Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Sign Language In The Preschool Classroom : A Self-Study, Dianna Geiger

Graduate Research Papers

This research was a self-study involving the learning and implementation of sign language in the preschool classroom. Over the course of eight weeks, I taught myself sign language and implemented what I learned in my preschool classroom of three- and four-year-old children. Through journaling, videotaping and surveys, I was able to increase my sign language knowledge at a good rate, increase student engagement and find a unique way to bond with my students. My memory was the biggest challenge for me during the study. Knowing someone that speaks in sign language would be beneficial to someone just starting out. While …

Language Rich Early Childhood Classroom: Simple But Powerful Beginnings, Erin E. Flynn

School of Social Work Faculty Publications and Presentations

This article highlights research exploring the benefits of small group storytelling as a way to promote rich language in early childhood classrooms. Using the storytelling of children from a preschool classroom serving lower SES children, the collaborative affordances of story circles are explored. Results show that small group storytelling engages children in ways of using language associated with literacy learning. When storytelling, children use language in extended, multi-clause turns, relaying what happened in another context. Story requires children to communicate what happened as well as the interpersonal significance of events. Small group storytelling also gives children a chance to practice …

Humanoid Robots Supporting Children’S Intellectual And Social Dispositions In An Early Childhood Setting, Helen Crompton, Diane Burke, Kristine Sunday, Peter Baker, Kristin Gregory, John Asija

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

This study explores the affordances provided by the use of the NAO robot in an early childhood classroom. Using the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework as a guide, the researchers analyzed the interactions and relationships between teachers, students, and learning, and the unique curricular opportunities and outcomes provided by the NAO robot.

Preservice Teachers' Beliefs About Play In Kindergarten, Michelle Taylor Clevenger

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to gain insight into preservice teachers’ beliefs about play in kindergarten, and explore differences in beliefs about play between teachers just beginning their education program and those who are completing their degree. The study examined the beliefs of two groups of preservice teachers: one at the beginning of their early childhood education program (beginning students) and one at the end (teacher candidates). This study used a mixed methods approach including a survey with both Likert scale and open-ended questions as well as individual interviews. Data were collected at the beginning of the fall semester …

Quality Of Math Instruction Matters: Examining Validity And Reliability Of High Impact Strategies In Early Mathematics (His-Em), Bilge Cerezci

Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to introduce a measure of early mathematics teaching practices, the High Impact Strategies in Early Mathematics (HIS-EM) and its framework, and to examine its criterion-related, predictive validity of High Impact Strategies in Early Mathematics (HIS-EM) and describe the types of early math teaching the HIS-EM detects among a sample of Pre-kindergarten to 3rd grade teachers working with high need students in an urban public schools system. The findings indicate that the HIS-EM produced reliable scores, and meaningful and predictable associations were found between HIS-EM and CLASS. The results also suggested that high quality mathematics …

Observations Of Music And Literacy In Early Childhood Education, Ann Strom

Honors Program Theses

Students spend as many as nineteen years in a classroom by the time they are twenty-two. They have countless teachers who all teach in a different style and say that it is the best way for their students to learn. Students have experienced classrooms where they are given a lecture for an hour and then expected to know and understand the content when the test comes. They have also experienced classrooms where they are up and moving, creating models, doing research, or conducting experiments, throughout the class to come to an understanding to share with their peers on the topic …

The Impact Of Specific Interventions On Child Engagement In A Preschool Classroom, Sarah Elizabeth Farber

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of my action research was to integrate environmental changes and instructional strategies into my preschool classroom. These strategies were presented at monthly professional development trainings, which focused on increasing the engagement of all students in the classroom. This study included a sample of three students, two general education students and one with an individualized education program (IEP). These students were video recorded once a month at group time and observed using a data collection tool presented at the professional development meetings.

The results showed that the environmental changes and instructional strategics implemented were effective in increasing the engagement …

Sound : The Study Of Differentiating Pitch And Volume With Preschoolers, Jennifer Lyn Miller

Graduate Research Papers

I designed an exploratory study for adapting an early elementary physics of sound science module to use in preschool. The purpose of the study was to observe and collect data regarding the use of an inquiry-based physical knowledge activity, implemented in a play-based preschool setting, and how this knowledge could assist in advancing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education in early childhood.

