Early childhood teachers’ perceptions on types of challenging behaviors of young children according to socio-demographic background and variables related to challenging behaviors

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 145-163
Author(s):  
Kay-Heoung Heo
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Challenging Behaviors ◽  
Early Childhood Teachers ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Demographic Background

scholarly journals Montessori Early Childhood Teacher Perceptions of Family Priorities and Stressors

2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Ann Epstein
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Teacher Perceptions ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Early Childhood Teachers ◽  
Early Childhood Teacher ◽  
Family Stressors ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Family Partnerships

<p>Teachers of young children work closely with families. One component of teacher-family partnerships is teachers’ understanding of family priorities and stressors. This study examines Montessori early childhood (ages three through six) teacher perceptions of family priorities and stressors through an analysis of responses to two parallel surveys.  Eighty teachers (37% of those who received the survey) and forty-nine family members (representing a 55% response rate) completed the survey.  Significant differences were found between teachers’ perceptions of four (of seven) family priorities and families’ actual responses. Teachers ranked “making academic progress” as the most important of seven possible family priorities. However, families stated that “developing kindness” is the most important priority for their young children. No significant differences were found when comparing teacher rankings of family stressors with actual family responses. Montessori early childhood teachers ranked “not having enough time” as the most stressful of six possible stressors. Families confirmed that time pressures cause them the most stress. Maria Montessori’s recommendations for teachers and families are summarized. Recommendations for building stronger family partnerships in the context of Montessori’s philosophy, for example on-going self-reflection, are provided.</p><p>            <em>Keywords: Montessori, teacher-family partnerships, early childhood teacher perceptions</em></p>

Growing Healthy Minds, Bodies, and Communities: Early childhood teachers’ perceptions of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
Alicia Cooper Stapp ◽  
Gerogianna Mann ◽  
Laurel Lambert ◽  
Kenya Wolff
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Eating Behaviors ◽  
Early Childhood Teachers ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Learning Collaborative ◽  
Convenience Sample ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Hands On Learning ◽  
Flexible Schedule

Abstract Objective: Healthy eating behaviors are often developed early in life, yet nutrition is rarely emphasized in early childhood education. Integration of nutrition into academic content is warranted, still, its ability to positively impact teaching and learning has been understudied. Therefore, this study explored the feasibility of application in the classroom and the perceived usability of a nutrition-integrated pilot curriculum. Design: Early childhood teachers’ perceptions of four nutrition-integrated lessons were explored through a qualitative research approach. Data were collected through pre- and post-focus groups, lesson observations, and teacher feedback. Focus group transcripts were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis and supplemented with observations and lesson feedback. Setting: This pilot study took place in Northwest Mississippi at three preschools which are part of the Mississippi Early Learning Collaborative. Participants: A non-probability convenience sample was utilized to acquire participants. Ten early childhood teachers and 132 Pre-K4 students participated in the study. Results: Three themes emerged and were categorized accordingly: (a) preconceived concern of the unknown versus experienced reality; (b) promoting buy-in and engagement through hands-on learning experiences; and (c) manifestation of perceived prioritization. Conclusions: Nutrition-integrated lessons were reported to be creative, facilitate positive food behaviors, and highly engaging for teachers and children. Concerns for new and unfamiliar curriculum were noted but could be alleviated with more detailed instructions. Future nutrition-integrated curriculum efforts should include detailed video instructions and offer a gradual and flexible schedule allowing teacher autonomy in how to prioritize implementation.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document