Category: Childhood education

  • Activity 1-5

    Activity 1 This chapter focuses on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), a scientific approach for understanding and modifying behavior. We will start by defining and describing ABA and exploring its principles, methodologies, and role in behavior modification. This will provide a solid foundation for understanding what ABA is and how it works. Next, we will delve into the core concept of ABA – the three-term contingency. We will define this term along with other related ABA terminology. Understanding these terms is crucial as they form the language of ABA and are used to describe and analyze behavioral processes. Finally, we will explain how to implement basic ABA techniques. This will involve a step-by-step guide to applying these techniques in real-world settings to effect meaningful behavior change Chapter two discusses ABA’s empirical strategies for behavior management, emphasizing the three-term contingency, stimulus control, and the operational definition of target behaviors. It outlines measurement systems, the importance of graphing data, types of reinforcement, the role of extinction, and caution regarding punishment in behavior interventions. Please view the video below and incorporate insights into your review reflection.Does ABA Therapy Work in the Real World? Autism at the Grocery video (Time 6:59 minutes). After you have reviewed all of the videos within the presentation tab, describe two to three things you learned and two to three things you will inquire about as a result of viewing the videos and lecture recordings. At a minimum, this reflection must be a paragraph in length (5-7 sentences). Activity 2 This is the first chapter to consider the philosophy of working with parents. The term “family involvement” is often used to mean different things. This chapter explores the three distinct motivations for working with families that have evolved over the last two decades of early childhood education. This edition considers the implications of the parent involvement mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. Please view the following YouTube videos and reference them in your review at the end of the week. This webinar discusses the importance of family engagement in children’s learning and development. It highlights four focus areas for building relationships between families and providers, aiming to enhance child outcomes through effective interactions and support. Resources and frameworks for improving family engagement practices are also shared. The video emphasizes Head Start’s transformative impact on families. It highlights parental involvement in education, personal growth, and community engagement. Parents gain confidence, become advocates for their children, and discover their potential. Ultimately, Head Start fosters dreams and aspirations, enriching children’s and families’ lives. Educare emphasizes a two-generational approach, helping families overcome poverty to focus on education. They provide training and support in areas like financial fitness and wellness. Through personalized engagement, they empower parents, like single father Troy, to actively participate in their children’s education, fostering a supportive community for growth. After you have reviewed all of the videos within the presentation tab, describe two to three things you learned and two to three things you will inquire about as a result of viewing the videos and lecture recordings. At a minimum, this reflection must be a paragraph in length (5-7 sentences). Activity 3 Welcome to Week 4. This week, we shift our focus to the caregiver-child dyad. We will explore how the quality of human connection literally shapes the developing brain and how practitioners can use the “Three As” framework not only to support a child’s “sense of self” but also to protect their own professional longevity and mental health. THE BENEFITS OF SECURE ATTACHMENT Secure and Stable Relationships with a Primary Caregiver are the Foundation for Social, Emotional, and Cognitive Growth and Development The first few years of life are a time of unparalleled growth. A childs experiences and relationships during these critical years build the foundation for their future social, emotional, and cognitive development. … Infants and toddlers are completely dependent on the adults in their lives, and on the care that they receive for their wellbeing. … Secure and stable attachments with a primary caregiver form the foundation for a childs social, emotional, and cognitive development. Children who develop secure attachments show a greater capacity for selfregulation, effective social interactions, selfreliance, and adaptive coping skills later in life. … Research has shown that infants and toddlers who do not develop secure attachments produce elevated levels of cortisol (a stress hormone), which may alter the developing brain circuits and cause longterm harm. … In addition, young children with unhealthy attachments are at much greater risk for delinquency, substance abuse and depression later in life. After you have reviewed all of the videos within the presentation tab, describe two to three things you learned and two to three things you will inquire about as a result of viewing the videos and lecture recordings. At a minimum, this reflection must be a paragraph in length (5-7 sentences). Activity 4 Ms. Johnson, a middle school science teacher, has observed that her English Language Learners (ELLs) often struggle with navigating middle school classrooms’ fast-paced and complex nature. These students face the dual challenge of mastering new academic content while developing their language skills. To support her ELLs, Ms. Johnson integrates clear routines and procedures that provide structure and consistency. She believes that by reducing the cognitive load associated with understanding classroom expectations, ELLs can focus more effectively on learning the subject matter. Ms. Johnson’s commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment is evident in her use of visual aids, repetition, and modeling. Her classroom procedures are designed to minimize confusion and foster independence among her ELLs. By consistently implementing these routines, Ms. Johnson helps her ELLs feel more confident and capable, allowing them to participate fully in classroom activities and discussions. Routine Implementation: Students have a specific procedure for entering the classroom, turning in homework, and transitioning between activities, reducing confusion and promoting a sense of order. Visual aids and simple instructions are consistently used to guide students through experiments and group work, ensuring that ELLs can follow along confidently. Johnson regularly repeats and models procedures, reinforcing understanding and enabling ELLs to become more independent. Answer Questions in the Lecture Review for the Week: How do Ms. Johnson’s procedures support ELLs in the classroom? Describe how routines and procedures can help ELLs feel more included and capable. What additional steps can Ms. Johnson take to enhance her procedures for ELLs? Activity 5 Picture books are superb texts that encompass a range of formats and genres in accessible, engaging ways. As this chapter demonstrates, when people claim picture books are only for emerging readers, they are misinformed. Picture books are for readers of all ages and feature formats for readers of varying abilities. They are also exemplars for our many genres and highly appeal to readers with varied preferences and interests. Technology has not only influenced how we create art for picture books but also what we consider to be picture books. E-books and apps are changing how we perceive picture books and our role in their reading or doing. Picture books are literary and aesthetic artifacts of our past, present, and future. By engaging with picture books, we engage in a sensory approach to learning and life.Evaluating the quality of picture books across various genres involves a multifaceted approach that considers both artistic and literary elements. High-quality picture books exhibit a harmonious blend of compelling narratives and captivating illustrations, which together create an immersive experience for young readers. When assessing picture books, it is essential to consider the genre-specific characteristics that contribute to their effectiveness and appeal. Understanding the role of narrative elements is crucial in creating quality stories. Elements such as plot, character development, setting, and theme must be carefully crafted to engage readers and convey meaningful messages. Additionally, the format of the picture book, whether it be traditional, wordless, or a graphic novel, plays a significant role in how the story is perceived and experienced. Each format offers unique opportunities for storytelling and requires a different approach to both visual and textual elements. Critiquing picture books of poetry and song involves assessing their rhythmic and lyrical qualities and their ability to evoke emotions and create vivid imagery through language. The artistic merit of these books is also paramount, as illustrations should complement and enhance the poetic text, creating a cohesive and enriching reading experience. Differentiating and assessing various types of nonfiction picture books requires an understanding of how factual information is presented in an engaging and accessible manner. High-quality nonfiction picture books should be accurate, well-researched, and presented in a way that stimulates curiosity and learning. The illustrations in these books should support the text, providing visual context and aiding in the comprehension of complex concepts. In the twenty-first century, picture books have evolved to encompass various formats and styles, reflecting the changing landscape of children’s literature. Appreciating this diversity involves recognizing authors’ and illustrators’ innovative approaches to addressing contemporary themes and issues, making picture books relevant and relatable to modern audiences. Recognizing authors and illustrators’ innovative approaches to address contemporary themes and issues, making picture books relevant and relatable to modern audiences. Ultimately, picture books play a vital role in enriching the lives of young readers. They promote literacy by introducing children to the joys of reading, stimulate creativity through imaginative storytelling and The illustrations in these books should support the text, providing visual context and aiding in the comprehension of complex concepts. illustrations, and support emotional growth by addressing various aspects of the human experience. By evaluating and appreciating the quality and diversity of picture books, educators and caregivers can ensure that young readers are exposed to enriching and meaningful literary experiences.After you have reviewed all of the videos within the presentation tab, describe two to three things you learned and two to three things you will inquire about as a result of viewing the videos and lecture recordings. At a minimum, this reflection must be a paragraph in length (5-7 sentences).
  • Reading comprehension

