Early Childhood Education Commons^™

Nebline, January 2009

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Creating a Strong Family: Strong Families Have Six Common Characteristics
Ways to Spend Time With Your Family in January
Private Pesticide Applicator Certification Opportunities
Soybean Cyst Nematode Spreading in Nebraska: Free Soil Sampling Kits at Extension Offices
Mystery “Bites”: Unidentifiable Skin Problems Usually Have Non-Insect Causes
Raccoons in the City
2009 Wall Calendar
Beginning Beekeeping 2-Day Workshop
2009 All-America Rose Selections
Shopping for Plants and Seeds
Garden Guide: Things to Do This Month
Birds Need Water In Winter
Attract Winter Birds With Feeders
Top 10 Myths of Entrepreneurship
Winter Houseplant Care
Wishing You a Healthy H-A-P-P-Y N-E-W Y-E-A-R!
$tretch Your …

Exploring Mothers’ And Fathers’ Relationships With Sons Versus Daughters: Links To Adolescent Adjustment In Mexican Immigrant Families, Kimberly A. Updegraff, Melissa Y. Delgado, Lorey A. Wheeler

Nebraska Center for Research on Children, Youth, Families, and Schools: Faculty Publications

Drawing on ecological and gender socialization perspectives, this study examined mothers’ and fathers’ relationships with young adolescents, exploring differences between mothers and fathers, for sons versus daughters, and as a function of parents’ division of paid labor. Mexican immigrant families (N = 162) participated in home interviews and seven nightly phone calls. Findings revealed that mothers reported higher levels of acceptance toward adolescents and greater knowledge of adolescents’ daily activities than did fathers, and mothers spent more time with daughters than with sons. Linkages between parent-adolescent relationship qualities and youth adjustment were moderated by adolescent gender and parents’ division …

Time Use Of Mothers In The United States: Recent Evidence From The American Time Use Survey, Rachel Connelly, Jean Kimmel

Employment Research Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Teaching Social And Emotional Competence In Early Childhood, Rita Coombs Richardson, Steve P. Myran, Steve Tonelson

Communication Disorders & Special Education Faculty Publications

This study evaluated the impact of a social skills curriculum on the social behaviors of students in two pre-kindergarten classrooms. Participating were 30 students in a program based at a university child study center. The average age of the participants was four years ten months. The income levels of the families varied from low social economic status to high middle economic status. Two examiners independently completed the Social Skills and Attitude Scale (SSAS) for each child. The examiners observed the children and recorded children's pre and post intervention behaviors on a checklist. The study yielded positive evidence that the social …

Parents' Perceptions About An Early Childhood Program: Analysis Of Parents Focus Group Discussions: A Dissertation, Natalie Ann Zakarian

Educational Studies Dissertations

This study focuses on identifying the primary concerns parents have at school entry for their children. The investigation is a qualitative analysis of data derived from a series of ten parent focus group sessions conducted in a large northeastern school district. The ten sessions were conducted over a period of four months for a total of twenty hours of data. Regular members of the focus group included four parents who had 4 and 5 year old children in an early childhood literacy program, a volunteer community member in the program and the researcher. Each session was audio taped then transcribed …

Class Size : Appropriate Student-Teacher Ratios In Early Childhood Classrooms In Relation To Student Achievement, Brian D. Kingrey

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature review was to examine the effects of reduced class sizes in early childhood classrooms in relation to student achievement, and to present guidelines for implementing class-size reduction programs and practices in K-3 classrooms. Average- and actual-class size, student-teacher ratios, per-pupil expenditures, student achievement, health and well-being, curricula, and cost-effectiveness were discussed.

In researching recent literature for this review, multiple searches were conducted including searches for class-size reduction, student-teacher ratios, cost-effectiveness, and districts that implemented class-size reduction programs. Gilman (1988) conducted research on Tennessee's Project STAR which served as a basis for continued research. Summative findings …

What Every Kindergarten Teacher Should Know About Spelling, Gjoa King

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this article was to determine what research stated about writing and spelling instruction at the kindergarten level. I looked specifically at research concerning spelling and writing development in kindergarten children, the role of invented spelling, and the effects of instruction on spelling outcomes. This was done for the purpose of synthesizing the research in order to help teachers implement a developmentally appropriate spelling curriculum for kindergartners.

