Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Making Connections To The Local: Exploring The Role Of Indigenous Literature In Early Childhood Education, Lori Huston, Dr. Jan Hare, Ashleigh Janis, Leigh Kweon

Occasional Paper Series

Indigenous children's literature is a vital resource for nurturing cultural understandings and appreciation from an early age for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous children. This paper presents insights gathered from a workshop titled "Nurturing Indigenous Childhoods Through Themed Picture Books: Making Connections to the Local," which emerged as a culmination of our collaborative work on a massive open online course (MOOC) centered on Indigenous pedagogy in early childhood education. We curated a list of Indigenous children's books and engaged in discussions on the significance of Indigenous literature in nurturing cultural identity and literacy learning. In doing so, we aspired to create …

Experiences And Training Of Early Childhood Education Directors, Rochelle Elaine Nadeau

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

In Colorado, early childhood education (ECE) directors are often not fully prepared to lead and develop high-quality teaching teams, which is integral to offering high-quality programming to children and families in the early years of development. Framed by transformational leadership theory, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore Colorado ECE directors' experiences with training and support, and the resources needed to develop ECE directors to lead high-quality programming . Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 13 Colorado ECE directors from center-based programs that serve children from birth to 8 years. Thematic analysis using open coding yielded …

“Home.”: A Trauma-Informed Children’S Book Exploring Secure Attachment For Children In Foster Care, Keeli Langford

Undergraduate Theses

Estimates suggest 6% of U.S. children (nearly half a million) will be placed in foster care at any point between their birth and eighteenth birthday (Turney & Wildeman, 2017). This population of children is subject to multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; Turney & Wildeman, 2017). Such ACEs include parental divorce, parental incarceration, parental abuse, a household member with a psychological disorder, violence exposure, or a household member grappling with substance use. Exposure to childhood ACEs can negatively affect children behaviorally, emotionally, socially, and academically (Lawrence et al., 2006; McGuire et al., 2021). Research indicates youth in foster care are more …

A Qualitative Analysis Of Educator Well-Being Through Teaching Sel: A Classroom Pilot, Laticia Follansbee, Madison Reid Reid, Chanda Murphy, Allison Henry

River Cities Industrial and Organizational Psychology Conference

Early childhood educators are expected to teach social emotional learning (SEL) in their classrooms, while educators themselves are in need of SEL as much as their students due to stress and burnout in this occupation being at an all-time high. We ran a small pilot study of a mindfulness, audio-based SEL tool (Moshi) to see whether brief daily use leads to easier implementation of SEL in the classroom and, in turn, relates to better educator well-being. In this qualitative study, we analyzed 12 transcripts from interviews and focus groups with 16 educators from 12 elementary schools after at least six …

Investigating The Relationship Between Noun Classes And Plant Folk Taxonomy In Chasu Language Of Kilimanjaro Region In Tanzania, Peter Rabson Mziray

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

The current study investigates the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu (G 22). The study focuses on two objectives: the first objective is to describe the plant folk taxonomy in Chasu and the second objective is to determine the relationship between noun classes and plant folk taxonomy in Chasu. Data were collected from rural villages in Same and Mwanga districts by using free listing, field interviews (jungle-walk-and-identify), and written texts containing Chasu plant names. The findings reveal that Chasu folk taxonomy reflects different ethnobotanical categories; including a unique beginner which is mmea/mimea ‘plant(s)’, and three life …

Nebline, November/December 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents

Nebraska Extension celebrates 25 years of nutrition school enrichment kits

Recipe of the month: Fruit & yogurt parfait

Celebrating the season with American persimmon by Rachel Anderson

Love gardening? Become a master gardener by Mary Jane Frogge

Extension master gardener volunteer spotlight: Carol Rustad

Garden guide: Things to do this month by Mary Jane Frogge

Choosing child care: What parents should know by Jaci Foged

Commercial/noncommercial pesticide license

Little black bugs, big bite by Kait Chapman [about pirate bugs]

