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Early Childhood Education Commons™

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Graduate Student Independent Studies

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Full-Text Articles in Early Childhood Education

The Early Years : A Handbook For New Early Childhood Progressive Educators, Mallory Morris May 2014

The Early Years : A Handbook For New Early Childhood Progressive Educators, Mallory Morris

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This master's project provides research, advice, and suggestions that will continue to prepare progressive early childhood teachers for their first years in the classroom.


Folk Music : Connecting Young Children And Their Families To American Roots, Liana Stampur May 2014

Folk Music : Connecting Young Children And Their Families To American Roots, Liana Stampur

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper will uncover the similarities between American folk music and Central and South American songs of revolution as a way to connect new immigrants to American culture.


Experts In Wondering : A Study Of Reggio Documentation, Alison J. Hurewitz May 2014

Experts In Wondering : A Study Of Reggio Documentation, Alison J. Hurewitz

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The focus of this independent study was to examine the role of documentation in the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, and to explore benefits and challenges to the integration of Reggio documentation practices in a Reform Jewish nursery school setting.


Being Different, Teaching Difference : Challenges And Possibilities For Non-Heterosexual Men In Elementary School Teaching, Jonathan Farmer May 2013

Being Different, Teaching Difference : Challenges And Possibilities For Non-Heterosexual Men In Elementary School Teaching, Jonathan Farmer

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This inquiry brought together the experiences of six male teachers working in NYC schools who identify as either gay, queer, or bisexual. The purpose of this study was to obtain rich qualitative data to create a portrait of these teachers, each with unique backgrounds and opinions about the challenges or responsibilities of working with young children.


Promoting Language Development In Prekindergarten And Kindergarten Classrooms Through Basic Materials : A Tool For Early Childhood Teachers In New Orleans, Jennifer Durkin May 2013

Promoting Language Development In Prekindergarten And Kindergarten Classrooms Through Basic Materials : A Tool For Early Childhood Teachers In New Orleans, Jennifer Durkin

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Offers prekindergarten and kindergarten educators in New Orleans a tool for better understanding why it is important and how to offer language rich opportunities in their classrooms.


Storytelling And Play As A Way To Help Children And Adults Internalize The Values Of Environmental Awareness, Sana (Janet) Ehehosi May 2013

Storytelling And Play As A Way To Help Children And Adults Internalize The Values Of Environmental Awareness, Sana (Janet) Ehehosi

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This thesis is an empirical study to find out if storytelling can be used as a tool to develop environmental and ecological awareness in an early childhood program. It also discusses the importance oral storytelling has on the language and neurocognitive development of children and why it is important to the development of literacy skills.


Working On Social And Emotional Issues By Bringing Theater And Improvisation Into The Early Childhood Classroom, Mark Penina May 2013

Working On Social And Emotional Issues By Bringing Theater And Improvisation Into The Early Childhood Classroom, Mark Penina

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study addresses the need for a social-emotional curriculum through theater techniques and improvisation to help children develop confidence, interpersonal skills, and emotional intelligence. Includes history of theater and improvisation, review of programs in the field, and an original curriculum for an early childhood/pre-kindergarten setting as well as field-based reflections and a list of suggested resources for integrating social and emotional wellness into the early childhood setting.


A Study & Original Material On Peer Relationships & Concepts Of Friendship In Very Young Children, Maia A. Cannon May 2013

A Study & Original Material On Peer Relationships & Concepts Of Friendship In Very Young Children, Maia A. Cannon

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Explores theory, observation, and practice dealing with friendship issues among three to four year old preschoolers. It sketches a portrait of the age group using general developmental and socio-cultural theories, and concludes that social emotional adjustment and relationships are crucial to young children's development. Also includes an original picture book by the author.


