Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Early Childhood Program Director Leadership Characteristics And Program Quality, Barbara J. June

Dissertations

This phenomenological research study was conducted to explore and describe how the characteristics, traits, and styles of directors, as described and perceived by the teachers, reflect the factors that are currently addressed in the indicators forming the basis for evaluating program quality. Teacher participants from six sites participated in a survey, questionnaire, and interview to determine director and program profiles. The Program Quality Assessment score was used as a standardized data source.

The data were collected, coded, and analyzed to determine the director and program profiles for each of the sites. The director and program data for each site were …

Top 10 Stories You Probably Missed: Respect Brings Out The Best In Kids And Parents, Douglas E. Abrams

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebline, Nov./Dec. 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Internet is Popular Way to Access Extension
When it Comes to Being Wired, Youth are Leading the Way
Storage Methods to Reduce Loss of Hay Quality
Grain Stubble Rental Rates
Organic Production
Winter Protection for Roses
Make a Holiday Wreath
Winter Gardening Activities for Kids of All Ages
Turkey Tips
Cheesy Turkey Lasagna Recipe
Mediterranean Diet Offers Healthy Benefits
FREE Seminar, “Making Many Meals Using a Few Ingredients”
Mediterranean Soup
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Caring for Fleece
The Holidays When There are No Close Family Ties
FCE News & Events
Holiday Safety Tips
Holiday Gifts Needed for …

Nebline, October 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

How Healthy is Your Home?
Soybean Cyst Nematode Spreading in Nebraska
Maintain Grain Quality in Storage
Winterize Your Underground Sprinkler System
Prepare Fireplaces and Woodburning Stoves for Safe Use this Winter
Why Leaves Fall
Choose Decay Resistant Wood for Buildings, Fenceposts
Storing a Tractor
Drying Gourds
Start Garden Cleanup
Tree Planting and Landscape Improvement Funds Available
Grassland Center Sets Fall Lecture Schedule
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints
Control Anger Rather Than Suppress It
FCE News & Events
Respond Effectively to Misbehaving Children by Understanding the Problem
Filing Financial Records Saves Time
How Dish Size, Location Influence the Amount …

Nebline, September 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Control Winter Annuals in Fall
Free Soybean Cyst Nematode Sample Kits Available
Free Scrap Tire Collection
Keep Roosting Birds From Dirtying Cars, Driveways This Fall
Wood Heat–A Viable Home Heating Alternative
Ten Rules for Planting Trees
Answers to Composting Questions
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Programmable Thermostats
FCE News & Events
First Step to Eliminate Debt is Cut Expenses
Ease Children Into Staying Home Alone
Strengthening Family Treasures Daughter/Mother Camp
Four Fruit Salad Recipe
Do You REALLY Know How Much You Eat?
ABC’s for Good Health, Oct. 2, 9 & 23
Free Seminar, “Making Many Meals Using a …

The Effectiveness Of Teacher-Child Interaction Training On Behaviorally At-Risk Preschool Children, Margaret T. Floress

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is an empirically validated treatment program shown to decrease children's disruptive behavior and increase compliance (Funderburk et al., 1998). Research conducted by Eisenstadt, Eyberg, McNeil, Newcomb, and Funderburk (1993) indicates PCIT is an effective treatment for improving child compliance and conduct problems in a clinical setting. In addition, McNeil, Eyberg, Eisenstadt, Newcomb, and Funderburk (1991) found that behavioral improvements due to PCIT also generalized to school settings. However, little research has examined the effects of implementing Teacher-Child Interaction Therapy (TCIT) directly in the classroom (McIntosh, Rizza & Bliss, 2000). This single-subject multiple-baseline study examined the effectiveness …

Nebline, August 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Salute to County Fair Volunteers
Volunteers Needed
Controlling Algae in Ponds and Lakes
Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Larger Diameter Bins Can Save Time and Energy When Drying Grain
Scrap Tire Collection
It’s Time to Take Precautions to Avoid West Nile Virus
Effective Mosquito Repellents
The Limitations of Aerosol Insecticides
Bark Stripping by Fox Squirrels
Walking off Midway Munchies
Skillet Zucchini with Chopped Tomatoes Recipe
Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day
The Power of Colors
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Cleaning Silver by Electrolysis
FCE News & Events
Back to School Tips
Women & Money Conference, Aug. …

