Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Utilizing Funds Of Knowledge In An Early Childhood Classroom To Enhance And Create Read-Aloud Experiences, Grace Katharine O'Malley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to investigate the read-aloud experiences in an early childhood classroom that embed students Funds of Knowledge (FoK). The specific aim is the explore what happens when I utilize my students' funds of knowledge when planning and implementing read-aloud experiences. what happens when I utilize my students' funds of knowledge when planning and implementing read-aloud experiences. The students demonstrated making connections to peers in response to text, engaging with text that highlights funds of knowledge and conversing about others culture through play. The implications for utilizing Funds of Knowledge in an early childhood classroom is …

Kindergarten Teachers’ Perspectives About Literacy And The Relevance Of Assessments: Impact On Students’ Success And First Grade Transition, Claudia T. Watts

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this descriptive phenomenological study was to investigate kindergarten teachers’ beliefs about literacy and the relevance of assessments at the kindergarten level, the literacy skills kindergarteners should possess, how these skills are acquired, to what extent their beliefs about literacy influenced their instructional methodology, and their perspectives on the role of parental involvement. This study was guided by six research questions. The participants consisted of twenty kindergarten teachers from various elementary public schools within a large and diverse school district in Virginia. The participants are from two ethnic backgrounds and had ranges of experience teaching kindergarten. Over a …

Decodable Deliberations In Early Reading Instruction: A Mixed-Methods Study Of First-Grade Teachers’ Perceptions, Selection, And Use Of Decodable Texts, Patricia Gallery

Theses and Dissertations

The fundamental significance of literacy achievement cannot be overstated. However, the 2022 National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) divulges alarming findings, with a mere 33 percent of the nation’s fourth graders performing at or above proficiency in reading (NAEP, 2022). Exploring the nexus of research-informed pedagogy and practice is imperative to disrupt this deleterious trajectory. This mixed-method study will examine how first-grade teachers select and use texts for beginning reading instruction with a critical lens on teachers' perceptions of decodable text to fully understand the complex intersection of intentionality and attitude when choosing texts for early reading instruction. This study …

In Support Of A Read-Aloud Accommodation: A Meta Analysis Study, Sarah Elizabeth Ryan

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the read-aloud accommodation benefits for students with disabilities (SWD) and students without disabilities (SWOD). In this study, researchers recommend ways in which to remove encumbrances faced by SWD in reading comprehension. In general, research has shown that both SWD and SWOD have met some degree of success from the read-aloud accommodations. Further, this meta-analysis will attempt to reveal important factors that influence the effects of read-aloud accommodations. For example, how the accommodation effect size influences the subject area of reading versus that of math. This study will also show that the effect of read-aloud accommodations is significantly …

Teacher Perceptions Of Their Preparedness To Teach Early Literacy Skills Using Developmentally Appropriate Practices In Universal Prekindergarten Programs, Tara A. Sokol

Theses and Dissertations

Early childhood education is a dynamic field, constantly evolving with the introduction of new curriculums, initiatives and programs. The classroom teacher is the constant, providing essential early literacy instruction amidst all of these changes. Universal Pre-Kindergarten is a vital program that provides access to quality early childhood education for New York City residents. According to the Office of Early Childhood Education, there were nearly 68,000 students enrolled in these free, full-day, high-quality programs in the 2018-2019 school year (2022). Universal Pre-Kindergarten is described as using Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) as the basis for its teachings. Educators are responsible for using …

Teachers’ Perspective On Social-Emotional Learning Through The Responsive Classroom Approach For Elementary Students During A Traumatic Event, Sheena Burke

Theses and Dissertations

Social-emotional learning (SEL) has become a significant concern for schools across the United States and abroad, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Research suggests that school support is necessary for students to succeed academically and emotionally. In recognition of this need, the New York State Education Department mandated schools to implement a SEL program that focuses on developing self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, and responsible decision-making skills. Many SEL programs have been researched to determine their effectiveness in affecting students’ overall well-being. This phenomenological study used interviews with K–6 Responsive Classroom teachers in the Tri-State Area to determine the benefits of …

Defining Scribbles: How Do Early Childhood Teachers Perceive Scribbles As A Part Of Emergent Literacy?, Sandy Dellalonga

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this qualitative, phenomenological study was to understand early childhood teachers’ perceptions surrounding the topic of childhood scribbles as they relate to emergent literacy. Sociocultural theory provided a foundation for this research because of its focus on relationships between children, other children, and teachers to foster learning experiences (Gee, 2011; Vygotsky, 1978, 1998). Additionally, social semiotic theory also guided this research because childhood scribbles represent children’s “signs” which can also influence communication and literacy skills (Kress, 1997). The participants were nine preschool, transitional kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade teachers (N=9) who volunteered to complete an open-ended survey, follow-up …

Learning Curve: Designing An Inclusive Early Childhood Learning Center, Sarah Alrumayh

Theses and Dissertations

This research centers on the improvement of early childhood education environments in hopes to reduce the disparities in outcomes among children aged 2-6, widely known as "the achievement gap." It sheds light on designing an inclusive, child-centered school for students with specific learning disabilities (SLD) and speech or language impairments (SLI). Drawing on the IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), it underscores the benefits of integrating students with special education needs into mainstream education, thereby fostering inclusive learning environments. (IDEA, 1975).

The research question probes how to create a nurturing and adaptable school environment tailored to the diverse needs of …

A Critical Perspective On Supporting Parents In Facilitating Informal Steam Learning On Children's Early Literacy Development, Suzanne G. Alexandre

Theses and Dissertations

Considering that parents/caregivers and home environment play an influential role in a child’s school readiness and future academic success, this study sought to support parents in using facilitation strategies to engage their child in informal learning at home. In order to examine if access to support for parents of preschoolers influenced parents’ confidence in their ability to facilitate informal learning at home, the project used informal STEAM learning, for context. The study also examines the potential impact of informal STEAM learning on children's school readiness and early literacy skills and the intersections of parent involvement, STEAM, and school readiness through …