    Key Assessment Information Throughout the methods courses, teacher candidates will develop a lesson planning unit. Candidates will create one lesson plan per content area (reading, math, science, health/physical education, social studies, and integrated arts) in a variety of grade levels (K-6). The lesson plan you are writing in this course is for READING. See information below for grade level. The template and instructions are attached. **You MUST use the attached template or you will receive a grade of 0. NOTE: Each content area lesson plan should be written according to the following grade levels: Junior Block: SEC 320 Reading: Use the grade level you are placed in for your field experience. (6th grade) Assignment Instructions – Reading Lesson Plan for Field Experience & Key Assessment This assignment ties directly to your current Field Experience and Signature Assessment Part B. You will create a lesson plan here, and upload a Signature Assessment (similar) within your field experience (SEC324) course for review. The formatting of the lesson plans is very similar, so there is no need to create different information. Please read the following carefully. See the detailed lesson plan template attached. The part in red on the lesson plan template is only to help guide you. This lesson plan should include reading areas/strategies that you have learned to this point from your essential questions and chapter readings, as well as content you are learning from directly working within the schools and with your cooperating teacher. Choose standards that relate directly to reading comprehension. Also, make sure that you plan for a Whole Group Reading Lesson. Submit your Key Assessment lesson plan here. The Signature Assessment lesson plan is submitted in the field experience course, and the video of the SA is placed in the field folder in GoReact as well as the appropriate folder in GoReact for this course. *****Make sure that your SA Lesson Plan includes a pre-test and a formal assessment. See Powerpoint summary and Grading Rubric attached. Submission Instructions Save the file as “Yourname_SEC320_KeyAssessment_LessonPlan”. While inside the submission area click the “Browse My Computer” button below to upload your assignment as an attachment. Once attached, click the “Submit” button. There are helpful documents attached that provide information about Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
  • Leadership Journal: Leadership Competencies