Using random sampling from a classroom of 20 students, I chose six participants between the ages of four and five. As prekindergarten children experimented with sound, I probed understanding of two of the main concepts in the …

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of School- And Center-Based Preschool Programs : Implications For Early Childhood Policy, Christy Martin

Graduate Research Papers

Currently, preschool programs in Iowa are found in a variety of locations and environments. This paper reports the advantages and disadvantages of school based, center based, and a blended program model with classrooms both in a center and school buildings. The purpose of this research is to provide information to school districts and preschool programs. Preschool professionals in Iowa were surveyed and interviewed about the physical locations of their programs. Methods in this study include a survey of 33 participants and 3 interviews. Research and implications for early childhood policy regarding physical locations of preschool programs are discussed. This research …

Using Sign Language In The Infant Room, Sara Paar

Graduate Research Papers

Trying to figure out what an infant needs can be frustrating for the child's parents and caregivers. Around eight months of age, infants can start pointing at things they want and start to mimic hand motions from simple finger plays like Pat-a-Cake. In this study, Early Head Start teachers in one classroom went from using four sign language signs in the classroom to using 12 signs for five weeks. The teachers recorded how many times they used each of the 12 signs during interactions with the infants. They also recorded whether an infant repeated the sign when the teacher showed …

What Relationship Between Preschool Class Sizes And Student Behaviors Do Teachers Report?, Lindsey Steen

Graduate Research Papers

This paper reports a study on whether preschool teachers of differing class sizes report a relationship between class size and student behaviors. Classes were categorized into small, medium, and large class sizes. Teachers reported Teaching Strategies GOLD scores for socio-emotional skills and gave their opinions about class sizes, Results of this study suggest that there is a relationship between class size and students' social emotional skills, but not always in accordance with teacher opinions.

Strengthening Early Mathematics In Early Childhood Classrooms : A Professional Development Project, Jennifer Lynn Jansen

Graduate Research Papers

This project outlines a series of professional development sessions for preschool teachers that focus on early mathematics. Each session emphasizes key mathematical content and builds teachers' understanding and positive attitudes toward mathematics. Teachers also explore how children's knowledge and skills in the content topics develops and examine examples of children at various levels of understanding and stages of learning with regard to mathematical content.

The sessions also emphasize how the mathematical content can be explored in preschool classrooms in ways that support children's foundational learning in the area of mathematics. Another element of this project is the use of site-based …

Nutrition Education Resources In North Carolina–Based Head Start Preschool Programs: Administrator And Teacher Perceptions Of Availability And Use, Sarah Lisson, L. Suzanne Goodell, Dipti A. Dev, Kristi Wilkerson,, Archana V. Hegde, Virginia C. Stage

Department of Child, Youth, and Family Studies: Faculty Publications

Objective: The purpose of this study was to provide new insight into common barriers to the availability and use of nutrition education (NE) resources in Head Start preschool programs based on administrator and teacher perceptions.

Methods: In-depth, semistructured phone interviews (n = 63) were conducted with administrators (n = 31) and teachers (n = 32) from North Carolina–based Head Start programs. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analyzed qualitatively using content analysis to identify common themes.

Results: Five emergent themes were identified within the areas of NE resource availability and use and barriers to NE resource availability and …

Experiences Of Neurotypical Siblings Of Children With An Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Qualitative Exploration, Stacie R. Keirsey

Antioch University Dissertations & Theses

In recent years, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been on the rise, prompting a simultaneous increase in scientific study regarding cause, impact, and intervention (Hughes, 2009; Ravindran & Myers, 2012). Research has proposed advances in the treatment of the individuals diagnosed and focused efforts on scholastic, parental, and professional intervention and supports. However, the siblings of ASD children have largely been neglected in this scientific investigation. The purpose of this hermeneutic phenomenological study was to explore neurotypical siblings’ experiences in living with a child diagnosed with ASD. Seven adolescents were selected using criterion, convenience, and snowball sampling. …

Pearls Of Meaning: Preschool Children Respond To Multicultural Picturebooks, Xiufang Chen, Susan Browne

