Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Review

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: I investigated the effect of introducing cooperative games during recess to reduce aggressive behaviors in preschool-age children. The action research was done at an intentionally culturally and socio-economically diverse Montessori school in St. Paul, Minnesota. The 23 children involved were all children from the three to six age group who take daily naps. I recorded every aggressive incident I saw before, during, and after the intervention. I also recorded what cooperative activities I introduced for the intervention. Once before and after the intervention I asked the children if they enjoyed recess. I recorded observational notes such as weather conditions, and what activities the children chose each day. The data did not show that the cooperative games had a significant effect on the number of aggressive incidents recorded. Many more boys than girls were involved in aggressive incidents. There was no significant change in how the children reported their enjoyment of recess. Aggressive behavior could possibly be reduced through another action research project with a longer intervention period, a conflict resolution plan, and more purposeful activities for the children outside.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016

Abstract/Notes: This article discusses an approach designed for mathematics educators. Maria Montessori intended this knowledge to be shared with other teachers, increasing the Montessori community's understanding of children's thinking. A group of Montessorians has even tried to formalize this process with a program called Teachers' Research Network. Similarly, the intent is to share mathematics education research and practices. Specifically, the author would like to suggest the use of word problems to help children build a more abstract understanding of addition and subtraction. In mathematics education, researchers are examining how children invent arithmetic operations in a program called Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI). The author describes the aspects of CGI that are similar to the Montessori tradition. Children use a variety of materials and strategies to solve problems. The role of the teacher is to modify the environment (using a variety of problem types and difficulties) to learn about each child's understanding. By observing how children pursue word problems, the researchers were able to assess what the children understood about operations, looking beyond whether or not they could perform the simple arithmetic calculations. Through quantitative and qualitative analyses, they discovered that children were indeed capable of solving complex word problems, including problems that involved more than one operation, in a variety of ways. The teacher's new understanding of the children's mathematical thinking is then used to vary the types of problems given in order to help children become more abstract thinkers. (Contains 1 table.)

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Abstract/Notes: Participants will be able to describe experiential educational methods that can be used to increase consumption of whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, and nutritious beverages among lower elementary students.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1016/j.jada.2009.06.173

ISSN: 0002-8223

Language: Italian

Published: Roma, Italy: Comitato italiano dell'OMEP, 1967

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Part 1 of a series

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Handwashing can prevent diarrhea-related illness and respiratory infections, such as a cold or the flu. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of structured intervention program on knowledge and practice of hand washing among preschool children. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in three-time phases among 32 preschoolers aged between 3 to 6 years old in Kedah. The same questionnaire was delivered at each phase and they underwent the intervention program of hand washing. Their performance in hand washing was measured and evaluated using a questionnaire and checklist. The results of the study revealed a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean preschoolers' children score on knowledge and practice before and after participated in the intervention program. Overall, preschoolers' knowledge and practice of handwashing were significantly (p<0.05) improved by the intervention program.  However, as the participants were young children, it is important to emphasize the consistency of reinforcement of knowledge and regular practices of hand hygiene.

Language: English

DOI: 10.59670/jns.v33i.2335

ISSN: 1863-5954, 2197-5523

Abstract/Notes: The purpose of this research was to determine the effects of a self-monitoring system on the social-emotional behaviors of children in a mixed-age early childhood classroom. The study took place over the course of six weeks at a public Montessori school with twelve participants ranging from ages 4 to 7. Data was collected using a teacher questionnaire, observation tallies, teacher notes, and student feedback. Findings indicated that disruptive behaviors increased and children’s ability to communicate their emotions and recognize emotions in others only slightly increased. Although the results displayed minimal changes in students' ability to self-regulate, some children appeared to become more aware of their feelings and utilized effective strategies for sharing how they felt and improving their mood. Further research might focus on a smaller group of children that need assistance with self-regulation or include an easier method of obtaining student feedback.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2016