On A Small Group Of Diverse Daycare Providers’ Responses To Classroom Situations, Charlene Kam
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research investigated the effectiveness of roleplay and reflection among four teachers guiding twenty-four students in a Primary Montessori environment. The teachers have limited Montessori training. They differ in age, teaching philosophy, cultural and educational backgrounds. This study asked teachers to roleplay strategies that felt counter to traditional practices. The 7-week intervention consisted of ten 15-minute scripted roleplay sessions, five 15- minute unscripted roleplay, and oral and written reflections. I gathered data using pre- mid- and post-self-assessment surveys, written reflection with prompts, and a reflection survey containing predetermined questions. The surveys showed an increase in the teachers’ awareness of …
Parents Opinions Matter: The Impact Of Incentives On Parent/Child Workshops Within The Raising A Reader Program, Samantha Kennedy
Parents Opinions Matter: The Impact Of Incentives On Parent/Child Workshops Within The Raising A Reader Program, Samantha Kennedy
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research focused on the incentives parents/guardians found valuable when participating in parent/child workshops within the Raising a Reader program. The research took place over six weeks within the public school system in a low-income, rural district in Maryland. All parents and guardians with children in prekindergarten and kindergarten classes received invitations to be a part of the research. The research utilized artifact data from previous parent surveys, inquiry data consisting of pre and post assessments, and observational data during parent/child workshops. Data findings suggest that parent/child-centered incentives are most valuable to parents, including spending time with, reading with, …
The Effects Of Guided Reading In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Taylor Bates, Mary Brocklesby, Katie Mcgarrigle
The Effects Of Guided Reading In A Primary Montessori Classroom, Taylor Bates, Mary Brocklesby, Katie Mcgarrigle
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research was to decide if conducting guided reading instruction three times a week in a primary Montessori classroom would make an impact on reading levels among kindergarten students. The research took place over six weeks in a public Montessori school. The school is a Title One school located in a rural area of South Carolina. The population who participated in the study were 26 kindergarten students aged five to six from three different classrooms. Our intervention included using a variety of reading strategies such as pointing to each word, using picture clues, sounding out words, …
Improving Toddlers' Transition To A New Classroom: Using Attachment Theory, Yoonju Um
Improving Toddlers' Transition To A New Classroom: Using Attachment Theory, Yoonju Um
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
This action research sought to answer "What impact does a teacher's insight about transition and attachment theory (Bowlby, 1982) have on a toddler's transition into a new school?" The research was conducted in a Montessori school in Connecticut with 4 teachers, 11 new toddlers, and 11 parents. The researcher intervened with a teacher focus group examining their belief about transition. The data tools included teacher surveys and focus groups, parent checklists, observations on transition behavior, and interactions and program structures section of the infant toddler environment rating scale (ITERS). The findings showed that the intervention enhanced teachers' confidence and positive …
Impacts Of Early Childhood Professional Development On Educator Practice And Subsequent Student Experience In The Outdoor Environment, Hannah Mohr
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this project was to study the impact of professional development on early childhood educator practice and its subsequent effects on toddlers’ experiences with Risky Play in the outdoor environment. The setting of this project was a toddler classroom within a Montessori school in Missouri. The population for this action research study was three adult assistant guides with varying levels of experience with Montessori and early childhood education and 10 students in a Montessori toddler classroom between the ages of 17 and 32 months. The intervention consisted of a professional development workshop related to Montessori philosophy and benefits …
Sustaining Teacher Resilience For Montessori Education, Rebecca Britt
Sustaining Teacher Resilience For Montessori Education, Rebecca Britt
Masters of Arts in Education Action Research Papers
The purpose of this action research self-study was to determine the effects of a sustainable self-care practice on the resilience of an unemployed, mid-career Montessori early childhood teacher. This 4-week intervention consisted of twenty 20-minute sessions with meditation, yoga, and/or inspirational readings. Data was measured using a pre- and post-resilience survey, a daily adjective checklist, and a daily reflective journal. An increase in resilience was demonstrated by the resilience survey and self-assessed in journal entries, suggesting that taking time each day for personal self-care can positively impact resilience. Further research should include a larger and diverse study group of full-time …