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The aim of this review was to systematically summarize the literature about physical education (PE) programs and their effects on preschool children's physical activity levels and motor, cognitive, and social competences. A systematic search of relevant articles was carried out using four electronic databases up until February 16, 2022. The main findings were that the inclusion of PE in early childhood is a suitable alternative for improving development in three main areas. For motor competence, specific fundamental motor skill programs are a key opportunity to improve preschool children's ability. Physical activity levels may be improved considering structured and regular PE programs (two to three classes per week). Regarding cognitive competence, PE classes are effective for improving creativity, attention, and mental abilities, and also, for reducing the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Finally, group-based activities are the most suitable alternative for boosting social competence in preschool children with or without motor disabilities. Improving these competences and physical activity levels in preschool is necessary for the children's health and holistic development; the educators' daily decisions have key importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of evidence regarding 24-hour movement behaviors of young children from low- and middle-income countries. This study examined Mongolian preschoolers' adherence to the World Health Organization's guidelines for physical activity, sedentary behavior, and sleep; their associations with health indicators, and the feasibility of the SUNRISE International study in Mongolia. Methods: Preschool-aged children were recruited from 5 kindergartens in urban and rural areas of Ulaanbaatar city and Tuv province in Mongolia. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured by an ActiGraph accelerometer worn for 5 consecutive days. Screen time and sleep were reported by parents. The National Institute of Health and Early Years Toolboxes were used to assess motor skills and executive function, respectively. Results: One hundred and one children participated in the study (mean age = 4.82 y, boys = 58), with 88% (n = 89) having complete data for analysis. The proportion of children who met the recommendations for physical activity, sedentary screen time, and sleep was 61%, 23%, and 82%, respectively. Only 7% met all recommendations. Meeting the sleep recommendation individually (P =.032) and in combination with the physical activity recommendation was associated with better gross (P =.019) and fine (P =.042) motor skills. Spending more time in physical activity was positively correlated with motor development. Results confirmed that the SUNRISE study protocol was feasible, age-appropriate, and enjoyable for children. Conclusions: The results of the SUNRISE pilot study will help inform the SUNRISE Mongolia main study and lay the groundwork for future research into children's 24-hour movement behaviors in Mongolia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Outdoor pedagogies have gained significant traction in Early Childhood Education over the years and European traditions represent a cultural norm in what is generally referred to as Scandinavian outdoor pedagogies. This small-scale ethnographic research adopted an interpretative methodological approach and afforded opportunities to observe young preschool children engaging in an outdoor, allotment, Garden School in the centre of Oslo Norway. Here we were in the privileged position to capture moments vis a vis the environment, and whilst we acknowledge traditional child led discourses, affiliated with healthy child development, we also envisaged a world where children engaged in post-anthropocentric entanglements with human and non-human kinships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We examine the content, context, and management of literacy learning opportunities in a large, diverse sample in the US and whether these opportunities were differentiated by children's oral language and decoding skill levels. Method: A total of 1,404 children in 153 preschool-through-third-grade classrooms were observed for several multi-hour observations of their literacy time. Children were administered assessments of code-focused and meaning-focused skills before each observation. Results: Code-focused instruction was most common in kindergarten and was appropriately differentiated only in this grade. Significantly more meaning-focused instruction was observed in 1st–3rd grades than in earlier grades and there was limited evidence of differentiation of this type of instruction. Conclusion: Kindergarten is a focus year for learning to read and children who do not make sufficient progress may face challenges due to limited, undifferentiated learning opportunities in subsequent grades. Meaning-focused instruction time is emphasized in later grades, which is a missed opportunity for younger learners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the stability and developmental interplay of word reading and spelling in samples of Swedish (N = 191) and U.S. children (N = 489) followed across four time points: end of kindergarten, grades 1, 2, and 4. Cross-lagged path models revealed that reading and spelling showed moderate to strong autoregressive effects, with reading being more predictable over time than spelling. Regarding the developmental interplay, we found a bidirectional relationship between reading and spelling from kindergarten to Grade 1. However, starting in Grade 1, reading predicted subsequent spelling beyond the autoregressor but not the other way around. In all analyses, the findings were similar across the two orthographies. The theoretical and practical implications of these findings are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While research consistently demonstrates that young children learn best through play and social interactions, this developmental insight is not often reflected in current classroom curricula. Through action research, I examined how a play‐based kindergarten environment could impact student writing and writing engagement. This article specifically focuses on two students from the class, Matthew and Liam. Using observations, semi‐structured interviews, and student artifacts evaluated using a developmental writing rubric, findings indicate that the play‐based approach led to increased interest and engagement in writing activities, as well as improvements in writing skills. These results suggest that integrating play into the early childhood curriculum can create authentic writing experiences, fostering development and enthusiasm in young writers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerous studies have delved into the application of augmented reality (AR) in chemistry education, focusing on specific topics, equipment requirements, and advantages. However, there remains a notable dearth of research examining the evolutionary characteristics of AR in this context. This study, employing bibliometric analysis on 66 articles spanning from 2012 to 2022, reveals that research primarily revolves