Integrating And Implementing Literacy In A Toddler Classroom, Emily Knutson

Graduate Research Papers

This Project examined the topic of literacy in a toddler classroom. Research on toddler language, reading, writing, and parent involvement with literacy was discussed. The Infant/Toddler Environmental Rating Scale and Iowa Early Learning Standards were used to rate a toddler classroom in regard to literacy activities. Guidelines were presented for establishing quality literacy activities for toddler children. Conclusions were drawn from the literature and the classroom project for the future of literacy development for toddlers.

Cooking : Mixing And Measuring With Young Children, Aimee Marie Klostermann

Graduate Research Papers

Cooking with young children is a rewarding experience as an educator. Not only are the children enjoying themselves, but you are too. Cooking allows children to be in touch with their senses, and is a hands-on approach to learning. Of course cooking can be messy, which is what young children love most. Incorporating science, math, literacy, and social studies into one activity is easily done through cooking.

Whether you are a novice or a veteran when it comes to cooking, the skills children gain are immense when you incorporate cooking into the early childhood curriculum. I believe there are some …

Accountability And Collaborative Inquiry In A School-Based Early Childhood Program, Sherri Peterson

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this paper is to examine the development of a professional learning community and the way in which an early childhood team can follow the developmentally appropriate practice guidelines and early learning standards to improve student outcomes.

Not Enough Non-Fiction Literacy Material In Early Childhood, Melani L. Piscitelli

Graduate Research Papers

In the body of this paper, educators will find answers to some questions that they have concerning non-fiction literature. These questions include: What does research say about incorporating non-fiction material into the classroom: how much non-fiction material should I have in my classroom; and how do I pick out quality non-fiction material?

Educators will also be able to look at three different non-fiction lesson plans. Each lesson plan will use a different type of non-fiction literature to give educators a well rounded view of non-fiction literature. There will also be a section about locating nonfiction books, to give educators a …

The Impact Of Oral Language Activities In Preschool On Reading Competence In Kindergarten And Beyond, Melissa Sifert

Graduate Research Papers

The following literature review examined the impact of oral language activities in preschool concerning literacy competence in kindergarten and beyond. Four questions were addressed: (1) What is the role of oral language on reading achievement? (2) What instructional activities are important in promoting oral language skills crucial for later reading development? (3) What challenges do educators face when incorporating oral language activities in the preschool classroom? and (4) What are guidelines for integrating oral language activities in preschool? Recommendations for the advancement of oral language instruction in the education system were presented.

Graphic Practice : A Strategy For Developing Fine Motor Skills In The Early Childhood Setting, Kathleen A. Eichelberger

Graduate Research Papers

Graphic practice provides children with an opportunity to develop, not only fine motor skills, but also self-regulatory and alphabet knowledge skills. Research has indicated that a child's fine motor development can predict his or her educational achievement, specifically in the areas of reading, math, and attention. The purpose of this project is to organize thirty weekly lessons that will familiarize teachers with the components necessary to introduce, integrate, and extend graphic practice strategies within their early childhood classrooms. These lessons will be compiled into a step-by-step guide for teachers. An outline for professional development is included.

A Study Of The Relationship Between Visual Art And Verbal Communication, Erica Whisney

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This thesis studied the qualitative and quantitative types of communication children had while engaged in clay and collage art making activities. Thirty-five kindergarteners were used in the study, which was videotaped and analysed. Researchers concluded that during the art making process children communicated frequently and more freely with their peers than during other activities.

Interactive Writing In A Kindergarten Classroom, Amy Henze

Graduate Research Papers

This research study focused on the use of interactive writing as the primary method of writing instruction in a kindergarten classroom. The purpose of the study was to find out the extent to which and in what ways interactive writing supports the needs of all students at various emergent writing stages. The study also examined students' writing samples to see if there was carryover of skills from the interactive writing lessons to the students' independent writing. Results indicate a variety of skills were taught during the interactive writing lessons, and all of the students showed growth in the use of …

Creating An Accessible Child Development Resource For Family Home Child Care Providers Focusing On Child-Initiated Play, Paula Buck

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this project was to create a newsletter for family home child care providers that presented easy-to-read, research based information regarding child-initiated play and developmentally appropriate practices and their incorporation in a family child care setting. The newsletter also addressed the need for creating and maintaining a balance between offering child-initiated opportunities and providing structure in a family child care setting.