Nebline, July 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Beneficial Insects in the Yard & Garden
Backyard Farmer’ Offers How-to Video on Tomatoes
What is that Bump on the Tree Leaves?
Black Knot on Plums
Saved From the Birds—Rescue of a Baby Owl
Raptor Recovery Nebraska
Pine Wilt Disease
How to Sample for Pinewood Nematode
Pine Species to Avoid Planting
Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Scrap Tire Collection
Mosquitoes
Mole Control
Calculating Water Volume
Test Water for Toxic Algae to Prevent Illness
Food and Fun at the Farmers’ Market
Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad with Mint Recipe
$ave Time & Money by Planning Meals
Focus on Watermelon
President’s Notes …

Nebline, June 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Agricultural Production is $71 Million Industry in Lancaster County
Longtime Farmer Reflects on How Farming Has Changed in Lancaster County
New State Law Changed Fence Viewer Process
Think Ahead, Prepare Bins Before Wheat Harvest
Pesticide Container Recycling Program
Preventing Tick Bites
Store Drinking Water In Case Of Emergency
Check Property For Unused Wells To Avoid Contaminated Drinking Water
Practice Safe Cooking and Food Handling When Grilling
Strawberry Yogurt Shake Recipe
Water is Body’s Most Essential Nutrient
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: To Clean a Sleeping Bag
FCE News & Events
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Pack Smart for Summer Vacation …

Finding Our Way Back Home: Reintroducing Mythology Into The Lives Of Children, Faith Klavan

Graduate Student Independent Studies

Mythology is present in almost all aspects of modern life. Though many books, movies, video games and advertisements make reference to ancient myths, the myths themselves are no longer readily accessible to children. This thesis provides a rationale for writing a children's book which retells an ancient Greek myth. An outline for the book, entitled Perseus, as well as two sample chapters, are included. The thesis deals with mythology's relevance to the modern child asserting that it can help him/her deal with issues such as step-parents, separation anxiety and the need for individuation. The thesis also discusses the ways in …

Developing A Support Group For Adolescents With Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus Using An Outdoor Adventure Educational Modality, Tara Lynch

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study details the group process aspects of creating an outdoor adventure based support group for adolescents living with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). A review of previous outdoor adventure programs is included, followed by a rationale for the new material. The developmental assessment of teens living with IDDM identifies a need for greater self-confidence, increased independence, and social support. To meet this need, a program that includes aspects of team building, personal challenge, and problem-solving has been created.

Nebline, May 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Youth/Adult Partnership is Key to Success of 4-H Horse Program
Remove Skunk Odor by Deodorizing, Neutralizing Home, Clothing
Select Shade Trees to Meet Personal Landscape Objectives
Take Steps to Reduce Severe Weather Damage on Homes
Low-Toxic Fly Management for Horses
UNL Researcher Seeks Alfalfa Fields to Study Pocket Gophers
Household Hazardous Waste Collections
Termite Workshops for Homeowners in May
Food Quiz: Keep or Toss?
Cleaning Fruits and Veggies
Thawing Frozen Foods
Carrots and Raisins Sunshine Salad Recipe
The First Step to Food Safety — Clean!
Download FREE Educational Materials Online!
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Removing After-Prom Stains …

A Museum-Based Curriculum For Middle School Students In New York City, Nayantara Mhatre

Graduate Student Independent Studies

India Inquiry is a museum-based curriculum designed for middle school students in New York City. The curriculum is organized by the following themes: Geography, Wildlife, Culture and Crafts, and Religion. Within each theme there is one out-of-classroom trip, including three visits to the American Museum of Natural History, and one to the Ganesh Temple in Flushing, Queens. In addition there are seven lessons that compliment and support the organized field trips.

The curriculum was developed to appeal to the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of students emerging from the latency period of late childhood and approaching early adolescence.

