Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Rule Making Pre-K, Regents' Center For Early Developmental Education

Open Educational Resources

Physical science centers provide children with opportunities for active, hands-on learning. This can sometimes result in problems that need to be addressed in order for the center to run smoothly. Bringing the children together to create the rules for the classroom or for specific learning centers is an excellent way to promote collaboration, community building, and perspective taking. This activity also provides a rich opportunity to model and build on a variety of literacy skills.

Ready Or Not, Here They Come : A Look At Kindergarten Readiness, Sara J. Swyter

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the subject of kindergarten readiness. Both socially and academically mature and immature children were included in this study. An intervention model was presented for children who assessed behind their peers socially and academically. It was documented and reported that children who were assessed as below their peers socially and academically were able to make good progress through the intense one-on-one interventions performed; however, their growth was not enough to completely catch them up to their non-struggling peers. Results were shared and recommendations were made for future children academically and socially immature.

The Role Of The Kindergarten : History, Concerns, And Guidelines For Developing An Effective Kindergarten Program, Amanda N. Herber

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the recent literature on the subject of the role of today's kindergarten program. The age of the children, maturity level, attitude.and stress, and confidence were discussed. Guidelines were also presented for developing an effective kindergarten program. Conclusions were drawn from the current literature and recommendations were made for future kindergarten programs.

Emergent Literacy Learning, Tera Bockenstedt

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this review of literature was to look at research in the area of early literacy acquisition. A brief background on emergent literacy and how emergent literacy has impacted educational reform was discussed. The review of literature discussed research on emergent literacy development, in particular the skills that are appropriate for young children to acquire in preparation for entrance into formal schooling. A look at research about the influences on emergent literacy learning and the conditions that foster early literacy development was also discussed. The home factors influencing emergent literacy development and the conditions that foster early literacy …

Providing Appropriate Social Interventions For Preschool-Age Children With Mild Autism Spectrum Disorders, Angela M. Riesberg

Graduate Research Papers

This paper provides a variety of appropriate social interventions to use with preschool-age children with mild Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Regardless of his or her diagnostic label, each individual child requires an individualized approach to treatment. Typically, multiple interventions are necessary for a successful program.

The questions this project will address include: (a) What are some possible social interventions to use with preschool-age children who have mild autism spectrum disorders, (b) what research supports current successful social interventions, ( c) which social interventions could provide the most benefits and success, and (d) how can inclusion and interacting with typically developing …

Constructivist Education : Exploring The Constructivist Theory And No Child Left Behind To Develop An Effective Kindergarten Program, Leigh M. Siegert

Graduate Research Papers

This paper is a literature review of Constructivist Education Theories and how they can be incorporated into a No Child Left Behind (NCLB) classroom. The focal point of this paper will be the theories of Constructivist Education. In addition, will be discussed, the benefits of and problems concerning Constructivist Education. Also, guidelines for incorporating Constructivist Education into a NCLB classroom will be established. The conclusion of this paper will share which theories work and which do not. Also, recommendations for additional research are included.

Revision Of The Carlisle Elementary Preschool Standards Based On The Iowa Early Learning Standards, Marne M. Sievers

Graduate Research Papers

This paper describes the process of evaluating current standards and benchmarks for the Carlisle Elementary Preschool, revising them using the Iowa Early Learning Standards, which were completed in May 2005, revising a teacher-created assessment tool and progress report, and investigating the curriculum that is used and how it aligns with the newly created standards and benchmarks. Standards and benchmarks have been a focus in the educational field due to the implementation of the Federal "No Child Left Behind" Act.

Many standards and benchmarks have been created for kindergarten through twelfth grade but few programs have adopted standards and benchmarks prior …

Incorporating Interactive Writing Throughout The Day In A Kindergarten Classroom, Amy Sobaski

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the use of interactive writing in a kindergarten classroom. Interactive writing and related terms were explained, and connections were made between interactive writing and learning standards. Possible problems and solutions were discussed, and a case study was conducted in a kindergarten classroom. Guidelines were presented for successful integration of interactive writing into a balanced literacy program. Also, conclusions were drawn from the case study and reviewed literature, and recommendations were made for the use of interactive writing in the classroom and for future research in this area.

Gender Differences In American Children's Oral Narratives, Nadezda M. Zernova

Graduate Research Papers

Gender differences exist among different aspects of children's development (such as social, cognitive, and emotional). Children's narratives have been used as a common assessment tool (Libby & Aries, 1989; Wang & Leichtman, 2000) to learn more about gender differences. Knowledge of existing differences enables educators to individualize their teaching for boys and girls in order to benefit their development. The present study focused on gender differences in the following areas of American children's oral narratives: characters, emotional tone, structure, content, and language. The participants of the study were 14 kindergarteners and first-graders (7 boys and 7 girls) between ages 6 …

Daily Drawing And Writing Activities In A Preschool Classroom, Lynn Glaser

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review examined the effect of providing daily drawing and writing activities in a preschool classroom. Benefits, as well as concerns, were discussed. Guidelines were presented to help with establishing a classroom environment that would provide daily drawing and writing activities for children in a preschool classroom. Conclusions were also drawn from the literature and recommendations were made to assist administers and teachers with establishing a program that supports daily drawing and writing activities.

