Research Around the World

For this week’s blog assignment, I chose to investigate the Early Childhood Australia site. This site provided many useful articles such as The Inclusion of Children with a Disability in Childcare, The Early Years Learning Framework, Partnerships in Early Childhood, and Children’s Resilience. The one most interesting to me was Learning and Teaching Through Play since my research simulation is “Promoting Literacy through Play.” In the article Learning and Teaching through Play, much information was provided about how children learn through play. Play is something in which humans of all ages from diverse cultures engage, although the purpose for and the type of play may be different across ages and cultures (Kennedy & Barblett, 2010). Play is associated with the development of intellectual skills, understandings, creative skills, and social and emotional skills. When educators create safe, secure, and challenging environments that promote play, learning is achieved and maintained in early childhood educational settings. I was excited to find this information about learning through play on this website.

Beneficial Research

Last year, we had a student teacher, in second grade, who did a research project using Rocket Math. Rocket Math is a ten-minutes-a-day, paper and pencil, worksheet-based, supplemental, math facts practice curriculum. It is a uniquely structured curriculum for the sequential practice and mastery of math facts. The students knew they were involved and were excited to participate. The research proved that by using the Rocket Math program, students became more fluent with addition math facts. I am looking into the program for my class. Has anyone used this program before? If so, what do you think of it?

My Personal Research Journey

I have thought about many topics while trying to chose the best one for me. I am a second grade teacher who works with many children who struggle to read. I chose the topic "Promoting Literacy Through Play" to try to help the children in need. If I can make the curriculum more interesting for my students, then maybe they can become more fluent readers, as well as writers. I am excited with this task. The simulation process has not been very easy for me. I am learning more with each assignment. I welcome any resources or advice that might help me with this process. Also, any ideas about promoting literacy through play are appreciated. Thanks!