What you need to know about having a well drilled by Becky Schuerman

2026 nebraska custom rates survey by Glennis …

Fostering Belonging And Social-Emotional Literacy: Strategies For Inclusive Early Childhood Education In Southern Tanzania, Frolence Lwegoshora Paschal Paschal, Nipael Mrutu

Libraries

Inclusive early childhood education aims to create environments where children of diverse abilities and backgrounds can learn and grow together, emphasizing social-emotional literacy alongside academic skills. The purpose of this study was to explore strategies to enhance socialemotional literacy and development in such settings, drawing insights from educators and families. Conducted at Nyangao primary school in the Lindi region, the research employed a qualitative case study design, using interviews, observations, and focus group discussions with 3 teachers and 15 parents. Findings reveal five key strategies which are creating a positive and inclusive environment, utilizing peer modeling and peer support, providing …

Dual Or Full Immersion - What Do Wida Access Scores Reveal Might Work Best For Primary Grade Ell Students?, Charla D. Chailland, Lori Gumbert-Harris

Journal of English Learner Education

The purpose of this quantitative study was to examine the academic performance of primary-grade English Language Learner (ELL) students attending Dual Immersion programs compared to their ELL peers in Full Immersion programs. This Indiana study employed a quasi-experimental design for non-equivalent control groups and analyzed three years of WIDA ACCESS assessment scores in reading, writing, and Overall English Proficiency. Archived test results from ELL students who attended one of 12 qualifying Dual Immersion programs were compared to the scores of ELL students who attended one of 12 comparable Full Immersion programs. Results were analyzed by grade level (K-3) and demographic …

Inclusion Of Sustainable Development Dimensions In First Grade Language Textbooks, Kholoud R. Alkatheery Dr.

International Journal for Research in Education

The study aimed to identify the level of inclusion of sustainable development dimensions in the content of the Arabic Language book for the first grade in the primary stage of the first and second semesters in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The study followed the descriptive methodology based on content analysis, and the sample consisted of the content of the 2021 edition of the first grade primary book in its various cognitive representations (units): texts, images, activities, evaluation. To answer the questions, a content analysis tool was prepared according to the dimensions of sustainable development, comprising a content analysis card …

The Effectiveness Of Video Modelling To Teach Asking Permission For People With Intellectual Disabilities In A Primary School, Mana S. Alguefel, Norah S. Aldosiry Dr.

International Journal for Research in Education

The study aims to measure the effectiveness of video modelling in teaching three students with intellectual disabilities in primary school the skill of asking permission. The sample of the study included three female students with mild intellectual disabilities, their ages ranged from 8 to 12 years. A Multiple probe design across participants has been used to verify the effectiveness of video modelling in teaching three female students with intellectual disabilities to ask permission. The study applied in a private primary school in the city of Riyadh. Specifically, the baseline procedures and the intervention and maintenance procedures were applied in one …

Cv: Elizabeth Tertell (Early Childhood Education), Elizabeth Tertell

Education Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

An Andragogical, Transtheoretical Approach To Professional Development Using Structured Video Self-Reflection, Katherine Dyson

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this multiple baseline study was to measure the reliability of teachers’ reflective practices and the impact of structured video self-reflection on observable teaching practices and teacher self-efficacy. Additionally, this study explored the implications of teacher self-efficacy, and the stages of change model when working with teachers who have determined a change of behavior is necessary. Designed to satisfy the tenets of andragogy, this study presented structured video self-reflection as a teacher directed, practical, cost-effective form of professional development. Results indicated that teachers were able to reliably self-reflect, and that structured video self-reflection led to positive increases in …

From Mirrors To Maps: Reimagining Supervision Through Coaching, Reflection And Metaphor, Meg Norris, Sungeun Min, Andrew S. Miness, Tracy Driehaus

Education Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Submission: Inquiry Into The Thriving Kids Initiative, Australian Council For Educational Research (Acer)

Shaping educational policy

This submission to the Inquiry into the Thriving Kids initiative advocates for an evidence-based, inclusive approach to supporting children up to eight years with developmental delay, disability and autism within mainstream early childhood and school settings. It recommends embedding foundational supports within a Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework that integrates universal, targeted and intensive interventions according to children's needs rather than diagnosis. The submission highlights the importance of workforce capability, collaborative practice, effective leadership, high-quality assessment and screening tools, and embedded allied health support. Adequately resourcing MTSS implementation will strengthen inclusion, early intervention and educational outcomes for all children.