Sending Children Who Are Medically Fragile To School, Aulanda L. Zenner

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the decisions to send children who are medically fragile to school-based programming. A case study including parent interviews, as well as pediatrician surveys regarding the education of children who are medically fragile. Benefits, as well as problems, were discussed and were associated with children who are medically fragile attending school. Guidelines were presented for decisions to send children who are medically fragile to school. Also, conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for the future of schooling for children who are medically fragile.

Opportunity And Access For Children With Disabilities In The Inclusive Preschool Classroom, Jodi Meyer-Mork

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

In this qualitative case study, I investigated how one teacher provided opportunity and access to full classroom participation for children with disabilities in the inclusive preschool classroom over two academic years. The site was a state-funded preschool program for children considered at risk for school failure. The principle participants included a preschool teacher with more than 22 years of experience and ten preschoolers identified with mild to moderate disabilities. In this naturalistic inquiry (Bogdan & Biklen, 2003), data were collected through participant observation over two academic years. Primary data sources included descriptive and analytic field notes as well as formal …

Implementing Writer's Workshop In A Kindergarten Classroom, Katie Hauschildt

Graduate Research Papers

Can children be taught to write in kindergarten? Should children be taught to write in kindergarten? How do you teach children to write in kindergarten? These and many other questions about the appropriateness of writing and how to teach writing have been swirling around the education community for many years. As a kindergarten teacher I myself began wondering about these questions and how to answer them. I was intrigued by the idea of providing a framework in my classroom that would encourage emerging readers and writers to create and manipulate their own text.

In an effort to better understand the …

Writing In The Kindergarten Classroom : It Can Be Done!, Stephanie Kartman

Graduate Research Papers

When discussing early writing Vicki Spandel (2001) brings up the following very important point: "We need to notice the little things (not just the big milestones) and put them to work to encourage our young writers, who are often doing much more than they get credit for'' (p. 321 ).

This project was built upon the idea that teachers would support writing through various instructional methods such as interactive, shared, and direct writing instruction. These activities are meant to supplement the Marion Independent School District kindergarten curriculum.

Phonemic Awareness In The Kindergarten Classroom, Shelly Jelinek

Graduate Research Papers

There are two objectives that I hope to meet with the completion of this project. The first is to provide teachers with phonemic awareness activities to supplement the Marion Independent School District early childhood and/or elementary curriculum. The second objective is to provide activities that meet the requirements of my district's phonemic awareness assessment.

Reflections About My Second Year Of Teaching Reading, Molly Melloy Recker

Graduate Research Papers

On the second day of school, I realized that four students had entered my first grade classroom – reading. As that school day concluded, at the beginning of my second year of teaching, I remember sitting down at my desk, and thinking to myself, "Now what?" These were not the students I was expecting.

In this paper I explain how I adapted my reading beliefs and teaching practices to meet the challenge the four students posed to me. I describe each student, and their reading behaviors. Next, I discuss perspectives about early literacy, in order to examine my beliefs in …

A Case Study Of Organizational Change At Riverview Early Childhood Center, Jaclyn Yetmar

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the need for change in an organization and the obstacles which must be overcome. The reasons for change were discussed in regard to Riverview Early Childhood Center of Webster City, Iowa. Guidelines were presented for change agents to use in accomplishing change within an organization. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for organizations in facilitating change from within.

Morning Message : Bringing Interactive Writing To Life In A Kindergarten Classroom, Kay M. Hoffman

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article is to inform the reader of one way of implementing interactive writing into a kindergarten classroom, which is through the use of morning message. Interactive writing means different things to different people and my interpretation will be discussed throughout the article. I will share where I have been as a teacher of young children as well as some of the things I have learned along this invigorating journey.

A Comparative Analysis Of Early Childhood Education In Kenya And The United States Of America : Kenya's Social And Economic Constraints, Peter Kibet Koech

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined Early Childhood Education in Kenya and the United States of America. The development of Early Childhood Education in Kenya was discussed through detailed analysis of social and economic constraints. Conclusions were drawn from the available literature; also, suggestions and relevant recommendations were made to help improve Early Childhood Education in Kenya.

