Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Conceptual Development: How Do Early Educators And Teachers Support Children's Early Thinking In Stem?, Marilyn Fleer

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

As national and state-based reforms in early education roll-out across Australia, concern for building a well-qualified workforce to meet growing demand has intensified. In parallel with the reforms, teachers and educators are reminded by the recently released 2022 Early Years Learning Framework to design programs that support intentionality in play-based learning. However, the literature shows that despite the concept of intentional teaching being around since 2009, difficulties with how to do this remains. This presentation takes up this challenge, by 1) sharing the collective findings of 6 Australian Research Council-funded research projects into play and learning in STEM; and 2) …

The Journey To Becoming A Reader: Relationships Between Home Activities, Attitudes And Reading, Kylie Hillman

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

The Progress in International Reading Study – PIRLS for short – has been running since 2001, with Australia joining in 2011. Along with a well-researched measure of students’ reading comprehension, PIRLS includes a number of questionnaires for students, teachers, principals and parents/guardians that provide background and context for students’ performance in the reading assessment. This presentation will provide educators with an introduction to PIRLS and discuss what PIRLS can tell us about various home, attitudinal and behavioural factors that relate to Year 4 students’ performance in the PIRLS reading comprehension assessments.

We will discuss relationships between reading scores and factors …

Bringing Learning Progressions Down To 2-Year-Olds In Reading And Mathematics, Prue Anderson

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

ACER’s learning progressions in reading and mathematics describe growth that is mainly focused on skills students demonstrate at and beyond school. These progressions have recently been extended down to describe earlier levels of growth so we now have seamless progressions from skills and understandings toddlers might demonstrate up to highly sophisticated skills and concepts. This presentation briefly outlines ACER’s work and identifies key implications for educators. The pathways that support early reading development were described in progressions for listening comprehension and sounds and letters. Along with an early mathematics progression, these were conceptualised as embedded in an oral language progression. …

Mathematical Mindsets: Fostering Student Engagement And Positive Mindsets Through The Use Of Challenging Tasks, Alison Hall

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

This paper explores the planned use of challenging mathematical tasks. These tasks provide the opportunity for students to improve mathematical thinking by working on problems that they do not yet know how to answer. This research involved a heterogeneous class of year 3 students from a Catholic parish primary school in the northern suburbs of Melbourne. A rubric was also developed to use in conjunction with these tasks, to support discussions with students, broaden their strategies in finding solutions and thereby improve their conceptual understanding. These pedagogical approaches were found to support the improvement of both students’ conceptual understanding in …

Does Play Belong In The Primary School Classroom?, Bo Stjerne Thomsen, Rachel Parker

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

Learning through play has emerged as an important strategy to promote student engagement, inclusion, and holistic skills development beyond the preschool years. If we want to build an education system preparing children for lifelong learning, we can use these strategies and achieve a balance of academic growth, holistic skills and a joy of learning. This presentation addresses the disconnect between policy, research, and practice, by summarising 5 key findings from international studies and 4 challenges to connect policy and practice. The evidence that play supports learning is considerable, and a new framework can create continuity between the early years learning …

Comparing Time Allocation For Teaching Science As Inquiry In Two Educator Preparation Science Methods Courses, Lori A. Dira

Faculty Journal Articles

How much time an institution allocates to content can indicate its overall importance and intended value to the educator preparation program. For decades there have been calls to integrate more authentic science inquiry experiences into not only undergraduate elementary science courses, but into all elementary educator preparation courses. Many elementary educators do not receive training on effective methods for teaching science, they will not feel comfortable and will likely have low self-efficacy. This study investigated the amount of time allocated to teaching science as inquiry and the knowledge participants had prior to and after taking an elementary teaching science methods …

Themes, Resources And Uptake Of Acer’S Science In The Early Years Suite, Gayl O'Connor

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

The Science in the early years series was developed to assist preschool and Foundation to year 2 primary educators to incorporate the latest research in science learning into their programs and teaching practice. This paper focuses on the educator resources developed to support early years educators implement activities to assist children to develop science concepts and inquiry skills. The activities are underpinned by evidence-based research that revealed 4 themes in the early years’ science literature.