Experiences Of Early Childhood Professionals Regarding Selective Mutism, Jessica Denise Huffman

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem that was addressed through this study is that the experiences of early childhood professionals (ECPs) working with children with selective mutism are unknown. Grounded in Bronfenbrenner’s ecological theory of child development, the purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore the experiences of ECPs working with children with selective mutism. Data were collected through semistructured interviews with 12 ECPs who support children with selective mutism in several districts in southern California. Through open coding, the following themes emerged: ECPs noted (a) limited knowledge about selective mutism; (b) supporting children who have selective mutism is both enjoyable and …

Enhancing Assessment Of Early Childhood Learning And Development, Stephanie Templeton, Dan Cloney, Sandra Knowles, Ursula Schwantner

Global education monitoring

This policy brief aims to assist governments and development partners in creating and enhancing assessments of early childhood learning and development to inform the creation of evidence-based policies and practices. It draws on the Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Centre's Monitoring learning in the early years: A review of early childhood assessments to support global monitoring.

Picture Perfect Stem: Ngss Science Standards Alignment Guide, Dr. Peter J. Kalenda Assistant Professor, Elementary Science & Math, School Of Education

School of Education

The Picture-Perfect STEM: Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Alignment Chart functions as a comprehensive reference tool that aligns all Picture-Perfect STEM lessons with the NGSS. The resource is organized by grade level (K-5) and disciplinary areas (Physical Science, Life Science, Earth Science, and Engineering), enabling teachers to quickly locate appropriate lessons for their specific instructional needs.

Each grade level section provides specific lesson alignments with NGSS standards appropriate for elementary students. The chart includes both individual grade-specific lessons and cross-grade applications that can be adapted for different developmental levels.

For more details about how to use this document, its core …

Teacher Perspectives On Challenges To Close The Reading Achievement Gap For African American Students, Miriam Aliyya Moore

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

The problem addressed through this study was that African American students score lower than White students in reading across grade levels, demonstrating a gap in teaching practice in early childhood education. The purpose of this basic qualitative study was to explore early childhood teachers’ perspectives on challenges to increase African American students’ level of reading proficiency and what they believed they needed to close the African American-White student achievement gap in reading. The conceptual framework was Ladson-Billings’s culturally relevant pedagogy. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 kindergarten through third grade teachers who were currently teaching reading to African American students …

Red: A Crayon’S Story Bibliotherapy, David Wolff

OER Materials

The goal of this assignment was for preservice teachers to practice writing a chain of questions that focused on the social and/or emotional needs of young learners. Bibliotherapy is therapeutic in nature to help individuals understand themselves and the world around them through guided reading experiences (American Library Association, 2025; Delisle & Galbraith, 2002). Further, bibliotherapy allow individuals to identify a personal problem mirrored by a character in a book. As the reader connects with the character, the reader experiences the emotions expressed by the character. Finally, the reader applies the character’s experience to their own personal problem (American Library …

A Mixed-Methods Examination Of Interprofessional Preschool Virtual Simulations For Speech-Language Pathology And Occupational Therapy Graduate Students, Danika Pfeiffer, Ashley Lankford, Alexandra Durfee, Casey Branson

Teaching and Learning in Communication Sciences & Disorders

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a required prerequisite of interprofessional practice (IPP), the most collaborative service delivery model for speech-language pathologists working in both health care and educational settings. This exploratory, mixed methods study was conducted to examine the impact of an experiential IPE training program on graduate speech-language pathology (SLP) and occupational therapy (OT) students working together in a preschool classroom for children with developmental disabilities. Eight SLP and five OT students participated in a 2-hour in-person workshop and two 1.5-hour virtual simulations using ViewPoint technology. The training program provided instruction related to: three of the Interprofessional Education Collaborative’s (IPEC) …

