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Articles 1 - 30 of 216
Full-Text Articles in Early Childhood Education
Teacher Beliefs And Their Influence On Instructional Strategies And Student Outcomes, Brianna Dompke
Teacher Beliefs And Their Influence On Instructional Strategies And Student Outcomes, Brianna Dompke
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Teacher beliefs are recognized as a foundation element in classroom decision-making, shaping how educators interpret curriculum, respond to student needs, and select instructional strategies. However, a significant challenge exists when teacher’s personal beliefs misalign with evidence-based practices, which can limit student success and engagements and instructional effectiveness. This inquiry-based research projects examines the relationship between teacher’s beliefs, instructional strategies, and student outcomes within the PK-12 classroom. Through a synthesis of peer-reviewed scholarly journal published within the last ten years, this review identifies patterns in belief formation, and the role beliefs play in teacher implementation and teaching in the classroom. The …
Teacher Engagement In Outdoor Play: Impacts On Children’S Behavioral Regulation, Mariah Duszynski
Teacher Engagement In Outdoor Play: Impacts On Children’S Behavioral Regulation, Mariah Duszynski
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The purpose of this inquiry-based research was to better understand how teacher engagement during outdoor play shapes children's behavioral regulation and overall playground experience. The problem was that teachers have their own views and beliefs about how they should interact with children on the playground, which may differ from those of their colleagues, leading to different behavioral outcomes in children. This study examined how teacher engagement during outdoor play influences children's behavior and how children perceive and experience outdoor play when teachers are more actively engaged. One early childhood center in rural Iowa was observed throughout this study, with four …
The Effect Of Open-Ended Questioning On Preschool Literacy And Language Development, Roxy Moorman
The Effect Of Open-Ended Questioning On Preschool Literacy And Language Development, Roxy Moorman
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This inquiry-based study examines the impact of intentional open-ended questioning on preschool children’s language development and emergent literacy skills during shared reading. Grounded in research highlighting the importance of teacher–child interactions, this study addresses the problem that many preschool classrooms rely heavily on closed-ended questions that limit opportunities for extended dialogue and expressive language growth. The purpose of this study is to determine whether increasing the frequency and quality of open-ended questioning leads to improvements in children’s vocabulary, comprehension, conversational turn-taking, and overall participation in classroom discourse. Conducted in a preschool classroom with nine students over a six-week period, the …
Strategies And Techniques In Early Childhood Education, Abigail Strutzenberg
Strategies And Techniques In Early Childhood Education, Abigail Strutzenberg
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
As early childhood education shifts toward high-stakes accountability, the traditional "bridge year" of age four is increasingly dominated by "drill-and-kill" academic instruction. This project investigates the growing tension between rigorous academic standards and developmentally appropriate practices. The study explores how the implementation of intentional, play-based strategies—specifically guided play and multisensory scaffolding—can meet mandatory benchmarks for phonemic awareness and self-regulation without compromising a child’s social-emotional well-being. Ultimately, the research seeks to identify how educators can reclaim their pedagogical autonomy by balancing state mandates with the intrinsic needs of the developing child. The central thesis argues that when academic content is embedded …
Effectiveness Of Project-Based Learning In Early Childhood Education, Jasmin Voravongsa
Effectiveness Of Project-Based Learning In Early Childhood Education, Jasmin Voravongsa
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The increasing complexity of the modern world necessitates innovative educational methodologies that effectively prepare young learners for future challenges. Traditional instruction often prioritizes rote memorization, resulting in disengagement and insufficient development of critical social-emotional and cognitive skills, particularly within early childhood education. This inquiry-based research examines the effectiveness of project-based learning (PBL) as an instructional strategy to enhance student engagement, collaboration, social-emotional development, and deep learning, with a focus on STEM education in early childhood settings. By engaging children in real-world, hands-on projects, PBL fosters intrinsic motivation, collaborative skills, emotional intelligence, and profound conceptual understanding. Through a comprehensive literature review …
Using Play-Based Learning To Support Early Academic-Related Learning Behaviors: A Case Study In An Early Childhood Classroom, Tracy Montalvo
Using Play-Based Learning To Support Early Academic-Related Learning Behaviors: A Case Study In An Early Childhood Classroom, Tracy Montalvo
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This inquiry-based research study examined how play-based learning supports early academic-related learning behaviors for an individual child in a preschool early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom. The purpose of this study was to understand how engagement, persistence, and problem-solving developed over time through play-based experiences and teacher facilitation. Data were collected over a four-week period using multiple tools, including structured observation checklists, frequency and duration recording sheets, anecdotal field notes, and reflective journal entries. The findings of this study suggest that play-based learning supported the development of early academic-related learning behaviors, as the child demonstrated increased engagement, improved persistence, and …
Assessment In Early Childhood: Recommendations For A Developmentally Appropriate Approach, Melissa Rains
Assessment In Early Childhood: Recommendations For A Developmentally Appropriate Approach, Melissa Rains
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