around pedagogical approaches and AR technology development, particularly in kindergarten to 12th grade (K-12) education. Despite the United States exhibiting the highest publication frequency, there is a significant absence of studies addressing emotions, cognition, and physiological changes. Shedding light on these research gaps, this study underscores the need for further exploration into the cognitive, emotional, and physiological aspects of AR integration in chemistry education. Ultimately, the insights gleaned from this study offer valuable guidance for researchers, educators, and practitioners alike, facilitating the advancement and effective application of augmented reality in chemistry education (ARCE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article addresses the role of Catholic early childhood education, the parents and the kindergarten in setting the developmental background for the child's future life perspectives and personal development. This research subject is analysed in the context of the situation in Ukraine, and the article focuses on how the respondents – Ukrainian female refugees – perceive the value of the process. The article begins with an outline of the essentials of Catholic education and their practical implementation through the educational conception developed by Edmund Bojanowski. Then it analyses opinions of refugee women from Ukraine, surveyed with action research methodology and a diagnostic survey to discover how the respondents understand the value of Catholic education and its importance in responding to contemporary life challenges. The respondents' opinions reveal how the state of war in Ukraine has brought home the importance of family education and the role of the parents and Catholic early childhood education in kindergarten for the well-being of the individual, the family and society. Research conclusions highlight a need to enhance early childhood education practices in an era of dynamic socio-cultural change, marked the unexpected and highly challenging events. Despite on-going secularisation, there is a growing conviction that Catholic early childhood education can offer a solid foundation for this enhancement, due to its reliance on stable, universal set of values and its emphasis on the regularities of child development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition to kindergarten is an important developmental milestone for children and families. This study explored factors associated with kindergarten readiness focusing on the impact of a summer kindergarten transition program. A mixed-method design was employed, and the qualitative data from interviews with 16 randomly selected kindergarten teachers and the quantitative data of assessment scores of 320 kindergarteners were analyzed. Compared with children who were eligible but did not participate in the transition program, those who participated in the program had significantly more family engagement and stronger home-school relations. Smaller class sizes were associated with children's higher readiness scores in both academic achievement and social-emotional development. Larger school enrollment was associated with children's higher readiness scores in academic achievement, more family engagement, and stronger home-school relations. Higher school poverty was associated with children's lower readiness scores in social-emotional development. The findings can be used to inform program development and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, numerous training programs have been proposed to enhance children's creative abilities. This study aimed to examine the impact of a SCAMPER-based training program on developing creative thinking among kindergartners in Jordan. The intervention is expected to provide evidence that could serve as a foundation for fostering creative thinking in young children and helping them express their creative abilities. SCAMPER encompasses seven thinking skills: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to Another Use, Eliminate, and Reverse/Rearrange. The program consisted of 20 interactive games where participants were encouraged to think in novel ways through playful questioning, fostering diverse thinking skills. This quasi-experimental study utilized the Jordanian version of the German Test for Creative Thinking-Drawing Production, with its psychometric properties verified for kindergartners. Data were gathered from one kindergarten, with a sample of 62 children randomly assigned to two groups: an experimental group of 30 children and a control group of 32 children. Means and standard deviations were calculated for the pre- and post-test results, and an analysis of covariance was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention at the 5% significance level. The findings revealed a statistically significant effect of the intervention on creative thinking development among the experimental group. Based on these findings, interventions aimed at enhancing creativity in early childhood are recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the efficacy of the Early Advancement in Social‐Emotional Health and Positivity (EASP) programme, designed to enhance personal resources, namely self‐compassion and positivity among preschool social workers, to reduce stress and bolster work engagement. A total of 84 preschool social workers (Mage = 32.47 years, SD = 6.86, range = 22–55; female = 90.48%) participated in a 5‐week randomized control trial. Participants were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (n = 38), which received four online workshops and an online activity, or the wait‐list control group (n = 46), which received the intervention post‐data collection. Self‐compassion, positivity, work engagement, and work stress were measured before and after the intervention. Results from a path analytic model indicated excellent fit with the data, χ2 = 2.08, df = 3, Comparative Fit Index = 1.00, Tucker‐Lewis Index = 1.00, Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.00 (90% CI = 0.00–0.16), SRMR = 0.03. The intervention demonstrated direct effects on changes in self‐compassion (β = 0.21, p = 0.04) and positivity (β = 0.28, p = 0.03), with indirect effects on work engagement (β = 0.13, p = 0.02), while no significant impact was observed on work stress (β = −0.09, p = 0.06). These findings underscore the efficacy of positive psychological interventions in fostering work engagement among social workers. Incorporating the EASP programme into ongoing professional development activities is recommended to enhance the job engagement and psychological well‐being of social workers in early childhood education and care sectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to identify and report child abuse and neglect at schools plays a significant role in protecting children and reducing the consequences of violence and abuse. This research examines how preschool teachers identify and report child abuse and neglect by focusing on their knowledge and skills in available preventions and interventions. The study sample included 25 preschool teachers from both public and private kindergartens in Türkiye. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interventions around child abuse and neglect using semi-structured interviews. The thematic analysis revealed three themes: (a) challenges in protecting children; (b) being able to identify neglect and abuse; and (c) contributing factors in child protection. Many participants demonstrated an ability to identify the consequences of child abuse and neglect. Key barriers to protecting children were the teachers' difficulties in reporting abuse, struggles within the school environment, parents' normalization of violence and abuse and resistance to changing their behaviors toward children. Based on these findings, a multilevel intervention approach was recommended to address child abuse and neglect in school settings, emphasizing the need for coordinated responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present new estimates of the internal rate of return to early childhood education. Utilizing the nationwide expansion of preschool education in Japan between 1960 and 1980, we initially assess the impact of preschool attendance on high school graduation and college enrollment for men. Subsequently, we compute the social rate of return to preschool attendance for men by drawing upon national wage statistics to project expected wage trajectories and referencing government documents to account for the social cost of preschools. Our findings indicate a social rate of return ranging from 5.7% to 8.1%, consistent with previous estimates in the literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is a researcher-practitioner action inquiry which was used to explore children's sensory experiences with a focus on the sense of smell (olfaction). We critically considered the early childhood theories that positioned children's sensory learning within equitable, socially just early childhood approaches and connected them to an action inquiry approach. The data comprise a systematic documentation of the odours experienced by children in the classroom, an olfactory log of the kindergarten space as well as children's 'smellmaps' from outdoor 'smellwalks'. We interpret children's olfactory experiences and reflect on the ways in which the multi-sensory approach to literacy might extend the field's understanding of the multi-dimensional ways in which educational researchers and practitioners can cultivate their joint inquiries in early childhood education. We present implications for adopting an olfactory researcher-practitioner collaboration in early childhood and conclude that such an approach exemplifies a sensorially sensitive early childhood curriculum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to investigate how young students can be supported to use Socratic Seminar as a tool for critical thinking skills and deep, dialogic discussion of complex texts through use of picturebooks. In this teacher action research study, a first-time kindergarten classroom teacher supported by a university professor, enhanced the literacy instruction of their 19 students through the use of Socratic Seminar. Data were systematically collected through weekly Harkness models and a speaking and listening rubric. Results from the Harkness models indicate a meaningful change in the dynamics of the student conversation from teacher-led to interactive student engagement. Across the 5-week intervention, participation increased from approximately one-half of the students to full participation. The speaking and listening rubrics demonstrate a positive increase in (a) tracking the speaker, (b) repeating back what is heard, (c) contributing to conversation with multiple exchanges, and (d) following agreed-upon rules for conversation. Students also became better at listening to others' responses, and responding on topic. Through iterative design and intentional reflection, the teacher and university researcher found that while the Socratic Seminar was effective in improving students' participation, multiple scaffolds were necessary to support young participants such as visual supports (e.g., interactive word walls and printed pages from the texts), physical supports (e.g., question cubes and talking chips), and written supports (e.g., student writing samples). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children often prefer nonfiction to fiction books but historically, teachers have neglected nonfiction books during reads alouds. The present study examined how young readers collectively make meaning of nonfiction picturebooks with the help of the teacher and their peers during a whole group interactive read-aloud in one kindergarten classroom. Using Bakhtin's dialogism and Rosenblatt's reader response theory, this study captured videos of nonfiction read-alouds, interviews, and formal observations to examine how children make sense of nonfiction picturebooks during whole group read-alouds. This study exposes the social nature of learning. Findings indicate that readers of nonfiction consider the responses of those around them in their takeaways, that making sense of nonfiction is a continual and discursive process, and that children used nonfiction books as a way to connect with one another. Implications for conducting nonfiction read-alouds with young children are discussed. This research exposes the power and potential for interactive read-alouds using nonfiction picturebooks with kindergarteners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study delved into the level of capabilities of Kindergarten teachers in the Municipality of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. The study determined the profile of the respondents, the level of Kindergarten instructional capabilities during a pandemic, the significant difference between the profile of the respondents and the level of kindergarten instructional qualifications during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the level of significance of the relationship and the profile variables of the respondents and the level of kindergarten instructional capabilities during COVID 19 pandemic. The descriptive method of research was used in this study. Findings showed that most of the respondents are female, in the early adulthood stage, and married; most of the respondents earned units in graduate school and enough training to teach during the COVID-19 pandemic. The level of kindergarten instructional capabilities during the COVID-19 pandemic is Highly Capable. This study concludes that Kindergarten teachers are not significantly comparable in the performance of their instructional capabilities at certain times and at certain functions. Still, there are times and cases when they are, on the other hand, comparable, and the Kindergarten teacher's level of instructional capabilities is dependent upon or affected or caused by age, highest educational attainment, and the number of relevant training in the division levels. The study recommended that Kindergarten teachers should take the initiative to pursue the highest academic degree, which is the graduate studies and doctoral degree, and should undergo professional upgrading through higher levels of training and seminar workshops; teachers should formulate a suitable plan and continue to implement sound strategies to meet