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92 results

Doctoral Dissertation

An Exploration of the Relationship Between Preschool Experience and the Acquisition of Phonological Awareness in Kindergarten

Available from: ProQuest - Dissertations and Theses

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Abstract/Notes: In order to address perceived problems of readiness for kindergarten it is important to know more about the effect of preschool attendance on improving the literacy skills of phonological awareness. The purpose of the study was to explore the possible effects of belonging to a particular ethnic group, attending preschool, belonging to varying socioeconomic groups, and belonging to a group classified as English as a second language on academic progress in phonological awareness. The data set included 134 children who attended kindergarten in the 2000-2001 school year. The children belonged to one of four preschool cohorts: those who attended a preschool using the High/Scope curriculum, a Montessori preschool program, a Head Start preschool program, and children who had not attended preschool of any kind, including summer preschool. Variables included the seven subtests from the Phonological Awareness Literacy Screening (PALS) for the fall and spring of kindergarten, ethnicity, socioeconomic status (free and reduced lunch) and English as a second language classification. Analysis of variance was used for the exploratory study. Exploratory analysis suggested that ethnicity had an effect on a child's scores in the fall and spring of kindergarten in select subtests (spelling, letter sound and summed score). Analysis also suggested a significant main effect on fall scores of all subtests for socioeconomic status. For children classified as English as a second language, analysis suggested order of means for both fall and spring for all subtests was native English and then English as a Second Language. Finally, the analysis suggested Montessori programs had the highest mean score in all subtests. The no preschool cohort was lowest in both fall and spring on word recognition, alphabet recognition, letter sounds, and summed score. A significant main effect attributable for preschool program was noted on all subtests for both fall and spring.

Language: English

Published: Fairfax, Virginia, 2003

Article

Language Acquisition

Publication: NAMTA Journal, vol. 26, no. 2

Pages: 1-7

Early childhood education, Infants, Language acquisition, Montessori method of education, North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) - Periodicals, Parent and child, Second language acquisition, Silvana Quattrocchi Montanaro - Writings

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Abstract/Notes: Discusses pre-linguistic and linguistic stages of language acquisition that are part of a continuum of receptivity and communication every child experiences in the first 3 years of life. Suggests parents assist language development by being sympathetic to each developmental turning point, providing the right emotional climate for expression, and providing the infant's brain with rich linguistic experiences. (TJQ)

Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)

The Effects of Sign Language on Second Language Acquisition

Available from: St. Catherine University

Action research

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Abstract/Notes: This action research project examined the effects of sign language on the ability of primary students to learn new Spanish vocabulary in a bilingual Montessori classroom. The research took place at a public charter Montessori school in Washington, District of Columbia. Twenty-seven primary school aged children were included in this seven-week study. Sources of data collection included a parent-teacher questionnaire, a baseline assessment, daily observation logs, a daily checklist, a weekly journal, and a summative assessment. Students were grouped by Spanish fluency and taught eight different vocabulary words in Spanish. Half of the words were taught alongside a sign in American Sign Language and the other half were taught without an accompanying sign. The summative assessment data showed that students of all ages displayed a significant increase in their ability to recall new Spanish vocabulary words that were introduced with an accompanying sign in American Sign Language. Future research could examine the roles of sign language and gesturing in helping children recall vocabulary in the long-term.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016

Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)

Pants, Jacket, Hat, Boots and Mittens, Boots and Mittens: Toddlers’ Acquisition of Dressing Skills and Independence

Available from: St. Catherine University

Action research

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Abstract/Notes: Toddlers bundled up in snow clothes are adorable. How does one guide a toddler to dress appropriately? This action research project invited older children to spend five weeks assisting toddlers with learning how to put on snow clothes. An attendance and time log chronicled every day of the study. A checklist of progress with articles of clothing and levels of independence helped monitor the toddlers. Field notes and post-study feedback forms collected additional details. The quantitative and qualitative results showed an increase in independent dressing skills. Transition routines and visual schedules received attention in this study on independent dressing skills. This report contains resources for similar studies. In future studies, pairing toddlers with the same older child for every visit and increasing the number of older children are possible options.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016

Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)

Spanish Vocabulary Acquisition and Implementation: The Effect in a Mixed-aged Montessori Primary Classroom

Available from: St. Catherine University

Action research

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Abstract/Notes: This action research project studied the effects of introducing Spanish vocabulary words to a mixed-ages Montessori primary classroom on Spanish vocabulary acquisition and implementation. Spanish vocabulary words were presented in group lessons in half-hour intervals twice a week for four weeks using flashcards. There were three sets of cards –color, fruit, and grace and courtesy. Lessons were given in the Montessori three-period lesson format. Data collection tools provided data that supported successful results with a steady increase in Spanish vocabulary acquisition and implementation. At the conclusion of the study, future research could explore the use of real objects, using extensions to children who show greater interest in acquiring more words, and using songs to teach words. This study was able to provide strong evidence for the positive impact on Spanish vocabulary acquisition and implementation.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2021

Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)

The Effects of Daily Read Alouds on Comprehension Acquisition in a Montessori Setting

Available from: St. Catherine University

Action research

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Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research study was to examine the effects of chapter book read alouds on young children’s comprehension in a Montessori setting. Children participated in discussion and a retell activity while I read a chapter book aloud during the lunch period over of three weeks. This helped me gather data on the effects of the children’s comprehension and understanding of the story over a period of time. Seven children between the ages of five and six years participated in this study. All of these children attend a private Montessori school in a midwestern metropolitan area and attend the school Monday through Friday until at least 3pm each day. Data showed that the discussion and activity implemented in the study assisted children in their understanding of the chapter book over a period of time, even though there were some inconsistencies in the data gathered. The action plan includes changes in times of day read alouds are implemented, changes in number of days read alouds are implemented, and emphasis on story sequencing when retelling a story.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2021

Article

U.S. Maps--Acquisition of Territory

Publication: Montessori Elementary Newsletter, vol. 4, no. 2

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Language: English

Article

The Acquisition of Spoken Language: The Nebula Hypothesis

Publication: NAMTA Journal, vol. 14, no. 1

Pages: 71–78

North American Montessori Teachers' Association (NAMTA) - Periodicals

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Language: English

ISSN: 1522-9734

Master's Thesis (Action Research Report)

The Effects of Songs on Hmong Vocabulary Acquisition

Available from: St. Catherine University

Action research, Americas, Bilingualism, Displaced communities, Hmong (Asian people), Hmong American children, Hmong American families, Hmong songs, Immigrants, Language acquisition, North America, Refugees

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Abstract/Notes: This action research assessed the effects of singing a song to learn language in a bilingual classroom. The research took place at a bilingual Hmong-English Montessori preschool program. 28 preschool-aged children participated in the research which was conducted over five weeks. Data sources included a parent questionnaire, vocabulary pre-test, vocabulary post-test with a follow-up conversation, daily observation logs, and tally sheet. The children were taught 16 Hmong vocabulary words with half the words sung to the tune of a common children’s song and the other half by simple reciting. The results from the vocabulary post-test showed that there was an increase in the children’s ability to recall Hmong vocabulary taught through the song and the follow-up conversation showed that the children enjoyed learning by singing. Further research could examine the continued use of singing vocabulary to common children’s songs and its effects on language learning in the long-term.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2019

Book

The acquisition of written narrative discourse competence: the emergent literacy of young children writing to read in Montessori and kindergarten classrooms

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Language: English

Published: [S.I.]: University of California, 1992

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