This study investigated differences in adult-child language interactions when parents and their three-to-four-year old children engage in wordless book reading, text-and-picture book reading and a small-world toy play activity. Twenty-two parents recorded themselves completing each activity at home with their child. Parent input was compared…

This systematic literature review aimed to ascertain what participatory methods for young children have been used in peer-reviewed empirical articles. A systematic literature search yielded 75 articles. Based on their methodology, the studies were divided into six categories: (1) multi-method and the Mosaic approach, (2) observation and…

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and evaluate the initial reliability and validity evidence of the dynamic assessment (DA) of early reading and language as a second-stage screener in kindergarten, the first year of formal schooling. The DA comprises three subtests that capture students' ability to learn letter sounds and blending…

The association between emotional and behavioural problems and language skills is well documented. However, specific links between these developmental domains remain unclear. This review synthesises associations between components of language skills and emotional and behavioural problems in children aged 6-11 years. PRISMA guidelines were…

Purpose: Exploring the psychosocial experiences of school-age children from vulnerable backgrounds who stutter allows for a better understanding of the compounding impacts of stuttering and challenging familial factors. Method: Data were drawn from Wave 5 of the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS). This study evaluated social…

This study investigates the development of metapragmatic awareness in preschool children through the lens of Talmy's Force-Dynamics Model. Using conversation data from 60 Mandarin-speaking children aged 4 to 6, obtained from the International Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES), the research employs a custom coding framework to analyze…

This study investigated concerns about potential racial/ethnic bias in the Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP), a widely used observational assessment in early childhood education (ECE). Specifically, we examined whether the learning progressions (LPs) underlying the DRDP items exhibit differential applicability to children from…

The importance of play in early childhood has gained global momentum over the last two decades. The early childhood phase, typically from birth to eight years old, is a unique and critical stage in the human life cycle. During these early years, play is crucial for young children's learning and development. The vision for this study is to ensure…

Integrating literacy-focused curricula in preschool settings may help support children's literacy learning. In this study, we explored the use of literacy-focused curricula and how it was associated with preschool children's literacy gains (i.e., print and letter knowledge, phonological awareness, language and comprehension, and emergent writing)…

This article explores the potential of technology-enhanced dialogic reading (DR) approaches to enhance language skills in young children via examining evidence from systematic reviews and extant technology integration research plus a preliminary study of caregivers' perceptions of digital tutorials designed to promote DR. Systematic reviews…

There is a substantial body of evidence which indicates that early childhood programmes have a positive effect on children's school readiness, academic achievement, and social and emotional development. Indeed, these benefits can last into adulthood. Based on this evidence base, many countries that strive to build their early childhood education…

Based on Sustainable Development Goals, a recent flurry of activity has begun concerning the responsibilities of teachers to support young children in recognising and responding to aspects of climate change. Less, however, is understood about the emotional impact of these interventions on children themselves, or the extent to which the way they…

This study addresses the critical issue of mathematical underperformance among preschoolers in Yopal Casanare, Colombia, through the perspective of an action research project. It focuses on the design and implementation of a didactic unit aimed at promoting numerical thinking, specifically seriation and structured counting, in preschool students.…

Human breast milk dynamically adapts to meet the needs of healthy neurodevelopment. While a great deal of research has examined the relationship between breastfeeding, infant cognitive development and IQ, findings are inconclusive when potential confounders are adjusted for. This raises questions about the various ways in which breastfeeding and…

The importance of environmental literacy in early childhood education lies in its inclusion of the requisite knowledge, skills and attitudes for understanding the environment and making well-informed decisions. In preschool settings, promoting environmental literacy helps children develop foundational knowledge about natural systems, cultivates…