    To prepare for this journal review Howard Gardners

    . You will specifically reflect on each competency within the source:

    • A disciplined mind
    • A synthesizing mind
    • A creative mind
    • A respectful mind
    • An ethical mind

    Throughout your program you have discussed, and will continue to discuss, the importance of becoming a 21st century educator. Equally important is preparing your students for being 21st-century learners. One way to do both is through reflective guidance in what Howard Gardner describes as the

    . According to Gardner (2008), the Five Minds are competencies which young people and the society need in the twenty-first century going forward. For your leadership journal, reflect on each of these competencies as a leader in early childhood education.

    Part 1: Content/Course Reflection (1 pt.)

    • How will you prepare those children, their families, and the staff in your care in each competency? Be sure you provide specific details on each competency.
    • If you were to add a sixth competency, what would it be and why?

    Part 2: Program/Personal Reflection (2 pts.)

    • How does each competency influence you as a leader personally? Be sure you provide at least one example for each competency.
    • How does your understanding of each of these competencies positively impact your ability as a leader to evaluate curriculum materials and models and ensure alignment with standards?
  • Early childhood development and education

    Describe your perceptions of and experiences with young children ages 0-1, 1-3, 3-5, 6-8 (each of these each group). If you never had experiences with this age, you still need to provide extended answer from what you learned so far from other courses you took. Which early childhood theorists (minimum 5 what you learned so far from other courses you took) can you name that studied young children and what are their perceptions of early childhood? Why do you think socio-dramatic play and teacher’s informal observation of it (socio-dramatic play) are such important parts of the early childhood classroom? Why do you think we put as much emphasis on physical and social-emotional development for young children as we do on cognitive and academic development? Why are parents or guardians vital partners in early childhood education and how do we best partner with them?
  • language, literacy,and communication in early childhood spec…

    Language development is important for communication, expressing and understanding feelings, and lays the foundation for reading and writing skills once children are in school. It is important for early childhood special education professionals to understand the stages of language to be able to promote language development in the classroom and to help support families with encouraging language development at home.

    Research and select an online tool that can be used to create a brochure or pamphlet to share with early childhood and early childhood special education professionals. Prepare an educational brochure about the five stages of language development in young children that could be shared with families of early childhood students. Include the following in your brochure:

    • Describe the stages of language development from birth to age 5 according to the information in the textbook.
    • Describe expressive and receptive language, how each develops, and how they relate to language development.
    • Examples of how teachers can support language development at each stage.
    • A description of 3-5 online resources families can refer to for more information on language development, including a link to each resource.

    In a 250-500 word reflection, research and select two language acquisition models/theories to explain. Include the following for each model:

    • Summarize the basic components.
    • Describe the commonalities and differences between the two models/theories.
    • Describe the language acquisition model/theory that resonates with the type of classroom you envision and that you expect to use in your classroom.
    • Describe the age/grade range for your ideal classroom and provide specific examples of why the selected model/theory would be most appropriate for your future classroom.

    Support your brochure and reflection with a minimum of 3-5 scholarly resources.