India Inquiry …

Teacher Perceptions Of Bullying Prevention: A Comparative Analysis Of Teacher Perceptions Of Bullying Prevention Programs, Diana Howell

Undergraduate Theses and Capstone Projects

School bullying has often been tacitly minimalized as a rite of passage—an unfortunate but common experience among children. In the past few years there has been an increasing awareness of school bullying as a catalyst of school violence. Parents, school boards, and administrators are understanding and taking more seriously the negative impact that bullying has on victimized students and are actively looking for ways to reduce incidents of such violence. This research provides a discussion of bullying behavior and an examination of teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of bullying prevention programs in their schools. If teachers do not feel that …

Nebline, April 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

UNL Extension Programs Have Improved Termite Treatments in Nebraska
2007 Perennial Plant of the Year
Gardening Trends in 2007
Easter Lily Care
Spring is a Good Time to Begin Herb Gardening
“Management of Small Ponds” Clinic, April 17
Arbor Day and Tree Planting are Nebraska Traditions
Container Gardening
Controlling Nuisance Weeds in Your Farm Pond
Teff – A New Annual Forage Grass
Simplified Hand-Held Sprayer Calibration
Cost of Pumping Water for Domestic and Acreage Needs
Commercial Pesticide Applicator Initial Training, April 19
It’s Springtime: Watch for Signs of Termites
Termite Workshops for Homeowners in May
What’s Bugging You?
Spring Cleaning? …

Making Sense: Reflections On Developing A Social Studies Curriculum For Five- And Six-Year-Olds, Anne Tobias

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This paper is a reflection on the writing of a social studies curriculum for five and six-year-olds-a study of a neighborhood construction site. It examines the way in which one teacher's commitment to offering children meaningful content evolved into the formulation of her educational philosophy, as influenced by such progressive educators as John Dewey, Lucy Sprague Mitchell, and Caroline Pratt.

Part One of the thesis is divided into three major sections. The first consists of a developmental overview of five- and six-year-olds. The second describes the connections between understandings of basic child development, understandings of a particular group of children, …

Nebline, March 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

$pending YOUR Calorie $alary: Tips for Using MyPyramid
All-America Selections Flower and Vegetable Award Winners for 2007
Planting Asparagus
Alternative Agriculture Provides Opportunities For Enthusiastic Entrepreneur
Proper Precautions for Chain Saw Safety
Collection of Unwanted Pesticides, March 23
Computerized Farm Financial Recordkeeping, March 19
Upcoming Pesticide Applicator Trainings
Use Pheromone Traps to Locate Indian Meal Moths Infestations
ewf needs volunteers
Build a Bat House
Fertilizing Crop Land with Biosolids
Potential Benefits and Hazards of Bats
Food Safety: What You Don’t Know CAN Hurt You
Ground Beef Vegetable Soup with Rice Recipe
$hop $mart to $tretch Your Food Dollar
Add Acidic …

Nebline, February 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Private Well Management During a Drought
Some Wells in Lancaster County Have Dried Up
Groundwater-level Changes in Nebraska — Drought from Spring 2000 to Spring 2006
Computerized Farm Financial Recordkeeping Workshop, March 19
Manage Stored Grain Temperature with Aeration
Upcoming Pesticide Applicator Trainings
Estimating Water Needs When Planning for a New Well
Have a Healthy, Happy Valentine’s Day with Children!
Triple Play Walnut Crunch Recipe
Pack Power Lunches
Candy Placement May Determine How Much You Eat
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints: Keeping Comforters Clean and Cozy
FCE News & Events
Strengthening Family Treasures Daughter/Mother Camp
Clearing Out and …

Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival, Karen Rowell, The University Of Southern Mississippi, The University Of Southern Mississippi's School Of Library And Information Science

Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival Programs

The program for the fortieth annual Fay B. Kaigler Children's Book Festival held on the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi in 2007.

A Reflective Look At The Writing Process For Both Children And Adults: A Memoir Study, Jessica Block

Graduate Student Independent Studies

In order to teach the writing process, one must be a writer. This independent study explores the writing process from the inside out. It investigates the writing process from an adult perspective while also examines the writing process that developed for individual student writers within a second grade classroom. Over the course of three months, the students in my second grade classroom and I developed personal memoirs about a "small moment" from our lives. This study includes a comprehensive breakdown of lessons which scaffolded the memoir writing process.