College of Education Departmental Research

Employing a qualitative practitioner research method, this study examined pre-school children's responses to multicultural picture books and gained insight into how pre-school children make meaning about illustrations and textual features that include aspects of culture. The authors explored how multicultural literature can be used to develop cultural awareness and sensitivity among young children. Mem Fox's, Sophie (1994) emerged as a salient text that evoked personal connections and response to complex issues such as cycle of birth, life, and death. We contend that early exposure to multicultural literature contributes to ongoing processes of meaning making and serves as a rich reservoir …

Creating Environmental Education For Children: Focusing On The Vigo County/Terre Haute Community, Jordanna Bilyeu

University Honors Program

This study is an attempt to create an action plan to improve environmental education for children within a community. It evaluates the reach and sophistication of this type of education that currently exists in the Vigo County/Terre Haute community, diagnoses weaknesses in the system, and finds ways to develop it. Data was collected through surveys given to elementary school teachers in Vigo County Public schools, interviewing community educators, making onsite visits to educational locations, online research, and speaking with political figures. Environmental education lacks sophistication in schools and can be improved through hands-on, sustainability standards and resources. Community sources outside …

E Is For Early Intervention: The Importance Of Early Intervention Services In Providing Better Outcomes For Children Who Have Or Are At Risk For Having A Developmental Delay, Brianna Schuster

University Honors Program

he purpose of this paper is to analyze the effects that early intervention services have on children who have or are at risk for a developmental delay due to medical or environmental circumstances. Throughout this paper, the following research questions were used as means to guide and provide focus to the paper: Why are early intervention services important in the first few years of life? Who benefits from early intervention services and how are these children affected? and Does early intervention affect the individual long-term? By using a combination of research articles, scientific journals, and data collected from federal research …

Nebline, November/December 2015

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Chill Out Over the Holidays by Freezing Foods Ahead

Food & Health

Family Living

Farm & Acreage

Horticulture

Pests & Wildlife

4-H & Youth

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

Nebline, October 2015

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: We All Benefit From Pollinator Habitats

Food & Health

Family Living

Farm & Acreage

Horticulture

Pests & Wildlife

4-H & Youth

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

Overview Of Early Childhood Education In China, India, Ethiopia, And Tanzania., Judit Szente, X. Christine Wang, Belete Mebratu, Fortidas Bakuza

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This paper introduces the status of early childhood education in China, India, Ethiopia, and Tanzania over the past 25 years while sharing crucial new policies targeting early childhood (EC) education and EC teacher education. The paper targets four main areas such as :

1) opportunities for quality pre- and in-service training of EC teachers;

2) distribution/availability of quality EC teachers;

3) perceived status of EC teachers; and

4) financial support for EC education in each country.

Conclusions and recommendations for the Post-2015 area are also provided.

The State Of The Region: Hampton Roads 2015, James V. Koch, Vinod Agarwal, Barbara Blake-Gonzalez, Christopher B. Colburn, Vicky Curtis, Steve Daniel, Larry "Chip" Filer, Tim Komarek, Feng Lian, Sharon Lomax, Cheng Luo, Wolfgang Mairinger, Alice Mcadory, Katrina Miller-Stevens, Janet Molinaro, Gary Wagner, Douglas M. Walker, Luke Watson, Shara Weber

Economics Faculty Books

This is Old Dominion University's 16th annual State of the Region report. While it represents the work of many people connected in various ways to the university, the report does not constitute an official viewpoint of Old Dominion or it's president, John R. Broderick. The report maintains the goal of stimulating thought and discussion that ultimately will make Hampton Roads an even better place to live. We are proud of our region's many successes, but realize that it is possible to improve our performance. In order to do so, we must have accurate information about "where we are" and a …

Bridges For Academic Success: Opening Spaces For Culturally Responsive Practice In An Urban Pre-School, Denise Jones, Susan Browne

College of Education Departmental Research

It has become widely understood that formal early childhood education can be an important factor in school success. Equally significant is the role of culture as a determinant in negotiating school. Thereby, the inclusion of student culture remains an important aspect in conversations on school success. This discourse is capable of promoting learning using the lives of students by building on what they already know, while offering opportunities for academic achievement. This study investigated how professional development workshops on culturally responsive practice for urban pre-school teachers encouraged the examination of current classroom practices and offered a process for transformation.