  • Elementary education instruction focus on inclusion with spe…

    RESEARCH PAPER General Description: Students will be able to effectively demonstrate an understanding of a concept, apply critical thinking relative to their field of study, and write a research paper that states a thesis and leads to a conclusion. Because of the interdisciplinary scope of this degree, individual research papers vary greatly. The paper should consist of academic research illustrating how you can thoughtfully and professionally synthesize, analyze, and compile information from scholarly sources. It is not merely a collection of facts but a thesis-based, argumentative research paper. The topic should be consistent with your field of study. Based upon what you have learned in your academic career and throughout your life experiences, you will write a seven to ten page paper addressing what you see to be significant risks in your chosen career field for the future of our nation or world from a political, ethical, economic, spiritual, or environmental perspective. Discuss what you see as your role as an individual in mitigating the risks. You must support your opinions with professional references. As the final step in your research paper, you are asked to reflect on the assignment as a learning tool and as a means of presenting your learning in your field of study. Paper Format: Paper Length 7 to 10 pages (this does not include the cover page and reference page) A minimum of 5 professional (peer-reviewed, not magazines) journal articles. Use APA format. Check spelling and grammar! Complete the final portion of the paper entitled Reflections. Check the grading rubric before submitting your paper. NO LATE PAPERS ARE ACCEPTED!!!!! PAPER FORMAT PART I Address what you see to be significant risks for the future of our nation or world from a political, ethical, economic, spiritual, or environmental perspective. Discuss what you see as your role as an individual in mitigating the risks. Describe what you will do to use the expertise that you have gained in your field of study. Use your research as supportive evidence to justify your decisions. Remember to review the grading rubrics and watch your spelling and grammar! PART II (this is included in the 7-10 page limit) The final portion should be entitled Reflections. Reflect on the assignment as a learning tool and as a means of presenting your learning in your field of study. Assess your performance, including your strengths and weaknesses, in completing the assignment. Finally, please include your opinion of the class, what was beneficial and what was a waste of time. Also, recommendations for the class in the future will be appreciated. **Class was great and helpful, good structure. ** I am including the outline already done and one article reference already done. ** Paper should be on elementary education instruction focus on inclusion with special needs.

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Planning_Sheet-17694316586750221 EM (3).docx, Evaluating Academic Assignment.docx

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  • Discussion post 2(635)

    DiscussionModule 2: Overview of the History of Special Education in Early Childhood Discussion

    Participate in this module discussion, answering the following questions (Review the rubric for specific requirements).

    Discussion Board Questions:

    1. Evaluate the impact of federal laws on empowering families in the decision-making process for children with disabilities. How do cultural backgrounds influence these decisions?
    2. Select one of the pioneering influences on the history of Early Childhood Special Education included in Chapter 1. Discuss the theories and how they impacted Early Childhood Education.
    3. Discuss the differences in delivery of Special Education Services for infants and toddlers (0-3 years of age) versus preschoolers (3-5 and the role IFSP has in the process).

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): a-resource-to-special-education-support-services.pdf

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  • Discipline and Guidance in Early Childhood

    Assignment 4 – Discipline and Guidance in Early Childhood – Reflection Paper You are to write a 3-page reflective paper (2 pages of information and a reference page) on the “Discipline and Guidance in Early Childhood”. Your paper should be completed in Times New Roman, 12 point, and double-space. You are to find a minimum of three articles to use in writing your paper. The paper should include a reference page. The references should not be any older than 2015. Use APA format in writing you paper. If you cite or quote any information within your paper, be sure to reference the cite within your paper – APA style.
  • Critical literacy approach in K-3 classrooms

    Read: Meller, W.B., W.B.Richardson, D., & Hatch, J.A. (2009). Using read alouds with critical literacy literature in K-3 classrooms, Young Children — AND Leland, C., Harste, J., & Huber, K. (2005). Out of the Box: Critical Literacy in a First-Grade Classroom. Language Arts, 82 (5).- After reading the articles, explain in your own words: What does it mean when a teacher uses a critical literacy approach in the classroom? Be specific and reference the readings. Give at least one specific example of what a critical literacy approach might look like in the classroom. Answer these Qs: How likely are you to try using a critical literacy approach in your lessons? What might facilitate your willingness to try? and/ or What might contribute to your hesitation?

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Sample Submission for Group Project.docx

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  • Module Homework 4

    275 to 500 words, APA format, based on the article attached

    Attached Files (PDF/DOCX): Chapter 2 Dissertation Guide notes.docx, Mancuso – Chair Review 20260122.docx, Chapte 1 Review_Chapter 2_Literature Review Outline_Mancuso.docx

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