There has been an increase in academic rigor in early childhood education. This rise in rigor has led to the need for developmentally appropriate assessment options for early childhood educators. This study aims to provide research-based assessment strategies for teachers of young children. Based on a review of current literature, there are multiple challenges that arise when assessing early childhood students. However, research shows that assessing during play-based learning is a developmentally appropriate assessment strategy. Therefore, a questionnaire was distributed to teachers in a large school district in the southeastern United States to determine teachers’ attitudes toward assessing during play-based …
Engaging Young Writers In The Early Childhood Classroom Setting, Andrea Rubel
Engaging Young Writers In The Early Childhood Classroom Setting, Andrea Rubel
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Emergent writing is essential component of early childhood growth and development. Preschool students can struggle to engage in early writing activities. Research shows that scaffolding, explicit teaching, and meaningful connections help students' growth in emergent writing skills. This inquiry-based study aims to determine the effectiveness of these strategies in the early childhood classroom and evaluate any other effective strategies. This study included a mixed methods approach including reflective journals and scored student journals. The findings revealed that most students showed improvement towards the learning objective being observed and documented. The study also found that girls performed better than boys on …
Shared Reading: Dialogic And Interactive Book Practices To Foster Oral Language Development Among Pre-K Learners, Jennifer Underwood
Shared Reading: Dialogic And Interactive Book Practices To Foster Oral Language Development Among Pre-K Learners, Jennifer Underwood
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This inquiry-based capstone study examines how dialogic and interactive shared reading practices support oral language development and peer engagement among ELL preschool learners. Rooted in the framework of practitioner research, the project investigates how intentional teacher questioning, open-ended prompts, and structured peer-talk opportunities transform traditional read-aloud sessions into language-rich, participatory experiences. Conducted in an urban Head Start Pre-K classroom of fifteen full day students, with a focus group of ELL and special education learners, the six-week intervention implemented dialogic reading strategies 4–5 times per week. Data was collected through observation rubrics, teacher reflection journals, student artifacts, and short video analyses. …
Attachment Styles Connection To Teacher Burnout, Erica Jaeschke
Attachment Styles Connection To Teacher Burnout, Erica Jaeschke
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Teacher burnout has become a concern, as teachers are leaving the classroom more frequently than in the past. A teacher's attachment may be associated with the development and persistence of teacher burnout. The problem with this topic is that teachers are leaving the classroom at alarming rates, which is problematic because schools will not have the support they need to educate future generations. This study aims to determine whether teacher burnouts are associated with specific attachment theories. A quantitative method was employed through voluntary survey questions, and 18 teachers participated.
The Impact Of Play-Based Learning On Preschool Engagement And Goal Progress, Jennifer Martin
The Impact Of Play-Based Learning On Preschool Engagement And Goal Progress, Jennifer Martin
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This capstone research project explored the impact of play-based learning on preschool student engagement and progress toward individualized learning goals. Data points were collected using both quantitative and qualitative methods, including observational charts and anecdotal notes. Findings indicated that structured play opportunities increased peer interaction, persistence, and sustained engagement for students’ who initially demonstrated low participation with activities and with peers. The results suggest that intentional play-based learning environments provide natural opportunities for children to make measurable progress toward their developmental goals. Implications for practice, limitations of the study, and recommendations for future research are discussed.
Improving Sel Programs In Early Childhood Settings, Josie Guerin
Improving Sel Programs In Early Childhood Settings, Josie Guerin
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Preschool students are having their first experience with a classroom and are at a key point of entering their education. They are learning not only academics and the beginnings of reading, writing, STEM and art, but are learning how to function in a classroom and in society. They are taking on a lot of skills in a short period of time, one of the most important being SEL (social and emotional learning). This study is addressing the challenges of teaching our youngest learners SEL skills in an effective way, to make sure all students are receiving adequate SEL. Through a …
Adverse Childhood Exeriences In Early Childhood, Sierra Myer
Adverse Childhood Exeriences In Early Childhood, Sierra Myer
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This inquiry-based research project examines how early childhood educators at Okoboji Elementary understand and implement trauma-informed care (TIC). With many students impacted by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), educators are increasingly being asked to meet both academic and emotional needs in the classroom. This study used anonymous surveys and Teaching Strategies GOLD assessment data to explore teacher familiarity with ACEs, confidence in managing trauma-related behaviors, and the supports they feel are still needed. Findings show that while many educators are using trauma-sensitive strategies—such as calm-down corners, emotional check-ins, and visual routines—confidence levels and training backgrounds vary. Some staff have received formal …
Emotionally Responsive Caregiving, Juliet Christine Ratajczak
Emotionally Responsive Caregiving, Juliet Christine Ratajczak
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This inquiry-based research explores how emotionally responsive caregiving supports co-regulation and the development of self-regulation in toddlers aged 18 to 36 months. Conducted in a federally funded Early Head Start classroom, the study employed qualitative methods including observational field notes, reflecting journaling, and collaborative discussions between educators. Three central themes emerged: 1) Emotional consistency and attunement, 2) secure attachment as a foundation for self-regulation, and 3) collaborative caregiver growth. Findings indicate that predictable, sensitive, and warm caregiver responses during emotionally charged moments such as transitions, separations, and peer conflict foster emotional safety, trust, and resilience in toddlers. Secure attachment relationships …