Assessment Is Coming And The Early Childhood Sector Must Lead The Way, Dan Cloney

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

Assessment is a core component of quality early childhood practice. It is explicitly highlighted in the new Early Years Leanring Framework V2.0 and is a standard within Quality Area 1 of the National Quality Standard. In everyday early childhood education and care (ECEC) settings, and in initial teacher education, assessment is often limited to observational and narrative-driven approaches. Recent reviews of the literature highlight that there are few other assessment tools readily available to educators. What assessment looks like in early childhood is changing. The Commonwealth, as part of the Preschool Reform Funding Agreement, is developing, trialling, and implementing a …

Partnerships In Early Childhood Education: Engaging Families In Professional Conversations, Simone Griggs, Greta Rollo

2021-2030 ACER Research Conferences

Effective monitoring of learning and development involves integrating multiple perspectives from a child’s parents, carers, family, and their educators. A collaborative approach between educators and families not only recognises the family’s critical importance in their child’s life but it has also been shown to benefit children with learning difficulties, delays and behavioural concerns (Parenting Research Centre, 2012; Prior et al., 2011). Efforts made towards the integration of multiple perspectives can also support stronger inclusion of diverse families into communities of early childhood education and care. However, discussions with parents and carers about issues regarding their children’s development can be a …

New York State Birth Through Five (Nysb5) Preschool Development Grant Needs Assessment Update Report: Kindergarten Transitions (2023), Center For Human Services Research, University At Albany

Education & Early Childhood Development Reports and Research Briefs

This report will review current kindergarten transition activities in New York State in terms of best practices, examine the impact of NYSB5 deliverables on these activities, and pinpoint what remains to be done to ensure successful transitions to kindergarten for all children in NYS. This goal is accomplished by incorporating data gathered from the Kindergarten Transition Summits, surveys of Kindergarten Transition seed money recipients, focus groups with parents of children entering or already in kindergarten, and interviews with school administrators and program providers who have implemented new ideas/practices or augmented existing practices with Kindergarten Transition Seed Money.

The Value Of Stem As An Educational Tool For Enhancing Cognitive Development, Leaders 20/20, Alessandra Olmedo Robles

San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative

STEM is an acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The focus of STEM education is to provide a holistic approach through hands-on, problem-based learning where students are able to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it to real world problems.

Examining Guided Reading Practices In Kindergarten Classrooms, Erica Barnes, Kimberly L. Anderson, Thea Yurkewecz

Reading Horizons: A Journal of Literacy and Language Arts

This study investigated how 15 kindergarten teachers from one school district implemented small-group Guided Reading (GR). Analysis of video recordings indicates substantial differences in how GR was conducted, with none of the teachers fully implementing GR as conceptualized by Fountas and Pinnell (2012). Consistency across teachers was limited to reading a new book and using a picture walk as part of the book introduction. Differences were observed in how the books were read (choral, round robin, or independent reading) and in instructional activities before and after reading the new book, with word solving being the most prevalent focus of instruction. …

Variations In Family Child Care: Providers' Experiences Crafting Spaces In-Between School And Home, Eleanor Luken

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Family child care, which takes place in the caregiver’s own home, is one of the most common arrangements for American working parents, yet it remains low paid and undervalued in the ecosystem of early childhood care and education (Uttal and Tuominen, 1999). Little is known about how family child care providers organize space within their homes and the repercussions the location of care has on their daily practices with children, relationships with family members, and design of their homes. Even less is known about the strategies used by providers operating in dense, urban neighborhoods with high housing costs. This investigation …

The Effects Of Isolated Affordances On Preschool Counting Improvement When Using A Digital Coloring App, Katherine Papazian

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Counting is an important preschool math skill that is necessary for building a strong foundation in mathematics. Previous research has demonstrated that guided counting activities can improve counting ability in preschoolers and that drawing on paper while learning can deepen processing, but research has not included digital drawing as a potential means of deepening processing while children count. This study developed a novel touch-screen app, which used a guided coloring activity to encourage effective counting skills and serve as a home numeracy tool that could be employed by all parents, including those with math anxiety. To evaluate the benefits of …

This Little Light Of Mine: The History Of The Amalgamated Nursery School, Kimberly F. Vanderbilt

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This research focuses on the history of one small nursery school to analyze the factors that influenced the school: the labor unionists founders, the changing neighborhoods of the Bronx, the Progressive Education Movement and the Women's Leadership Movements that helped define and support the school. Recent policy changes have had impact on this school and on all early childhood programs in New York City.