the demand for new standard education, teachers and parents must have a collaborative effort in keeping track of learner's everyday activities and give strategic intervention to monitor learners' progress, and stakeholders may work with the teachers in addressing the issues and concerns they face as they shift to the new standard teaching practices. In addition, a similar study should be conducted, taking into consideration other factors and more appropriate and relevant variables to better determine the level of instructional capabilities of Kindergarten teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract, and the final stage was to review the full text. At each stage, articles that did not prove relevant to the goal of the study were excluded. This left us with thirteen articles for inclusion in this article. Results: In the selected articles the following elements are necessary for children with autism to have a positive transition from kindergarten to school: 1) School readiness skills and school inclusiveness, 2) Comparable educational opportunities and psychological support, 3) Collaboration and professional competence, 4) A balance to ensure a better transition, and 5) Inclusion and support and 6) Children's perspectives. Conclusion: The research gaps identified were: 1) that few studies take the child's perspective into account and 2) that there is an overemphasis on subjective experiences of effectiveness, and a lack of focus on measurable effects within studies on transition and inclusive education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Mindfulness plays a crucial role in reducing stress levels and enhancing executive functioning and self-regulation. Several studies have shown that technology can have positive effects because it can aid mindfulness training. This review is the second part of a project that investigates the advantages of technology and mindfulness in kindergarten. In the previous section, we examined the role of social robots. However, this review focuses on the use of virtual reality (VR) in mindfulness practices. The objective of our study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current research on the subject of VR and mindfulness. We aim to examine the possible pros and cons of this technology and, most importantly, inspire more investigation into the application of virtual technology in kindergarten settings. We conducted a systematic review of the literature. The results indicate that VR improves the mindfulness condition. VR settings provide a secure and reliable environment that offers enjoyable experiences for young students. Additionally, they enhance the focus, awareness, and regulation of breathing for the participants. The VR experience should have a simple layout that is easily distinguishable from the actual world. Additionally, the technology used should be appropriate for the target age group. Our primary objective is to inspire further research into the application of VR and mindfulness in kindergarten. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study examines strategies used by children in a kindergarten dual language immersion (DLI) class, when enacting and negotiating intersecting social constructions such as ethnicity, social class, and bilingualism. Drawing on data collected during the 2017–2018 academic year, this paper uses an intersectional lens to describe the ways in which children are actively engaged in sociocultural processes of language use and socialization. In addition, it employs the notions of identity and social class position to analyze how children's bilingual understanding and strategic language use is manifested in different ways. The paper ends by encouraging educators and researchers to reconsider the way they evaluate power at work in educational settings and children's ways of displaying it. A more nuanced understanding of children's interactions in bilingual settings is necessary in order to stretch our considerations of power and social relations in present-day school contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the relations between self‐reported math anxiety, task difficulty, and pupil dilation in adults and very young children during math tasks of varying difficulty levels. While task difficulty significantly influenced pupillary responses in both groups, the association between self‐reported math anxiety and pupil dilation differed across age cohorts. The children exhibited resilience to the effects of math anxiety, hinting at additional influential factors such as formal math education experiences shaping their relations to mathematics and their impact on cognitive processes over time. Contrary to expectations, no significant association between self‐reported math anxiety and pupil dilation during task anticipation was found in either group. In adults, math anxiety influenced pupil dilation exclusively during the initial phase of task processing indicating heightened cognitive load, but this influence diminished during sustained task processing. Theoretical implications emphasize the need for exploring individual differences, cognitive strategies, and the developmental trajectory of math anxiety in very young children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical competence in school-related contexts is a multidimensional construct that encompasses several content areas and cognitive components. Kindergarten children have experiences with different types of mathematical content. However, empirical research has focused mostly on children's numerical skills, and less is known about their development in other mathematical content areas and interdependencies between areas, especially when it comes to less-structured approaches to early childhood education. The study investigated two research questions: (1) What is the structure of kindergarten children's mathematical competence? (2) How do the different dimensions of mathematical competence develop over time? One-to-one interviews were completed with 442 kindergarten children to assess their mathematical competence at three measurement points. The results indicate that mathematical competence among kindergarten children should be treated as a multidimensional construct. Furthermore, the results indicate that skills in different content areas affect later skills in the same and in other content areas. Therefore, the results highlight the importance of addressing multiple mathematical content areas in early childhood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Teacher-facilitation of play is proposed as an effective method for supporting early literacy learning, however, educators remain uncertain how to balance child-autonomy in play while also directing play toward explicit academic objectives. In response, this study sought to understand how kindergarten teachers can successfully facilitate play to support early literacy development. Classroom observations and semistructured interviews were gathered and qualitatively analyzed to identify key perspectives and classroom practices that lead to the educators' successful facilitation of play to support literacy. Results of this study showed how different core literacy skills can be supported