The Case For Anti-Bias Preschool And Curriculum For Teachers, Children And Families : Thriving And Learning In A Diverse Child-Led Environment, Nicole Robbins May 2013

The Case For Anti-Bias Preschool And Curriculum For Teachers, Children And Families : Thriving And Learning In A Diverse Child-Led Environment, Nicole Robbins

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Attempts to make the case for the design of an anti-bias preschool. The paper looks at the specific age when young children begin to notice similarities and differences pertaining to physical characteristics, social-economic characteristics, cultural characteristics and developmental variations. It explores the impact formal anti-bias education can have in the preschool setting. This includes impacts on children, families, and teachers. Recommendations are provided in the form of a teacher -training module that includes practical tips as well as an example of an anti-bias curriculum.


Disability In Hiding : The Effects Of Trauma In Early Childhood And The Implications For Classroom Teachers, Dana Baker May 2013

Disability In Hiding : The Effects Of Trauma In Early Childhood And The Implications For Classroom Teachers, Dana Baker

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Seeks to define trauma within the context of early childhood and describe in depth the interrelated neurobiological, behavioral, and psychopathological effects of experienced trauma.


Fostering Global Citizens In The Infant And Toddler Classroom For The Cultivation Of A Culture Of Humanism, Stefanie Horton May 2013

Fostering Global Citizens In The Infant And Toddler Classroom For The Cultivation Of A Culture Of Humanism, Stefanie Horton

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The purpose of this study is to examine meaningful philosophies and practices of education and care that may contribute to the fostering of youth who respect and value the dignity of all life.


The Teacher In The Studio, Molly Alexander May 2013

The Teacher In The Studio, Molly Alexander

Graduate Student Independent Studies

As a potter and teacher, the author connected her practice in the studio to her practice in the classroom by designing and creating cups for the two-year-old children she teaches. This thesis includes visual documentation of the author's design and production process, an analysis of theory and research, and a personal reflection.


Another New Teacher : A Children's Book And Teacher's Guide To Addressing Teacher Change, Cheyenne M. Gleason May 2013

Another New Teacher : A Children's Book And Teacher's Guide To Addressing Teacher Change, Cheyenne M. Gleason

Graduate Student Independent Studies

A children's picture book which explores the topic of teacher change during the school year. The purpose of this book is to open up a space for conversation around teacher change in classrooms that experience a change in the teaching staff mid-year.


Educating Towards Democracy In Infant/Toddler Classrooms : The Example Of The Bank Street Family Center, Kristina A. Satchell May 2013

Educating Towards Democracy In Infant/Toddler Classrooms : The Example Of The Bank Street Family Center, Kristina A. Satchell

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This project hopes to shed light on the possibilities and importance of including the youngest citizens of the country (children aged zero-three), their families and their teachers in the discourse and practices of democratic classrooms.


Building Blocks To Growth : An Examination Of Block Building's Impact On Social And Emotional Development, Diana Elisabeth Dube May 2012

Building Blocks To Growth : An Examination Of Block Building's Impact On Social And Emotional Development, Diana Elisabeth Dube

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Explores the role that independent and group block building play in early childhood development, and specifically examines the impact of early childhood block play on social and emotional development.


Mentoring Novice And Experienced Teachers On Block Play Using The Developmental-Interaction Approach In The Philippines, Kathrina Gancayco-Umali May 2012

Mentoring Novice And Experienced Teachers On Block Play Using The Developmental-Interaction Approach In The Philippines, Kathrina Gancayco-Umali

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Traces the journey of traditional early childhood Filipino teachers in implementing the developmental-interaction approach in the block corner. Five novice and experienced teachers embarked on a professional development series of four mentoring sessions. As a result of this process, teachers have demonstrated confidence and involvement in implementing the use of unit blocks through the developmental-interaction approach and administration agreed to adapt this as a model design for the early childhood program.


