Pre-K

“You are Never too Little to Understand Your Culture”: Strengthening Early Childhood Teachers through the Diné Institute for Navajo Nation Educators

There is international and widespread recognition that early childhood education must be fully inclusive and based on the language, culture, and epistemology of local Indigenous communities (Kitson, 2010). Early childhood education (ECE) programs can only deliver on the promises ofculturally responsive schooling (Castagno & Brayboy, 2008; McCarty & Lee, 2014) when “staff members understand cultural expectations, relationships, and the subtleties of communication, including non-verbalcommunication” within the community (Kitson & Bowes, 2010, p.86).

Author/Presenter

Angelina E. Castagno

Tiffany Tracy

Desiree Denny

Breanna Davis

Hosava Kretzmann

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2020
Short Description

This article describes one effort to strengthen early childhood teaching in schools on the Navajo Nation that centers the work of two teachers within a program attempting to support teachers in the development of academically rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum across the Navajo Nation.

A Study of the Impact of an Early Childhood Intervention on STEM Learning

The context for this study was an intervention that provided professional development (PD) for preschool (pre-K) and kindergarten (K) teachers and science engagement activities for families. The research sought to determine the impact of the intervention and the extent to which parent engagement adds to student learning. These presentation slides were prepared for the 2020 Annual International NARST Conference.

Author/Presenter

Charlene Czerniak

Joan Kaderavek

Peter Paprzycki

Scott Molitor

Susanna Hapgood

Jeanna Heuring

Grant Wilson

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2020
Short Description

The context for this study was an intervention that provided professional development (PD) for preschool (pre-K) and kindergarten (K) teachers and science engagement activities for families. The research sought to determine the impact of the intervention and the extent to which parent engagement adds to student learning. These presentation slides were prepared for the 2020 Annual International NARST Conference.

Tip: Leveraging Your Networks

If you are looking for online resources, many museums, universities, teacher networks, and educational organizations are curating lists. For example, the Exploratorium has created a Learning Toolbox featuring free materials addressing coronavirus science, as well as general science support for at-home learning.

Short Description

If you are looking for online resources, many museums, universities, teacher networks, and educational organizations are curating lists. For example, the Exploratorium has created a Learning Toolbox featuring free materials addressing coronavirus science, as well as general science support for at-home learning.

Discipline/Topic
Spotlight
online learning
Online Learning Toolkit Tags
Activity
Tip
Student
Teacher

Family Science Activities

Each short video provides ideas for family science activities for preschool-grade 3 students that reinforce NGSS 3D learning.

Author/Presenter

The NURTURES Team

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2015
Short Description

Each short video provides ideas for family science activities for preschool-grade 3 students that reinforce NGSS 3D learning.

Padlet

Online tool students can post responses to that allows for multiple means of expression, representation.

Short Description

Online tool students can post responses to that allows for multiple means of expression, representation.

Spotlight
online learning
Online Learning Toolkit Tags
Tool
Teacher

Early Math with Gracie & Friends

Play nine math learning apps and dozens of hands-on activities at home or in the classroom. A digital Teacher's Guide supports use in the classroom, and a digital Family Fun Guide provides activities to do at home.

Author/Presenter

The Early Math Team

Year
2014
Short Description

Play nine math learning apps and dozens of hands-on activities at home or in the classroom. A digital Teacher's Guide supports use in the classroom, and a digital Family Fun Guide provides activities to do at home.

Early Science with Nico & Nor

Explore six early science learning apps and dozens of hands-on activities. Use the digital Teacher's Guide to implement the technology-based science curriculum into preschool classrooms.

Author/Presenter

The Early Science Team

Lead Organization(s)
Year
2019
Short Description

Explore six early science learning apps and dozens of hands-on activities. Use the digital Teacher's Guide to implement the technology-based science curriculum into preschool classrooms.