Nebline, October 2025

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Contents

4-H super fair helps youth become beyond ready

What's popping? by Natalie Sehi

Recipes of the month, by Kayla Colgrove: Fish bait snack mix, kicked up popcorn, and cinnamon crunch snack mix

Are your trees for the next storm? by Rachel Anderson

Garden guide: Things to do this month by Mary Jane Frogge

GRO Big Red virtual learning series

Composting demonstration

Promoting language development in young children by Hayley Jackson

Tip sheet for harvest 2025 by John Nelson

Rogers Memorial Day farm field day, September 2025

Heart of 4-H volunteer award: Rachel Wells

Join 4-H to become beyond ready …

Becoming Again: Dialogues On Identity Formation Among Second-Career Educators In Initial Certification Programs, Michelle White, Tracy Driehaus, Mark Wolfmeyer

Education Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Observing Language & Literacy In Real-World Contexts: Applied Field Observation Assignment, Chanda Huston

Open Educational Resources

This assignment guides undergraduate early childhood education students through three structured observations of children’s language and literacy behaviors in authentic environments such as homes, classrooms, and community spaces. Students learn to record objective, descriptive notes; analyze communication through developmental and sociocultural lenses; and connect their interpretations to meaningful curriculum planning. The assignment emphasizes professional skills essential to early childhood educators, including documentation, theoretical application, and reflective practice, helping students deepen their understanding of how young children use language and engage with emerging literacy in everyday contexts.

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 …

Creating A Literacy-Rich Learning Environment For Early Childhood: Classroom Design & Group Project Assignment, Chanda Huston

Open Educational Resources

This assignment guides undergraduate early childhood education students in collaboratively designing a literacy-rich classroom environment for children ages 3–5. Students research features of high-quality early language and literacy spaces, create a mock classroom layout using a format of their choice, and justify their design decisions by applying relevant developmental and literacy theories. The project emphasizes creativity, inclusivity, and practical application of early childhood literacy principles. Students conclude by demonstrating a literacy activity that connects directly to their classroom design and supports children’s communication, emergent literacy, and engagement.

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

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. …

Increasing Play Opportunities To Improve Development And Health For Children, Kallie S. Ellis, Wendy Tremaine, Emily Bush

Fall 2025 OTD Capstone Symposium

Children with disabilities often experience reduced opportunities for meaningful peer play, which can negatively influence their physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development. Early childhood environments play a critical role in supporting inclusive participation, yet many barriers—physical, social, and environmental—limit access to developmentally rich play throughout the school day. The purpose of this capstone project was to develop, implement, and evaluate a Tier-1, school-based program designed to increase meaningful play opportunities for preschool children ages 3–6, with and without disabilities.

A needs assessment was conducted with teachers and parents to identify developmental concerns and participation barriers related to fine motor, gross motor, …

Grandma's Rocking Chair, Roberta Harman Ford

Old Elbows

Step into a world of gentle memories and timeless love with Grandma's Rocking Chair, a beautifully illustrated children's book that celebrates the magic of family traditions.

From crawling up the stairs to playing hide-and-seek under air mattresses, Brittney's visits to Grandma's house are filled with joy. But nothing compares to the comfort of Grandma's rocking chair-a place where stories are shared, giggles echo, and love is felt deeply.

As Brittney grows, the chair becomes a cherished symbol of connection, passed down from her grandmother, who once sat in it with her own grandma. Through floods, moves, and milestones, the rocking …

Supporting Young Children’S Composing Practices Through Pre- And Post-Writing Conversations, Jackie Ridley, Rebecca Rohloff, Xiao Zhang, Margaret Quinn

Journal of Response to Writing

In this teaching tip, we propose purposeful pre- and post-writing conferences as a teacher practice to support young children’s early writing practices. We share how teachers can facilitate children’s idea development through conversational moves during writing conferences and provide a model for what this could look like using a task-based composing prompt.