through different types of play, with each offering unique and critical opportunities for learning. Results also demonstrated how a multitude of core literacy skills can be supported through guided approaches to play, and begin to illustrate how teachers are facilitating a continuum of guided play to support literacy learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following the increasing impacts on the value of Western play-based pedagogy, early childhood (EC) teachers in China face developmental challenges related to understanding and implementing play-based mathematical education. The purpose of this paper is to explore Chinese EC teachers' perspectives on play-based mathematics teaching. In this qualitative study, semi-structured interviews and lesson plans are collected from six EC teachers in a Chinese kindergarten. Hedegaard's model is applied to frame analysis for capturing EC teachers' views and practices from a holistic perspective. The findings show that all six EC teachers valued play as a pedagogical tool for teaching mathematics, while their pedagogical decisions in applying play to children's mathematics are determined by the various demands from society, parents and children. The multiple demands from different perspectives result in challenges for teachers in designing collective play. This study revealed that only when play activity caters to the possibility of satisfying those demands can teachers pedagogically implement play for children's mathematical learning. The insights emerging from this study might address the pragmatic challenges that teachers face by enhancing teachers' professional development to support the advance of culturally sensitive play-based mathematics teaching in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study evaluated the effects of board games on children in a range of cognitive areas, considering both inclusion (i.e. pre- and post-comparisons, playing style [board games], participants belonging to PreKinder and Kindergarten, and experimental approach) and exclusion criteria (i.e. video games). Nineteen articles were selected using both PsycInfo and PubMed as databases. All of them, except one study, focused on exploring the relationship between board games and mathematical knowledge and numerical skills. These studies show that in 52% of the analysed tasks, significant gains were found considering pre- and post-comparisons in math skills. When comparing intervention and control groups, significant differences appeared for 32% of the cases. Board games enhance mathematical abilities for children from 45.6 to 100.6 months since they help achieve statistically significant gains. Future studies should be designed to explore the effects that these games could have on other cognitive and developmental skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although Chinese early childhood education policies have high expectations for kindergarten teachers' play pedagogy, teaching and play are still discussed as a bifurcation in Chinese kindergartens' daily practice. To support Chinese kindergarten teachers' development of play pedagogy, this study conducted an educational experiment (EE) framed by cultural-historical theory. The study was conducted in a public kindergarten located in the northeast of China. Two teachers and 34 children (4-5 years) were involved in the study. The data were collected using the methods of digital video observation, interviews, and focus group discussions. The findings indicate that EE creates a new social situation that can motivate teachers' development in ways of collaborative teaching. Moreover, the collective reflection and Conceptual PlayWorld (CPW) implementation within the EE amplified teachers' play pedagogy development. We argue that the EE works as a source of teachers' professional development (PD) and builds their identity as experts in creating playful learning environments in a Chinese cultural context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Play is a highly valued pedagogy in early learning settings around the world. Supporters of play have emphasised the benefits of this approach in promoting children's development and learning and their alleged freedom to choose, explore, and follow their interests. Feminist research, however, has shown that play contexts can be key sites that perpetuate gender inequalities. Building on this scholarship, I apply a critical feminist lens to examine the gendered effects of a recent shift in a Canadian province towards full-day play-based learning in kindergarten. Analysis of ethnographic data collected in two classrooms reveals that not all children may benefit from play-based learning. Instead, the findings show that the play settings in this study implicitly propagated patriarchal values that upheld hierarchal gender divisions and legitimized sexist practices among children in play. Specifically, in this paper I examine the subordination of girls through role allocations in the big blocks center. Given these findings, I discuss the need for critical gender literacy and transformative action among early education stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scope of digital children's books is increasing rapidly; however, the quality of these books needs consideration in view of the educational context in which they are to be read. In this article, we present seven key strands to support early childhood teachers in selecting high quality for shared dialogue-based reading with groups of children. The purpose of the key strands is two-sided: first to provide a tool for assessing the aptness of a digital book for use in shared dialogue-based reading in an early education setting. Second, the purpose is to strengthen the educational competence of professional teachers. The key strands are based on 48 video-filmed reading sessions and educational reflections by participating early childhood teachers after each reading session. This research is part of the project books and apps: evaluating e-books for use in dialogue-based reading in kindergarten (VEBB). The seven key strands identified are 1) Theme, 2) Duration, 3) Verbal text and illustrations, 4) Play with language, 5) Conversation and dialogue, 6) Medium flexibility and 7) Interactivity. The first five strands are also relevant for educational reflections on print books. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young students at risk for reading difficulties are likely to have long-term reading difficulties if they are not provided with evidence-based, supplemental instruction. This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of a Tier 2 reading intervention (Reading RULES! Kindergarten ; RRK) and its promise to improve outcomes for kindergarten students (n = 92) at risk of reading difficulties. Participating teachers (n = 21) were randomly assigned to deliver RRK or business-as-usual instruction. Although the results suggest null treatment effects, the intervention appears to have promising effects on students' word-reading skills when implemented with sufficient dosage. However, most teachers in the study struggled to implement the intervention with sufficient dosage and adherence, citing systems-level barriers to implementation such as insufficient time. The results suggest teachers may need more systems-level support to ensure the intensity of instruction required to improve the early reading skills of students at risk for reading difficulties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study used the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2011 (ECLS-K:2011) to examine the bidirectionality and co-occurrence between math achievement and behavioral outcomes of upper elementary school students. We analyzed the cross-lagged relations across four groups of students who had different initiating statuses in math achievement and behaviors. We found a negative feedback cycle initiated by early learning difficulties in math, where math achievement significantly predicted behavioral outcomes, which subsequently predicted math achievement in later grades in all risk groups. The opposite direction of the path was not considered significant (i.e., behavioral difficulties did not initiate a negative feedback cycle). We also found that behaviors in grade 4 mediated the relationship between math achievement in grades 3 and 5. Findings indicate that cross effects of early math achievement may lead to positive outcomes in both math achievement and behaviors in later grades. The implications and limitations are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examines the use of teaching triads to the classroom-wide implementation of Stay, Play & Talk a peer-mediated social skills program for children in an inclusive Kindergarten classroom in Ontario, Canada. This research used prompting through peers to increase initiations and responses between children identified as having social communicative difficulties and children who were typically developing. Utilising a single-subject, multiple-baseline across participants design, the research investigates the impact of a prompting through peers intervention during teaching triads on the number of utterances (defined as verbal communicative behaviour that is an initiation or response to a peer or adult) for three five-year-old participants identified as having social communication deficits. After exposure to the peer-mediated intervention, results indicate that all three participants demonstrated an increase in their social communication skills with their typically-developing peers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: To determine the associations between COVID‐19 school closures and school readiness skills for Chinese kindergarteners. Design: We utilized the natural experimental condition created by local COVID‐19 outbreaks in 2022 (Study 1) to compare school readiness skills of children whose kindergartens were closed for 5 months (Group 1) with children whose kindergartens stayed open (Group 2). We further compared the school readiness skills of one pre‐COVID‐19 cohort (Cohort 2019) with one COVID‐19 cohort (Cohort 2021) from a fifth kindergarten (Study 2). Samples: For Study 1, Group 1 included 445 children and Group 2 included 584 children aged 4–6 years. For Study 2, Cohort 2019 included 156 children and Cohort 2021 included 228 children aged 3–6 years. Measures: For both studies, survey data on four school readiness skills were collected from parents. Additionally, Study 1 collected parental locus of control data from parents. Results: Controlling for covariates, Study 1 revealed that Group 1 and Group 2 did not differ in terms of language and emergent literacy or approaches to learning. However, Group 1 scored lower than Group 2 on health and well‐being and arts and imagination. Study 2 revealed that Cohort 2021 scored higher than Cohort 2019 on language and emergent literacy but lower on the other three skills. Conclusions: The associations of COVID‐19 school closures with Chinese children's school readiness skills were not uniform, with a positive relation with language and emergent literacy and negative associations with health and well‐being, approaches to learning, as well as arts and imagination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article considers the need to apply innovative educational models in modern education. A brief scientific review is made of the emergence of the STEM/STEAM education, the latter currently being one of the priority approaches for application in educational policies around the world. The basic integrating factor for the STEM and STEAM education is games. Through games, children apply their real-life experience, and they favour their overall cognitive development. Game technologies for STEM/STEAM education in kindergartens are aimed at developing the skills of modern children for critical and creative thinking, design and coding, communication and interest in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. The connection between the traditions and innovations of the more-than-a-century-old tradition of preschool pedagogy in Bulgaria is emphasized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a sample of 470 kindergarten teachers in Hong Kong, this study first examined these teachers' emotion regulation strategies assessed by a newly adapted scale, the Kindergarten Teacher Emotion Regulation Scale. Then, the study adopted a person‐centred approach and conducted the latent profile analysis, identifying different profiles of teachers' use of the emotion regulation strategies. It also examined the relationships between these profiles and teachers' self‐efficacy and two contextual antecedents, instructional leadership and trust in colleagues in kindergartens. The study validated a three‐dimensional measurement of kindergarten teachers' emotion regulation in Hong Kong, namely cognition‐focused regulation, (negative) emotion‐focused regulation, and behaviour‐focused regulation. Moreover, it identified four profiles of kindergarten teachers' emotion regulation strategy use with distinctive characteristics, and revealed some significant relationships between teachers' emotion regulation and self‐efficacy as well as school contexts. The findings highlight the role of beneficial school climate in eliciting teachers' effective emotion regulation and thereby enhancing their self‐efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coding ability has become an essential digital skill for young children. The graphical programming environment is valuable carrier for cultivating children's coding ability. The purpose of this study is to develop a coding ability test for children, to conduct a graphic coding intervention, and to further explore the impact of multiple factors on children's coding ability in ScratchJr intervention. First, the coding ability test for ScratchJr environment was developed based on Item Response Theory to measure kindergarten students' coding ability. The result showed that there are good reliability, content, and structural validity of the test question. Secondly, we conducted a 12-week ScratchJr coding activity teaching experiment on 162 kindergarten students. The analysis of the treated group and the control group showed that coding activity teaching can effectively improve the students' coding ability. Finally, this study analyzed the differences in children's coding ability in coding