Using Wordless Picture Books To Stimulate Fictional Writing In First-Grade Students, Kathryn Nicol Morris

Graduate Research Papers

The use of wordless picture books was a successful strategy as an adult intervention for helping students at different levels in their writing ability to produce a story that followed a logical progression of events; that had a clear beginning, middle and end; and that described a character's experiences to a point of conclusion. This was accomplished with varying degrees of teacher assistance required. The stories from these students showed some similarities, but each student brought some unique element to the writing. The stories were distinguishable, even though the text in each story was inspired by the same set of …

Best Practices In Balanced Early Literacy Instruction, Suzanne Yoder

Graduate Research Papers

In order to provide the best literacy instruction for the nation's earliest learners, it is crucial that best practice principles, as defined by Steven Zemelman, Harvey Daniels, and Arthur Hyde, be adhered to. These principles include all aspects of what have been found to be the teaching methods and strategies most conducive to successful early literacy acquisition. The purpose of this paper is to examine the historical and current trends in literacy education, discuss and explain the best practice principles, and to relate these principles to a current balanced literacy approach. Further, activities and lessons are presented which could be …

Using Computer Software To Enhance Instruction Of Early Literacy Skills In The Kindergarten Classroom, Janann Dostal

Graduate Research Papers

This review investigates skills vital to early literacy instruction, technology use in early childhood classrooms, and software available to enhance early literacy skills of kindergarten students. Letter naming, phonological awareness, concepts about print, and language development are early literacy skills vital to a student's future reading success. Studies have shown that technology has been used in early childhood classrooms as an effective teaching tool, to promote active student involvement, and as a tool for motivation, showing that computers can be utilized successfully with young students. Research indicates that early literacy software used to supplement teacher instruction has great potential to …

Retention In The Primary Grades, Joni Gunter

Graduate Research Papers

Every year children are retained because of teachers' recommendations. When teachers recommend retention, the major reason is that children are having difficulty keeping up with their peers, or they are not functioning at grade level on district or state tests. Teachers may also recommend retention if children are smaller than peers, immature, have a late birthday, have excessive absences as a result of illness, or a move, or when English is a Second Language. This study examined the benefits, problems, as well as alternatives to retention. Conclusions and recommendations were determined based on the written research on retention.

Teaching Literacy In Kindergarten, Dawnette Diane Leslie

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined ways of teaching literacy in the kindergarten. Benefits and problems associated with teaching reading in kindergarten were discussed. Guidelines were presented for teachers implementing literacy instruction in kindergartens. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for teaching reading to kindergarten students.

Effect Of Childcare Facilities On Vigorous Physical Activity In Preschool Aged Children, Nicole Kelly-Goreham

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of childcare centers with differences in outdoor space and play equipment upon the amount of time spent at vigorous physical activity by children. The research questions guiding this research were:

1. Is there a difference among childcare centers in the amount of time spent in vigorous physical activity by preschool age children?

2. Is there any relationship between the amount of time spent in vigorous physical activity at the childcare center and the child's BMI, the time spent outdoors time spent in vigorous physical activity outside the center, parental BMI, …

The Role Of Invented Spelling In Early Literacy, Nancy Carper

Graduate Research Papers

An awareness and understanding of invented spelling in early literacy were presented in this research paper. The developmental stages and guidelines associated with invented spelling were discussed. Advantages and problems of invented spelling were examined. Conclusions were drawn from the literature review and recommendations were stated for future research concerning invented spelling.

Teaching Nctm Standards Through Subject Areas In The Kindergarten Classroom, Elizabeth Tata O'Neil

Graduate Research Papers

Teachers are being expected to provide a full range of experiences for their students. But in reality, many early childhood programs have reading readiness and literacy as the only focus. In many situations, mathematics instruction is an afterthought. Many students are not given quality instruction because little time in the school day is left, once language arts instruction is completed. This is even more true for students in half-day programs.

One way to alleviate this disparity is to incorporate math instruction within other subject areas. This can be achieved if teachers are educated in the National Council of Teachers of …

School Readiness: Characteristics, Viewpoints, And Guidelines For Developing An Effective Kindergarten Program, Vicki A. Zweibohmer

Graduate Research Papers

This study examined the recent literature on the subject of school readiness. Positive viewpoints, as well as negative viewpoints, associated with school readiness were discussed. Guidelines were presented for developing an effective kindergarten program with regard to school readiness. Also, conclusions were drawn from the current literature and recommendations were made for future kindergarten programs

Best Practices In Social Skills Training With Preschool Children, Kathleen M. Twohig

Graduate Research Papers

This review of literature focuses on several aspects of social skills training with preschool children. The importance of positive social skills is discussed. Numerous definitions are offered, and a clarification is made between social skills and social competence. The review highlights how social skills deficits may be classified and common dimensions of social skills. Issues and methods in assessment are explained. Finally, effective interventions that have received empirical research support are described as well as issues in generalization. Further research should address the following questions: What specific social skills are appropriate for certain ages? How do boys and girls differ …

Developing A Quality Parent Program For Dunkerton Preschool, Jolene Denner

Graduate Research Papers

This study addressed the topic of developing a quality parent program for the Dunkerton (Iowa) Preschool. A literature research study focused on benefits of a parent program and the problems associated with implementing parent education, involvement, and support. Guidelines and resources for planning and developing a successful program were outlined. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and recommendations were made for pertinent guidelines for the Dunkerton Preschool.