Bertumbuh Berkembang: Modul Pemberian Makan Bayi Dan Anak (Pmba), Hikmah Kurniasari

Pengembangan Profesional

Pemberian Makanan Bayi dan Anak (PMBA) yang optimal akan meningkatkan kesempatan hidup dan pertumbuhan anak; juga daya tangkap untuk menguasai keterampilan serta pengetahuan yang mereka perlukan sebelum memulai pendidikan di tahun-tahun awal sekolah. Tidak hanya bagi bayi dan anak, pemenuhan gizi yang baik juga amat penting bagi ibu hamil dan menyusui. Selain penjelasan lengkap seputar PMBA dan kesehatan ibu hamil/menyusui, modul ini juga menjelaskan kepercayaan lokal yang kepercayaan lokal yang terkadang menimbulkan misinformasi dan menghambat akses bagi ibu, bayi, dan anak untuk mendapatkan nutrisi yang dibutuhkan. Modul ini akan bermanfaat bagi kader layanan kesehatan (Posyandu) untuk menyampaikan informasi yang tepat …

Bertumbuh Berkembang: Modul Pelatihan Pendidik Paud, Hani Yulindrasari

Pengembangan Profesional

Modul Pendidik PAUD-HI ini memaparkan berbagai aspek perkembangan anak yang dibagi ke dalam indikator pencapaian per kategori umur di 6 area perkembangan yang mengacu kepada Standar Tingkat Pencapaian Perkembangan Anak (STTPA). Pembelajaran inklusi, pembelajaran berbasis bermain, serta cara komunikasi postif juga dijelaskan dalam modul yang disusun khusus untuk pendidik PAUD.

This module written in Indonesian Bahasa has been developed for Early Childhood Educators and describes key aspects of children's development. It is divided into achievement indicators by age in 6 areas of development referred to in the Standard Levels of Achievement of the Development of Children (in Indonesian: STTPA). Creating …

Bertumbuh Berkembang: Aktivitas & Lembar Evaluasi—Modul Pemberian Makan Bayi Dan Anak (Pmba), Hikmah Kurniasari

Pengembangan Profesional

Bagian lampiran dari Modul PMBA ini berisikan ide aktivitas untuk dilakukan oleh kader Posyandu beserta orang tua/pengasuh anak, lembar evaluasi, serta refleksi modul untuk tiap-tiap bab. Lampiran ini juga dilengkapi dengan arahan untuk melakukan curah pendapat, diskusi kelompok, juga latihan kasus.

The Relationship Between Parental Engagement In Early Intervention, Part C Special Education Services, And Parental Barriers To Engagement Through The Perspective Of Parents, Zach Selnes

Dissertations, Theses, and Projects

Parental engagement is a critical component to child development and an essential part to Early Intervention (EI). Parental engagement is especially important for EI services that provide an in-home parent coaching service delivery model. Without parental engagement between EI services, the child will have less of a chance to make gains in their social-emotional, adaptive, physical, language, and cognitive development. This research interviewed nine parents who have a child that received early intervention, Part C special education services, in a rural, southeast MN educational district. The educational district consists of 13 school districts that serve roughly 65 children between the …

Gender Gaps From Labor Market Shocks, Ria Ivandić, Anne Sophie Lassen

Upjohn Institute Working Papers

Job loss leads to persistent adverse labor market outcomes, but assessments of gender differences in labor market recovery are lacking. We utilize plant closures in Denmark to estimate gender gaps in labor market outcomes and document that women face an increased risk of unemployment and lose a larger share of their earnings in the two years following job displacement. When accounting for observable differences in human Capital across men and women, half of the gender gap in unemployment remains. In a standard decomposition framework, we document that child care imposes an important barrier to women’s labor market recovery regardless of …

Gender Gaps In Employment And Earnings After Job Loss, Ria Ivandić, Anne Sophie Lassen

Upjohn Institute Policy and Research Briefs

No abstract provided.

Implementing Social Emotional Activities Into The English Language Arts Curriculum, Allison M. Sherbel

Masters Theses

Over the last decade social emotional learning has revealed itself to be an important element in students' academic growth. Social emotional learning requires students to learn the skills necessary to effectively communicate with others as well as maintaining a positive classroom environment, where all students feel supported, safe and heard. When students become more connected to their own emotions, they are developing an essential skill that will help them inside and outside of the classroom. Research shows that implementation of social emotional lessons can improve both immediate and long-term social-emotional ability as well as academic growth. Despite this research, teachers …

Early Education Mentor Match, Erik W. Taylor

Masters Projects

Literature has revealed important information on how establishing mentoring can foster ongoing learning and effective teaching, yet few west Michigan early education environments incorporate any opportunities to encourage these essential relationships. This project explores the recent history of early education learning environments as well as contemporary challenges presented to these programs. Effective teacher supports and ongoing training must acknowledge the necessary out-of-classroom time needed for high-quality instruction and its influence on teacher wellbeing. Mentoring can offer teachers at various points in their careers with rich opportunities to coach and be coached as part of their existing professional development network. The …

The Impact Of Parental Involvement In School Readiness On First-Grade Students' Learning Style And Cognitive Development In Shenzhen, China, Hua Li

Lingnan Theses (Doctoral degree)

In recent years, children’s school readiness has become a hot spot in child development research. Cognitive development and learning style are critical to children’s growth and development. Further research on this topic can help parents participate in their children’s admission preparation and aid in the early recognition and timely intervention of children facing potential risks.

