ERIC Number: EJ1368551
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2022
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1040-9289
EISSN: EISSN-1556-6935
Who, What, and Where: Classroom Contexts for Preschool Writing Experiences
Early Education and Development, v33 n8 p1439-1460 2022
Although writing is a critical foundational skill and teachers' approaches to writing is connected to development, writing instruction in preschool is often limited, infrequent, and narrow. While research has investigated literacy environments of preschool classrooms, often with a focus on reading, less is known about writing environments. Thus, it is important to better understand writing contexts in preschool classrooms. Research Findings: Through observations in preschool settings, this study sought to better understand the nature of writing in preschool classrooms. A total of 71 classrooms were observed across three US states, in a variety of settings (i.e., private, Head Start, public PreK, and university lab school). Observation data was coded based on grouping and environmental contexts and instructional content. Results demonstrate uneven writing experiences, often narrowly focused in terms of content, with more frequent writing in art, planned small group activities, and in writing centers, with few instances occurring naturalistically in play, despite professional recommendations. Practice or Policy: This study has practical and policy-based implications as it provides insight as to the ways in which this important foundational skill is being addressed in real classrooms. The findings herein may inform interventions around writing instruction in early childhood.
Descriptors: Preschool Education, Writing Instruction, Student Experience, Preschool Children, Private Schools, Federal Programs, Low Income Students, Social Services, Public Schools, Laboratory Schools, Teaching Methods, Observation, Interaction, Teacher Student Relationship, Teacher Characteristics
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Early Childhood Education; Preschool Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Laws, Policies, & Programs: Head Start
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A