A review of the literature revealed that nearly half of family home child care providers have no specialized training in the field of child care, child development, or early childhood education. Caregiver education and training is a …

Using Sign Language With Hearing Preschool Children, Jamie E. Johnson

Graduate Research Papers

The purposed of this review is to examine the effects of using American Sign Language (ASL) with hearing preschool children without disabilities. The research examined the effects on cognitive skills, fine motor skills, IQ, student behavior, and memory when American Sign Language is implemented into a preschool classroom. A variety of sources were examined and synthesized to provide the reader with informational data and recommendations.

The Influence Of High-Quality Early Childhood Education Programs On At-Risk Children's Literacy And Language Development, Gwendolyn M. Kellen

Graduate Research Papers

This literature review addressed the impact that high-quality early childhood education programs have on at-risk children's literacy and language development. The purpose of this review was to focus on the impact and benefits that high quality early childhood education programs have on the literacy and language development of at-risk young children, and the influence that the early childhood teachers, the early childhood classroom environment, and the early childhood classroom activities have on the literacy and language development of young children who may be at-risk of developing reading difficulties when they begin formal education.

The research concluded that at-risk children who …

"I Can Do It" And You Can, Too : Toddlers And Autonomy In A Multicultural Classroom, Chelssi Lynn Michelle Parrott

Graduate Research Papers

This article will define autonomy and its relationship to learning and development in an infant or toddler classroom. It will discuss the differing cultural views concerning autonomy and the challenges this can bring to a culturally diverse classroom. It will give examples of what the development of autonomy looks like in my own classroom, and I will also share the guidelines that I keep in mind when encouraging autonomy with infants and toddlers.

Is Reading Recovery A Beneficial Reading Program To Have Implemented In A School District?, Carrie Langan

Graduate Research Papers

Reading Recovery is an instructional program that offers individualized reading and writing instruction to struggling first graders. This program is costly and with the limited number of first graders that can be served, it raises the question : Is Reading Recovery really beneficial in the long run?

The purpose of this paper is to explain the importance that Reading Recovery has to offer. While this program may be costly, Reading Recovery children usually complete their series of lessons within 12 - 20 weeks. After that time, other children take their place. With good classroom instruction , many children who discontinue …

Pilot Test Of A Quality Rating And Improvement System In Early Education Programs In Magadan, Russian Federation And In Minnesota, United States Of America, Vera Grigoryevna Kashin

All Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Other Capstone Projects

This study examined two questions: (1) What quality rating and improvement System (QRIS) will be useful for improving early childhood education programs in Magadan Region, RU and in Minnesota, USA? and (2) What is the agreement among raters in the US and in Russia, using scores on a QRIS for early childhood education programs in Magadan Region, RU and in Minnesota, USA? The study included translation of the Global Guidelines Assessment (GGA) (ACEI, 2008) into Russian. One quality review was completed for one early education program in each country. Completed reviews by eleven reviewers were delivered to Minnesota State University, …

Children With Cleft Lips And/Or Palates In Early Childhood Classrooms : Overcoming Obstacles And Misconceptions, Angel Simons

Graduate Research Papers

One in 750 live births results in a baby born with a cleft lip and/or palate (CLP), making it the second most common birth impairment in the United States (Speltz, Endrig, Fisher, & Mason, 1997). Being born with a cleft lip and/or palate brings on many obstacles in a child's life.

Educators can help children born with cleft lip and/or palate by knowing: are there any correlations between how a child born with a cleft is treated by teachers and parents when it comes to teacher and/or parent expectations and perceptions; do children with clefts have distinct common personality or …

School Readiness : What It Means To Be "Ready" For Kindergarten, Brian D. Kingrey

Graduate Research Papers

This review of the literature examined the recent literature on the subject of school readiness. The purpose of this review of the literature was to identify how schools and parents view school readiness, as well as how emergent literacy plays a role in preparing students for public school education. Assessments, skills, early learning standards, literacy practices, and entry age were discussed.