Supporting Kindergarteners Coping With Chronic Traumatic Stress In The Classroom: A Handbook For Teachers, Allison Tom-Yunger Jan 2012

Supporting Kindergarteners Coping With Chronic Traumatic Stress In The Classroom: A Handbook For Teachers, Allison Tom-Yunger

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study focuses on the effect of chronic traumatic stressors on young children and the role of kindergarten teachers in supporting them. The literature review examines the impact of chronic trauma on children, the importance of resilience and protective factors, and the challenges teachers face addressing the needs of these children. A discussion of standards within the public school system and methods to promote social-emotional learning within the standards-driven classroom is also included. The handbook gives a description of chronic traumatic stress and signs of children coping with trauma, suggestions for direct individual support of children, play and the …


Infants And Toddlers: What They Teach Us About How To Help Preschool And Elementary School Students Regulate Behavior And Achieve Mental Health, Erin Ford Jan 2012

Infants And Toddlers: What They Teach Us About How To Help Preschool And Elementary School Students Regulate Behavior And Achieve Mental Health, Erin Ford

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Looking at early childhood mental health from a policy perspective, this thesis describes practices that support children's social and emotional development and mental health prevention, intervention, and treatment approaches that can be used in preschool and elementary school settings; looks at young students' unmet mental health needs in both of these settings; and explores how schools can better address students' problem behaviors and mental health needs. To do so, it describes the field of Infant Mental Health and the supporting research; provides an overview of what the literature suggests preschools and elementary schools can do to support young children's social …


Roots Of Farm And Family, Carol Gjenvick Jan 2012

Roots Of Farm And Family, Carol Gjenvick

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The current food industry is a vast and confusing system that often generates contradicting information, new jargon and trends on how and what to eat. Most families in urban and suburban regions shop at local grocery stores, supermarkets or chains and are far removed from the origins of their food supply. Even with the growing support of farmers markets and local farmers, the average person no longer has access to an actual farm. Children in particular, are less likely to understand how a farm operates, the essential role of the farmer, the impact of seasonal changes on food supplies and …


Beatrice The Butterfly Visits The New York Public Library, Gail Goldspiel Jan 2012

Beatrice The Butterfly Visits The New York Public Library, Gail Goldspiel

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This original work of children's literature tells the story of Beatrice, a young butterfly who explores the 42nd Street New York Public Library with a class. Intended for children in grades K-3, this book serves as a first introduction to the library and can be read by parents, teachers, and librarians.


Giftedness In The Early Elementary Classroom: History, Theory, And Practice, Sonia Von Gutfeld Jan 2012

Giftedness In The Early Elementary Classroom: History, Theory, And Practice, Sonia Von Gutfeld

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Abstract Teacher training programs in general education often overlook questions of giftedness. This essay draws upon primary and secondary source material to trace the evolution of the term and illuminate the current plurality of definitions. It also explores acceleration and ability-grouping, two practices available to support the needs of children who might be identified as gifted in inclusive school environments. An analysis of research finds that these practices can offer benefits to both the intellectual and the social-emotional development of these young children. Ability-grouping raises valid concerns about equity of educational opportunity, and teachers must be careful to implement this …


Risk And Opportunity Revisited: Afterschool Education In The Age Of No Child Left Behind, Tal Bar-Zemer Jan 2012

Risk And Opportunity Revisited: Afterschool Education In The Age Of No Child Left Behind, Tal Bar-Zemer

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Looks at the history and trajectory of out of school programs in America in order to provide a context for understanding how this field can continue to develop in an era when it is being increasingly co-opted into the prep and test school reform strategy.


Where The Wild Things Are And Why They Will Endure: An Analysis Of The Longevity Of Maurice Sendak's Work, Ana Appel Apr 2011

Where The Wild Things Are And Why They Will Endure: An Analysis Of The Longevity Of Maurice Sendak's Work, Ana Appel

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study looks to explain why Maurice Sendak's works have achieved a place in the classic cannon of children's literature. It starts by discussing children's literary theory and looks at the era of children's literature within which Sendak wrote, his illustrations, and his writing. The study then looks at psychoanalytic themes in his work. It analyzes the use of the conscious, unconscious, id, and ego. It further describes the use of archetypes of the collective unconscious in Sendak's work and why this connects to many readers. Then, the study describes bibliotherapy, books as therapeutic aids, and discusses how Sendak's books …


Delilah The Dinosaur With Type 1 Diabetes: Addressing The Social-Emotional Needs Of The Young Child Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes, Andrea Tuttman Gellerstein Jan 2011