Guided by Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory, this qualitative study used the socioeconomic profile data of 24 parent participants to understand how their participation in their children’s school readiness affects these children’s cognition and learning style after entering the first grade in public, private, and international primary …

A Study Of Behavior Issues In The Early Childhood Classroom After The Pandemic, Mari Elena Sremba

Masters Projects

Research has shown that children entering the classroom environment after the COVID-19 pandemic are struggling with behavioral issues. Due to a lack of social-emotional skills and heightened anxiety and depression, schools are seeing children act out more violently and emotionally than ever before. With a strict focus on the findings of the importance of school readiness and play-based learning skills, this project is aimed to minimize these outbursts of negative behavior by teaching parents on how to get involved in the home and teach these necessary skills for school success. Parental involvement has shown high correlations with success for children …

Limiting Play-Based Learning In Early Childhood Classrooms: The Impact On Student Engagement, Ashley M. Lesniak

Masters Projects

Research has revealed the developmental benefits and school readiness skills students gain from play-based child centered learning, yet most early childhood classrooms beyond preschool are seeing less and less play-based learning and more direct instruction of academic skills due to increased accountability put in place by reforms such as No Child Left Behind. The purpose of this project is to inform and remind teachers and administration of the benefits of play-based learning but also to create some curriculum that will integrate more play-based learning into classrooms. Currently, many classrooms do not implement play -based learning due to time, academics, and …

Bertumbuh Berkembang: Aktivitas & Lembar Evaluasi—Modul Pelatihan Pendidik Paud, Hani Yulindrasari

Pengembangan Profesional

Aktivitas & Lembar Evaluasi ini adalah lampiran yang melengkapi Modul Pelatihan Pendidik PAUD dan berisikan penjelasan mengenai teknik asesmen serta beragam aktivitas untuk dipraktikkan di ruang kelas yang akan merangsang minat dan perkembangan anak.

Nebline, August/September 2023

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Understanding the “WHY” of Challenging Behavior in Young Children Can Help With Strategies by Hayley Jackson

5 Reasons to Support Your Farmers Market by Tara Dunker

Recipes of the Month: Chocolate Zucchini Muffins and Fresh Salsa by Kayla Colgrove

Time for Fall Lawn Seeding by Sarah Browning

Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month

Using Water Resources More Efficiently by Becky Schuerman

Parasitoids: Nature’s Biocontrol by Kait Chapman

Lancaster County Super Fair, Aug. 3-12, 2023

Webinars Addressing Biting Pests in Early Childhood and School Settings

Ag Landlord/Tenant Workshop

4-H Announcements for 4-H'ers or 4-H Volunteers

Heart of 4-H Volunteer Award: …

Early Childhood Nutrition Education Implementation Evaluation And Planning: Learn, Grow, Eat & Go!, Alyssa L. Wessling

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

The obesity rate among American children aged two to five years old is 12.7% (Centers for Disease Control, 2022), indicating a need for health interventions at this critical life stage. Nebraska Extension’s Nutrition Education Program has identified a need for direct education materials to reach Nebraskans in early childhood. Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Early Childhood was identified as an appropriate curriculum to be tested in an early childhood intervention pilot. Learn, Grow, Eat & Go! Early Childhood is a newly developed program built upon the foundation of teaching children about healthful foods and physical activity through gardening. An early …

Sound And Music Opportunities In Toddler Learning Environments, Sonia Akiko Yoshizawa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this qualitative research was to gain an in-depth understanding of how teachers of toddlers (aged 25-36 months) described sound and music learning opportunities and experiences provided to children in their learning environments. In this research, teachers were asked how their personal and professional experiences with sound and music influenced their planning of toddlers’ sound and music learning opportunities. The design of this study was in-depth interviews of six toddler lead teachers in three childcare sites. Data were gathered through photographs, planning documents, and in-depth interviews using a university IRB-approved video conferencing program. Findings showed that all participants …