ECE 210 Lukas   Tags: early_childhood, ece, education, preschool  

See the tabs above for books, journal articles, videos, and websites at the Cañada College Library for your ECE classes.

Research

Topic Paper

For your topic paper, select one of the 6 options listed below.  Research the topic.  We will be visiting the Cañada Library for an information session on how to access reliable resources.  Write an essay, (about 2-3 pages), based on your research.   Include a Bibliography (APA style), with at least 3 resources. 

1.     Endangered childhood.

What are the issues and what can be done? What are the major factors that diminish the importance of childhood in today’s society?

2.  Technology in ECE

Children have important tasks to accomplish during their early years to build a solid base for future learning.  Some argue that when used appropriately, technology can be a positive factor in a child’s learning process. Others argue that time using technology replaces other more meaningful learning activities.  Investigate this controversy, and present your opinion based on reliable research. 

3.  Art in ECE

Due to well-meaning efforts to strengthen the academic potential of young children, many early childhood programs are feeling pressures to limit the arts experiences provided so that more time can be spent on activities designed to strengthen intellectual development.   Research the benefits of art and music in the early childhood classroom. What are the key findings of research on the benefits of art and music to young children?  Why should the arts be considered a basic element of the early childhood curriculum?

4.  Play.

Many say that children today play less (and less creatively) than they did even a few short years ago.  Research this phenomenon. Describe why this may be happening. Why are many children playing less today?  Is it a problem?  Why?  Why not?  What can and should be done?

5.  Supporting Language & Literacy

Research the components of a developmentally appropriate language environment for young English Language Learners.   Investigate the research on supporting home language in early childhood programs.  What are the lessons for educators and programs?

6.  Resiliency

For a large number of children, daily encounters with highly stressful events are a reality.  Yet, some are able to deal with these difficulties relatively well.   Research resiliency in children.  How is it defined?  What are the most common characteristics of children who successfully cope with high levels of stress?  What can be done to decrease the levels of stress that children face?  What can teachers and programs do to help children who face high levels of stress?