The Use Of Visuals In Preschool Settings To Improve Student Engagement And Student Participation At Group Timet, Lexie Flug
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Engagement are participation in early childhood are essential for social growth and child development. Distractions at group time are a barrier to student engagement and participation. These distractions lead to less instructional time. Research shows higher levels of engagement and participation increase academic success. This inquiry-based research study aims to determine if the visual support of "Give Me 5" increases student engagement and participation at group time. The study utilized a qualitative approach, using classroom observations and teacher questionnaires for a preschool classroom. The findings revealed that implementing visual support at group time increased student participation with a slight increase …
Improving Preschoolers' Number Sense Using Counting Collections And Ten Frames, Ashley Gellings
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 …
Effects Of Trauma On Brain Development And Learning, Jodie Subbert
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 …
Peer-Mediated Interventions Within The Special Education Classroom, Jessica Sass
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 …
The Role Of Teachers In The Development Of The Curriculum, Kaylon Nevers
The Role Of Teachers In The Development Of The Curriculum, Kaylon Nevers
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
The role of teachers in the curriculum development process is crucial to the educational success of students. This study explores the impact of teacher involvement in curriculum development, focusing on how their insights and expertise shape a more effective and relevant curriculum for students. Utilizing various sources, including peer-reviewed journals, literature, observations, surveys, and interviews, the research highlights significant contributions teachers make when actively involved in the curriculum development process. These data led to the conclusion that teacher involvement in curriculum development has significant positive impacts on the effectiveness and relevance of the curriculum for students. These data confirmed that …
Implementing Social Emotional Strategies In An Early Childhood Setting, Susan Mcclain
Implementing Social Emotional Strategies In An Early Childhood Setting, Susan Mcclain
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This research paper provides a comprehensive overview of studies focusing in on social-emotional skill development in early childhood and its impact on long-term outcomes in emotional regulation, interpersonal relationships, and problem-solving strategies. Drawing on a comprehensive review of existing literature and empirical studies, the research highlights the critical developmental milestones in social-emotional learning (SEL) during the early years and explore effective strategies for fostering these skills within various contexts, including home, preschool, and other early learning settings. The findings suggest that targeted interventions, such as play-based activities and structured SEL programs, significantly enhance children’s ability to navigate social interactions with …
Assistive Technology In Early Childhood For Language And Communication, Katherine Kemp
Assistive Technology In Early Childhood For Language And Communication, Katherine Kemp
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Students with special needs across the country and the world continue to struggle to gain functional language and communication skills, and build a vocabulary to use throughout life. Research shows that augmentative and alternative communication or speech-generating devices can be a special, useful, and powerful tool for students' language skills. Based on a literature review of augmentative and alternative communication devices, early childhood, and assistive technology, an in-class study was performed in a Virginia Early Childhood Special Education classroom. The results indicate that augmentative and alternative communication devices and assistive technology have a positive impact on students' language and vocabulary …
Classroom Strategies To Increase Language And Communication Of Dual Language Learners, Lori Ruiz
Classroom Strategies To Increase Language And Communication Of Dual Language Learners, Lori Ruiz
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This action research was inspired by the researcher’s interest to better understand teaching strategies to help students who are Dual Language Learners (DLLs) improve their English language, communication skills, and classroom engagement. The researcher wanted to know how modeling and visual cues affect the language and communication abilities of preschool DLLs in the classroom. Over four weeks, the researcher observed three four-year-old DLL students in a public, full-day, inclusive preschool setting. To determine the students’ levels on the English Language Acquisitions objectives, the researcher used an embedded mixed-methods design by collecting and interpreting observations before entering them into Teaching Strategies …
The Impact Of Identifying Early Intervention Needs In Infants And Toddlers, Jennifer L. Mcgregor
The Impact Of Identifying Early Intervention Needs In Infants And Toddlers, Jennifer L. Mcgregor
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
Brain research conducted on infants and toddlers through the past 20 years has resulted in the widely held knowledge that most brain growth occurs in the first three years of a child’s life. That knowledge reinforces the importance of providing early interventions to children as early as possible in order to maximize the brain’s potential for learning. This study analyzes a set of data collected from an area of a midwestern state that encompasses both urban and rural populations as well as a diverse socio-economic population and aims to confirm whether it makes a difference in the learning trajectory if …
Integrating Stem/Steam Learning Into The Preschool Classroom, Kaitlyn Van Sickle
Integrating Stem/Steam Learning Into The Preschool Classroom, Kaitlyn Van Sickle
Master's Theses & Capstone Projects
This school improvement plan was developed to address that STEAM integration is an essential component of preschool student’s learning and education. This school improvement plan will also show that STEAM is not a curriculum but a way of thinking. In order to integrate STEAM effectively there needs to be change towards students’ and teachers’ thinking. Research has shown that when students are exposed to STEAM teaching starting at an early age it will positively impact student achievement. The two main components of this improvement plan include indicating the instructional strategies and teachings needed for STEAM integration and the professional development …