interest, and coding experience. The results showed that the coding ability was affected by coding experience and coding interest. More interestingly, it was found partial mediation effect among coding ability, coding experience and coding interest. Moreover, ScratchJr coding intervention can influence the direct effect of coding experience on coding ability by improving children's coding interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the contribution of early executive functions (EFs) in the association between fluency in reading and arithmetic. Kindergarten children (N = 1185) were assessed on executive functions skills and on reading and arithmetic fluency in Grade 1 and Grade 3. The analysis revealed that beyond the connection within each domain there is a unidirectional effect between fluency measures, with Grade 1 reading fluency significantly influencing the development of arithmetic fluency in Grade 3. Furthermore, the findings indicate that kindergarten EFs significantly contribute to arithmetic fluency at both time points and to reading fluency in the first grade. Early EF skills also emerged as significant contributors to the associations between fluency performance in reading and arithmetic, suggesting that the influence of EFs extends beyond individual academic domains. These findings have implications for understanding the cognitive mechanisms that underlie the relations between these academic skills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the research protocol for the Educational and Developmental Gains in Early Childhood (EDGE) Study, which will examine the implementation of two years of funded kindergarten prior to the first year of school in Victoria, Australia. EDGE will examine whether children's language, cognitive, social-emotional, and behavioural outcomes are improved after two years of kindergarten compared to one year. The experiences of (and impacts on) teachers, service leaders, and families will also be examined. The study includes a cross-sectional cohort of 95 early childhood education and care (ECEC) services, and an embedded longitudinal observational cohort of children attending these services. Case studies of 15–20 ECEC services will also be collected, in addition to interviews with policy stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the authors address some of the scientific challenges associated with using observation as a research method. The authors ask how researchers contextualise and understand observation in terms of its theoretical underpinnings and how it is conducted. Using a vignette in the kindergarten context, the authors explore how observation as a research method requires theoretical reflection in and on observational work. They discuss the role of the observing researcher in a dialectical position and process. The researchers discuss both the dependency on – and the critical suspension of preunderstanding that is necessary for – conducting observations. In addition to being grounded in the researcher's own embodied position, observation is directed towards something/somebody and by somebody. The researchers are simultaneously also observed by those they are observing. The conclusion assumes that reciprocity in the understanding of observation contributes to knowledge and discussions about credibility and validity in qualitative research based on observation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The following review examines the use of social robots in mindfulness practices, with a focus on their application in preschool settings. Additionally, it explores the key attributes of social robots that could enhance their effectiveness in achieving targeted outcomes. This study is the initial phase of a project that aims to investigate the advantages of technology and mindfulness in kindergarten. The selection of this age group is based on its significance in the comprehensive development of children, despite the lack of extensive study on mindfulness in this specific context. The objective of this paper is to present existing research on social robots and mindfulness, assess the potential benefits and challenges of integrating these two fields in kindergarten, and, most importantly, inspire future studies on the use of robots and mindfulness in early childhood education. A bibliographic review of articles was conducted. The findings of our study suggest that the use of robots and human-robot interactions can enhance self-development, well-being, and mindfulness. Robots have the capacity to capture attention and motivate young children, specifically. Both humanoid and non-humanoid robots seem suitable for facilitating mental well-being exercises. However, a well-designed social robot for children should incorporate both human-like and mechanical features. Our primary aim is to encourage further study on the integration of robots and mindfulness in preschool education, as there is still a vast unexplored territory in this rapidly advancing field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is concerned with the separation anxiety among kindergarten learners in Pangasinan Schools Division II for school year 2023 - 2024. Specifically, this study determined the level of separation anxiety among kindergarten learners along inferiority complex, self-esteem needs, safety needs, socialization needs and love and feeling of belonging needs. (1) It looked into the profile of the respondents in terms of age, sex, civil status, highest educational attainment, length of service as a Kindergarten teacher, and number of relevant trainings and seminars attended, (2) the teachers level of perceived separation anxiety among kindergarten learners, (3) the significant difference in the level of perceived separation anxiety among kindergarten learners across the profile variable. (4) the problems encountered by the kindergarten learners. To address the foregoing problems raised in this study, statistical measures were used for data analysis and interpretations. These are the frequency counts (f) and percentage (%), the average weighted means (AWM), and the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were used. The study reveals that kindergarten learners often come from lower-income families, with farming and housewives as their parents. Factors like inferiority complex, self-esteem, safety, socialization, love, and belonging contribute to separation anxiety. The study suggests that separation anxiety may be a common issue due to emotional and developmental challenges faced during their first school experiences. The study suggests several strategies to enhance the well-being and educational outcomes of lower-income children, including tailored support programs, parental engagement initiatives, community partnerships, financial literacy programs, and scholarship opportunities. It also recommends the use of Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs in kindergarten classrooms to develop skills like self-awareness and empathy. Teachers should have access to resources and training to address separation anxiety effectively, and further research is recommended to understand the relationship between factors and separation anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Executive function (EF) is essential for developing social competence (SC) in early childhood. However, previous research has primarily taken a general perspective of SC and overlooked its components. Furthermore, although EF and SC are known to influence each other across childhood, the mechanisms of this interaction remain unclear. Therefore, the current study aims to explore the intricate relationship between EF and overall SC and its distinct components, aiming to clarify the underlying dynamics of their interplay. A total of 448 children, aged 36–72 months, from 12 Chinese kindergartens participated in this study. Results indicated significant associations between EF and overall SC and its components. Moreover, ER mediated the association between EF and SC, while gender moderated this association, with a stronger effect among boys compared to girls. Implications for informing and refining educational practices and policies to foster children's cognition and emotional development are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the relationship between parental attitudes toward outdoor activities and children's health-related quality of life, focusing on the mediation of outdoor activity time and nature connections. Data from 399 kindergarten children, supplemented by parental insights, were analyzed using structural equation modelling (SEM). Positive parental attitudes toward outdoor activities were found to predict enhanced physical functioning and kindergarten performance. Additionally, a positive correlation was observed for social functioning, while emotional functioning remained unaffected. Parental attitudes directly influenced physical functioning, with indirect effects on kindergarten performance mediated by outdoor time and nature connections. These findings highlight the importance of parental attitudes in promoting children's well-being and suggest potential strategies to enhance their health-related quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Arts & Social Sciences (JASS) is the property of Sultan Qaboos University and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background/Objectives: The relevance of psychomotor skills in children's growth is being increasingly recognized. The transversal role of psychomotor skills in learning performance is described through a link between cognitive and motor functioning, promoting socio-affective–expressive competencies, but there is a scarcity of evidence from the field. A two-fold goal was defined: to investigate the relationship between psychomotor functions and academic performance and to examine the factors affecting children's academic performance. Methods: The Portuguese versions of the Neuropsychomotor Functions Assessment Battery for Children (NPmot.pt), Preschool Diagnostic Tasks (PRE), and School Learning Skills Battery (SLSB) were applied to 350 children (85.72 ± 24.23 months) with and without disabilities attending mainstream schools. Results: Pearson correlations and regression analyses were used. NPmot.pt domains showed moderate to strong correlations with PRE domains (0.30 < r < 0.82) and weak ones with SLSB domains (r < 0.30). Psychomotor development is a stronger predictor (p < 0.001) of pre-academic performance outcomes: (βTonus = 0.67, βGross Motor Skills = 1.04, βSpatial Orientation = −1.44, βRhythm = −1.59 and βAuditory Attention = 3.68) than of academic performance above 7 years old (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Results strengthen the importance of psychomotor skills development from an early age, also at school, with implications for an early psychomotor assessment and intervention for children with and without disabilities. Tailor-fit interventions, including strategies to improve psychomotor skills, should be promoted during the school process of all children for a successful learning process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Fundamental movement skills (FMSs) are essential building blocks for children's physical development and future participation in physical activities. While early childhood curriculum frameworks recognize the importance of teaching FMSs, little research has been conducted to explore actual teaching practices in center-based programs and their variations across different grade levels. The goals of this study were to investigate (1) the frequency of a variety of FMSs in the physical activities conducted by Hong Kong kindergarten teachers, (2) the association among these FMSs based on the frequency of use in the classroom, and (3) potential differences in FMSs across the three grade levels of kindergarten education in Hong Kong. The participants were 526 kindergarten teachers. Descriptive statistics, principal component analysis, and parametric statistical techniques (e.g., one-way ANOVA) were employed to analyze their responses to a survey, in which we asked teachers to report the frequency with which FMSs are involved in their classroom physical activities. Overall, we found that the participants practiced an imbalanced set of FMSs in classrooms. K3 teachers were found to incorporate a wider variety of FMSs into their physical activities compared to K1 and K2 teachers. Through principal component analysis, seven components of activities were identified. K3 teachers were found to implement more activities involving springing, object manipulation, uneven locomotor movements, and agility and coordination. We concluded that there is a need to provide structured opportunities for teachers to better facilitate children's FMS acquisition. Offering more explicit guidelines and further professional development for teachers is crucial to enhancing this situation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies with adults and school children have shown that placebos can enhance motivation and performance in physical activities. This study aimed to investigate whether similar effects are present in kindergarten-aged children. A total of 101 children (58 girls, 43 boys) aged 3 to 6 years were randomly assigned to one of two groups that either received a deceptive placebo (DP: "magic potion") or a nondeceptive placebo (NDP: "water") to enhance physical abilities. Each child completed three tasks (sprinting; balancing: standing on a balance board; strength: using a handheld dynamometer) both with and without the placebo. The variables assessed included task performance, enjoyment, and expected and perceived placebo efficacy (measured with nonverbal pictorial rating scales). Results showed that both the DP and NDP increased speed. For strength, balance, and task enjoyment (which was very high), no placebo-induced changes were observed. Expected efficacy was higher for the DP; perceived efficacy did not differ between DP and NDP. In conclusion, reported outcome expectations indicated that kindergarten-aged children were already able to differentiate between the two types of placebos which exhibited positive effects concerning running performance. This encourages further research on using nondeceptive placebos to enhance physical activity, which is crucial for children's overall health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]