Delilah The Dinosaur With Type 1 Diabetes: Addressing The Social-Emotional Needs Of The Young Child Diagnosed With Type 1 Diabetes, Andrea Tuttman Gellerstein

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study is intended to support very young children, ages 4-8, who are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and their families. The following work provides a thorough examination of literature regarding the social-emotional effects of type 1 diabetes on the young child and his or her family; the specific developmental challenges that can arise due to an early type 1 diabetes diagnosis; and a detailed review of the current fictional children's literature available to this population. Finally, as a culmination of this research, this project includes an original, fictional story intended to address the social-emotional needs of the young …


Making Music Together : A Music Handbook For An Early Childhood Classroom, Shana Hope Frankel Jan 2011

Making Music Together : A Music Handbook For An Early Childhood Classroom, Shana Hope Frankel

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper discusses the importance of music in Early Childhood classrooms. It is meant to be a resource for the classroom intended to be used by teachers, however; it can also be used by families and caregivers who want to add more music in to their homes. The songs are organized to follow a typical daily schedule in a classroom. The readers do not need background knowledge of music and can make up their own tunes to most of the songs provided. I have suggested the music to go along with most of the songs however other melodies could work …


Bringing Together Mind And Heart In The Classroom: An Independent Study, Allison Fisch Jan 2011

Bringing Together Mind And Heart In The Classroom: An Independent Study, Allison Fisch

Graduate Student Independent Studies

The purpose of this thesis is to address the brain research indicating the importance of teaching social and emotional learning and mindfulness within the classroom. Studies denote the possible emotional and social disorders that can stem from a lack of social and emotional awareness. Educators and administrators are provided with activities and techniques that can be adapted into the curriculum with ease. The· activities and techniques reinforce the child's ability to recognize their emotions and gain resilience as well as aiding in their empathy for others. Research supports the concept of mindfulness and how it can be successful in the …


Parents' Access To Information And Ability To Advocate For Their Young Children With Disabilities, Ellen W. Fisher Jan 2011

Parents' Access To Information And Ability To Advocate For Their Young Children With Disabilities, Ellen W. Fisher

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study was motivated by the fact that there is an overrepresentation of child­ren from minority backgrounds with disabilities in the United States school system (Ar­tiles & Trent, 1994; Cartledge, 1999; Chinn & Hughes, 1987). In considering factors causing the inequality in the special education system, this study explored (a.) parents' access to information regarding the preschool special education system and (b.) how that access to information affects parents' ability to advocate on behalf of their young child­ren with disabilities. Through twelve anonymous surveys and six interviews with par­ents, information was collected regarding who has and does not have access …


Some Girls Play With Trains: Negotiating Gender In A Preschool Classroom, Laura Zellerbach Jan 2011

Some Girls Play With Trains: Negotiating Gender In A Preschool Classroom, Laura Zellerbach

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study examines children's understanding of gender roles within a classroom of three and four-year-olds. Discussions of gender in the classroom were recorded and transcribed over a four month period. In January, children were presented with "The Boys and Girls Book, " a book that discussed gender norms in the language of "Some girls play with trains/ Some boys play with trains." Common themes emerged, including gender-typed play, hair and clothing as signifiers of gender, marketing and material goods as related to gender roles, and the use of conventional and unconventional gender stereotypes. These children's changing understandings and rationales concerning …


Children Teaching Children: A Study Of A Multilingual Head Start Setting, Sandra Martinez-Siranaula Jan 2011

Children Teaching Children: A Study Of A Multilingual Head Start Setting, Sandra Martinez-Siranaula

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This study presents transcriptions of a multilingual Head Start setting (filmed for The Office of Head Start in spring 2010) - including sections on research in second-language acquisition as well as curriculum examples and recommendations, bibliography and online resources.


Teaching The Infant Toddler Cda, Gwendolyn Brown-Murray Jan 2011

Teaching The Infant Toddler Cda, Gwendolyn Brown-Murray

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Discusses some of the highlights of the author's experience teaching the curriculum for the Infant Toddler Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential to a group of women who were culturally, ethnically, religiously, educationally, and socially different from her.