In researching recent literature for the review multiple searches were conducted including the search terms of school readiness and transition. Pianta, Cox, and Snow (2007) discussed the domains of developmental functioning in the early childhood years, which served as …

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star: The Effects Of Using Music With Young Children, Eileen Heck

Graduate Research Papers

One way for children to experience music and develop early literacy skills is through nursery rhymes such as Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. This project addresses the benefits of using music with young children and the importance of professional development with early childhood educators. More and more research is being done to explore and study the effects of music with young children. It is becoming evident that music has many benefits that can enhance young children's lives. Some of these benefits include expanding children's communication skills, building oral language skills, developing phonological awareness skills, and extending concepts of print. Some …

Sign Language And Gestures In Young Early Childhood, Donna Uhlenberg

Graduate Research Papers

The purpose of this literature and research review is to understand better the use of sign language and the importance of gestures to children in young early childhood. Children, even at the earliest ages, begin the process of effectively communicating with people and the environment around them. The beginning forms of communication originate in the form of body movements, also known as gestures. Sign language has been present in recorded history since the 16th century, and the first written records of it began in the 17th century. Sign language is most widely used with individuals who have hearing or speech …

The Impact Of The 101s: A Guide To Positive Discipline Parent Training: A Case Study Of Kindergarteners And Their Parents In Bangkok, Thailand, Piyavalee Thanasetkorn

Theses and Dissertations in Early Childhood Education

To reduce using corporal punishment with children, the need to introduce alternative ways for parent practices has been requested by Thai parents. However, empirical research of parents' use of positive practices to discipline their young children has been limited in Thailand. Given the effectiveness of positive discipline as an accepted method in order to improve children's social and academic competencies in U.S., a cultural extension of positive discipline techniques to Thai culture is of interest. This study investigated the effectiveness of The 101s: A Guide to Positive Discipline training on Thai positive parenting skills to increase the quality of …

The Impact Of The 101s: A Guide To Positive Discipline Teacher Training On Teacher Interaction Practices, Teacher-Child Relationship Quality, School Adjustment, And Academic Outcomes In Kindergarten Classrooms In Bangkok, Thailand, Panadda Thanasetkorn

Theses and Dissertations in Early Childhood Education

While a great body of research evidence in the United States shows the impact of positive teacher interactions on teacher-child relationship quality and beneficial school outcomes for young children, it is not clear how Thai children would respond to the kind of interactional and social-emotional practices of American teachers. In this research, teacher training through The 101s: A Guide to Positive Discipline (The 101s, Kersey, 2006) was implemented in kindergarten classrooms in Bangkok, Thailand. The purpose of the study was (a) to investigate the impact of The 101s teacher training on changes in teacher interaction practices, teacher-child relationship …

The Effects Of Different Types Of Background Music On Preschoolers’ Aggressive Classroom Behavior, Marissa Anne Arnett

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Previous research has suggested that background music influences children's classroom behaviors. However, the results of research to date are conflicting on the effects of hard rock background music on children's behavior. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to examine the differential effects of hard rock and easy listening music on preschoolers' aggressive behaviors during center time (e.g., during free play at the water table, art, blocks, and reading centers). Four classrooms with a combined total of 74 students (31 boys and 43 girls) participated in the study. During the 55-day study, we recorded the frequency of children's aggressive …

Nebline, Nov./Dec. 2008

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Make a Difference: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
2008 Crop Year in Review
Preserve Grain Quality with Aeration Management
Estimating Corn Drydown Time
It’s Not Easy Being Green During Nebraska’s Winters
Put on an Extra Blanket (Winter Mulching)
Avoid Stacking Firewood Next to House
The Keys to a Perfect Thanksgiving Meal
$tretch Your Food Dollar During the Holiday Season
Healthy Eating: Easy as Pie—Turkey Pot Pie
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ Notes—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Keep Kitchen and Bathroom Clean During Guest Season
Skip the “Humbug!” 10 Tips to Relieve Holiday Stress
Housecleaning Ergonomics: How to …

Nebline, October 2008

NEBLINE Newsletter Archive from Nebraska Extension in Lancaster County

Introducing the Nebraska 4-H Diamond Clover Program
How to Reduce Energy Cost for Grain Drying
Use Season-Long Records to Assess Pumping Plant Performance
Proper Care of Pumpkins and Gourds Means Use Beyond Halloween Decor
Fall Planting
Poinsettia
Deer Damage
Compost Excellent Tool to Correct Soil Erosion
Cleaning the Kitchen Cupboard: Toss or Save?
$tretch Your Food Dollar with “Healthy Treats” (No Tricks)
Healthy Eating: Homemade Whole Grain Croutons
Family & Community Education (FCE) Clubs: Presidents’ Notes—Bonnie’s Bits
FCE News & Events
Household Hints: Compact Fluorescent Bulbs
Protect Credit Ratings With Proper Debt Management
Make a Cornucopia from the Garden
10 …