Research -- StepUp to Learn

Study Reads Between the Lines in Children's Vocabulary Differences

Study Reads Between the Lines in Children's Vocabulary Differences

new study from the Callier Center for Communication Disorders at The University of Texas at Dallas found these differences in vocabulary growth among grade school children of different socioeconomic statuses are likely related to differences in the process of word learning.

Engaging children in math at home equals a boost in more than just math skills

Engaging children in math at home equals a boost in more than just math skills

Preschool children who engage in math at home with their parents not only improve their math skills, but also their general vocabulary, according to research from Purdue University.

How Dance Can Help Students in STEM Disciplines

How Dance Can Help Students in STEM Disciplines

A proof-of-concept study at North Carolina State University finds that participation in dance programs helps students – including those in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines – develop skills such as creativity and persistence that benefited them in the classroom and beyond.

School, health and behavior suffer when children have TV, video games in bedroom

School, health and behavior suffer when children have TV, video games in bedroom

A new Iowa State University study is one of the first to demonstrate the consequences of allowing children to have a TV or video game system in their bedroom.

How should we handle boys who can't read?

How should we handle boys who can't read?

"Letter-sound knowledge is what best predicts how well students will be able to read later," says Professor Hermundur Sigmundsson at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology's (NTNU) Department of Psychology. He has based his research on major empirical studies and theory.

 

Toddlers begin learning rules of reading, writing at very early age, study finds

Toddlers begin learning rules of reading, writing at very early age, study finds

New research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that children as young as 3 already are beginning to recognize and follow important rules and patterns governing how letters in the English language fit together to make words.

Do you read stories to kids? Ensure moral lessons have greater impact with these types of books

Do you read stories to kids? Ensure moral lessons have greater impact with these types of books

A study from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education (OISE) at the University of Toronto shows kids aged 4-6 learn social lessons, like sharing or telling the truth, most effectively from a certain type of book. The results may surprise you.

Graphic Novels: Can Comics Make Your Kid Smarter?

Graphic Novels: Can Comics Make Your Kid Smarter?

Researchers found that graphic novels help children understand not only what they are reading in class, but also teach reading comprehension strategies students can use in other types of reading and writing.

Building Brain Habits: Predicting Success

Building Brain Habits: Predicting Success

Christopher was not a behavior problem, but he was refusing to do his work. He usually earned Bs or Cs in his 3rd grade class and his teacher had no sense of why he was no longer interested in school. What was the cause of his apathy, and more urgently, how can we motivate and engage a student like Christopher?

How Important Are Genetics in Learning?

How Important Are Genetics in Learning?

Researchers have found that genetics significantly affect learning abilities. That's not to say, however, that academic achievement is entirely pre-determined. Learning environment does have an important effect on test scores, and possibly even more so in some cases.

 

Rethinking Gifted Education

Rethinking Gifted Education

Gifted education is a broad term to describe programs and practices used in the education of students who demonstrate exceptional abilities to learn or reason. Currently, more than 3 million students are enrolled in gifted programs nationwide. But gifted programs may not be the best learning environment for some students, according to a new study. 

Write-To-Read: Improve Reading Skills With Purposeful Writing

Write-To-Read: Improve Reading Skills With Purposeful Writing

Early childhood is a crucial time for children’s reading and writing development. Children who lag behind in the early years usually encounter considerable difficulties throughout their academic careers. A recent study tested an exploratory write-to-read method in first grade classrooms as an alternative reading program.