It also includes a strong reflective component which reveals how we all …

Catalogue 2007-2008, Bank Street College Of Education

Graduate School of Education

This course catalog from a past academic year is a resource for referring to previous course offerings, degree requirements, institutional policies, and more.

Rule Making K-2, 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.

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.

Study Analyzing The Perspectives Of National Board Certified Media Specialists, Melissa Ann Allen

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions of ESLMS's (Expert School Library Media Specialists) as total educators (Fullan & Hargreaves, 1996), including the SLMSs (School Library Media Specialist) purpose, the ESLMS as a person, the organizational context and the culture of the SLMS's school. The hypothesis was that ESLMSs role and development as experts in their field was directly related to their purpose and motivations, their view of themselves as persons including their beliefs and values, and the culture and organizational context of the specific school in which they work. Three SLMS's currently employed in Georgia public …

Developing Children's Interest In Reading, Suzanne Marie Stauffer

Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

Nebline, January 2007

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

UNL College of Ag and Natural Resources Turns Talents into Rewarding Careers
Crop Protection Clinic, Jan. 22
Glyphosate-Resistant Marestail Confirmed in Nebraska
Upcoming Pesticide Applicator Trainings
Rethinking Shelterbelts
Salt Damage to Plants Determining Houseplant Problems
Girdling Roots on Trees
Winter Strategies for Wildlife
Where Do Insects Go in the Winter?
Lifelong Learning in Nutrition
Make-Ahead Frozen Beef “Crumbles” Recipe
Peanut Butter Banana Shake Recipe
Are You a “Lark” or an “Owl”? Cook Ahead Accordingly!
Play “FOOD” Ball Online!
President’s Notes — Alice’s Analysis
Household Hints
FCE News & Events
Teach Your Children Well
10 Ways to Save with Lighting
Strengthening …

Home And School Literacy Partnerships : Building Stronger Tomorrows Hand In Hand, Tera Bockenstedt

Graduate Research Papers

This project aims to bring quality literacy interactions into homes of young children. These literacy interactions are important because research has shown that quality literacy experiences during the early childhood years impact a child's emergent literacy learning. Because children are not yet in formal schooling, many of these interactions can take place in home so family involvement is critical. The project is threefold: (a) to increase the quantity and quality of literacy interactions in the home, (b) to help parents become more informed contributors of their children's emergent literacy development, and (c) to promote more family involvement and two-way communication …

The Impact Of Readers' Workshop In A First Grade Classroom, Tara Lynn Seery

Graduate Research Papers

In this research I describe the Readers' Workshop approach, the impact that it has on a first graders' motivation, self-selection, and comprehension. This study was implemented during the 2006-2007 school year over a six week period. The observations at the beginning of the study indicated that the three focus students in this study lacked motivation, struggled with self-selection, and were in need of assistance to develop their comprehension skills. However, as Readers' Workshop was implemented, the students began to develop motivation to read on their own. They developed interests in books, and their comprehension strategies improved.

Talk Among The Dragonflies And Dalmations: An Investigation Of Communicative Competence In A Pre-Kindergarten Classroom: A Dissertation, Lauren Foley Goldberg

Educational Studies Dissertations

A year-long ethnographic study of young children's language was conducted in a pre-kindergarten classroom. The investigation focused on the teachers' direct instruction and the children's emerging communicative competence in the rules and structure of group conversation. The class "Morning Meeting" was recorded once or twice a week for the entire year; a subset of these recordings formed the data set for the analysis. Of particular interest were communication behaviors that emphasized the growth of a sense of membership and community within the group as well as evidence that the children had learned conventions for turn-taking, topic maintenance, and solidarity.

The Importance Of Symbolic Play As A Component Of The Early Childhood Curriculum, Sheila Reed

Essays in Education

Educational research has linked the quality of early childhood education programs to a reduction in special education enrollment and later academic success (Smith, 2004). High quality programs offer curriculums with academics and socialization. Russian developmental psychologist and social constructivist, Lev Vygotsky, believed culture and social interaction guide cognitive development. He, also, suggested that play stimulates the development of abstract thought (Santrock, 2006). The purpose of this literature review was to determine the importance of Symbolic play as an early childhood curriculum component for the development of cognitive and social skills.

Rubin (as cited in Umek & Musek, 2001) identified role …