Nebline, September 2015

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: 4-H Youth “Let the Good Times Grow” at Super Fair

Food & Health

Family Living

Farm & Acreage

Horticulture

Pests & Wildlife

4-H & Youth

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

The Apple Trees School : Adapting The Developmental-Interaction Approach In South Korea, Jeffrey B. Rogers

Graduate Student Independent Studies

In August 2016, one year from this writing, a team of educators will embark on adapting the developmental-interaction approach to a newly founded early elementary school in Gyeongsan, South Korea. This paper seeks to address the challenges and rewards inherent in such a project through examining critical issues such as intercultural competence and teacher relationships

Extended Book Review: Really Big Numbers, By Richard Evan Schwartz; The Boy Who Loved Math: The Improbable Life Of Paul Erdös, By Deborah Heiligman; The Short Seller, By Elissa Brent Weissman, Gizem Karaali

Pomona Faculty Publications and Research

The genre of math lit for children is not huge, but it is growing. My kid loves the early reader books by my friend and colleague Julie Glass (A Dollar for Penny (1998), The Fly On the Ceiling (2000)). I found Izolda Fotiyeva’s Math with Mom (2003) too late for my daughter but will definitely read it with my son. For a neat twist on the traditional alphabet book, I recommend The Technical Alphabet (2014) by the engineer sisters Lavanya and Melissa Jawaharlal. More recently a colleague introduced me to Laura Overdeck’s Bedtime Math series; these will soon join …

Nebline, August 2015

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Nutrition Education Program Reaches 15-Year-Milestone Teaching Nutrition in Lincoln Schools

Food & Health

Family Living

Farm & Acreage

Home & Family Living

Horticulture

Pests & Wildlife

4-H & Youth

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

Special pullout section: Lancaster County Super Fair 2015 Schedule & Map

Evaluation Of The Kindergarten Readiness Partnership & Innovation Grants, Beth L. Green, Lindsey Brianna Patterson, Mackenzie Morris, Lindsey Anne Cochran, Callie H. Lambarth

Early Childhood

In July 2014, Oregon’s Early Learning Division provided first-time funding for sixteen communities across the state to implement Kindergarten Readiness Partnership & Innovation (KRPI) projects. The KRPI projects share the common goal of improving children’s school readiness and, ultimately, improving school success and reducing the achievement gap. To achieve these goals, grantees were given considerable local flexibility to implement innovative approaches in one or more of the following areas:

1. Supporting kindergarten readiness skills and smooth transitions to kindergarten;

2. Increasing family engagement in children’s learning and connecting families and schools;

3. Providing professional development to early learning and/or elementary …

A Phenomenological Study Of Middle School Bullying In The Rio Grande Valley, Texas, Vanessa Cristina Cantu

Theses and Dissertations - UTB/UTPA

The purpose of this paper was to describe the study concerning special education students in middle school who were bullied. Many students in the special education program are being bullied, whether it is due to their disabilities or other factors (Mishna, 2003; Rose, Espelage, & Monda-Amaya, 2009; Coloroso, 2008; Christensen, Fraynt, Neece, & Baker, 2012). While several quantitative studies have been conducted addressing this worldwide phenomenon, few qualitative studies have been performed. A phenomenological approach allowed the participants to share their own experiences with bullying. Twenty-five students from several middle schools (6th, 7th, 8th grades) in a city in the …

Nebline, July 2015

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Feature: Reduce Bullying and Cyberbullying Through Social and Emotional Learning

Food & Health

Family Living

Farm & Acreage

Horticulture

Pests & Wildlife

4-H & Youth

Extension Calendar

and other extension news and events

Student Participation In The Arkansas Better Chance Preschool Program Versus No Participation On Academic Achievement, Netlla Cureton

College of Education Dissertations

Education is the key to success and is vital for participation in a global society. With access to the internet, students in the United States are competing with students around the world. Providing excellence in education, pre-kindergarten through graduation, is vital to the success of America. To achieve excellence in education, students must have a solid educational foundation. In building this educational foundation, the groundwork must begin with rich early learning experiences in preschool settings.

In 1991, the Arkansas Better Chance (ABC) preschool program was created to help Arkansas students succeed academically by providing them with access to early childhood …