Language: English

Abstract/Notes: Wherever elementary school students sprout beans, grow sugar crystals from solution, and count the number of robins in their yards, the Handbook exerts its influence. When Mario's American emissary Nancy Rambusch requested more scientific rigor in the training process, as well as other changes, Mario refused, and they parted ways in 1963 (Whitescarver & Cossentino, 2006, p. 4). Since this schism, the Early Childhood science area has not evolved much in AMS or AMI teacher education. In a widely circulated position paper, the National Science Teachers Association stated that "learning science and engineering in the early years can foster children's curiosity and enjoyment in exploring the world and lay the foundation for a progression of science learning in K-12 settings and their entire lives" (NSTA, 2014, p. 1). Adding physical science to the Early Childhood curriculum, as well as introducing engineering and technology, seems especially relevant given that: [The] National Science Foundation's Discovery Research K-12 program has begun to solicit and fund proposals to study science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) educational programs that support prekindergarten children and those who teach them.

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 0571-1142

Abstract/Notes: The intent of this action research was to see if parent nutrition education changed what parents packed in their children’s lunches. This study was conducted at a Colorado Montessori school enrolling infants through kindergartners. Data sources included teacher observation before and after the nutrition classes, a pre-class parental survey on nutrition knowledge and topic needs, a teacher journal, and a post-class evaluation. Results showed that after the class, five out of seven students’ lunches changed 20 to 60%. Parents incorporated ideas learned from the class and ways to entice picky eaters. Based on this action research project, the school is implementing a hot lunch program. I initiated a monthly food club to teach parents ways to cook multiple meals from a basic staple, explore ethnic cuisines, and share recipes.

Language: English

Published: St. Paul, Minnesota, 2014

Language: English

Language: English

ISSN: 0519-0959

Language: English

Abstract/Notes: The introduction in 2011 of a universal free preschool year for all children in Ireland prior to attending primary school was heralded as a significant commitment to children and families. As a result of this policy initiative there are increasing numbers of young children accessing preschool provision. However, despite increased access and increased investment in ECEC provision, little is known about the quality of preschool children’s experiences, or the impact of the pedagogical approach on children’s levels of wellbeing and involvement in their learning. Equally there has been no evaluation of the quality or the effectiveness of the preschool provision in supporting children’s development of 21st century skills. This thesis explores how the preschool educator’s image of the child as a learner influences her/his pedagogical approach and how the educator’s pedagogical approach subsequently impacts on children’s levels of wellbeing and involvement in their meaning making processes. The study, an ethnographic comparative study, was conducted across three preschool setting types, Montessori, Play-based and Reggio inspired in the west of Ireland and Boston. The findings identify that children’s levels of wellbeing and involvement are high when their basic needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness are met in an autonomy supportive, child-centred learning environment. In comparison, when the learning environment is controlling and the approach to teaching and learning is didactic and adult-led, children’s levels of wellbeing and involvement are low. These findings have significant implications for policy and practice and provide a compelling argument for the evaluation of the quality of preschool provision in Ireland.

Language: English

Published: Galway, Ireland, 2020

Language: English

ISSN: 1054-0040