Sign Up for a Free Trial

Research -- StepUp to Learn

Guided Play: Learning "Takes Shape" in Preschool

Guided Play: Learning "Takes Shape" in Preschool

Guided play, or discovery learning, is an inquiry-based teaching method where teachers are coaches who create interest-driven experiences. In this study, guided play improved preschoolers ability to learn geometric shapes -- an essential component to school readiness-- over other types of instruction.
Posted in Learning & Memory, School Readiness

Building Brain Habits: Learning from Mistakes

Building Brain Habits: Learning from Mistakes

In the StepUp programS, we say that self-evaluation is the key to motivation.  In other words, when children feel empowered to do meaningful work and feel the satisfaction of a job well done, then they develop the ability to evaluate their work.
Posted in Attention, Engagement, Learning & Memory, Neuroscience, School Readiness

Learning Something New? Rest First.

Learning Something New? Rest First.

Allowing your brain to rest and reflect on the things you have just learned may help boost future learning, a new study shows.
Posted in Attention, Neuroscience, School Readiness

Handwriting Delays May Indicate Learning Disorders

Handwriting Delays May Indicate Learning Disorders

Children with learning challenges experience handwriting delays at a younger age, study shows.
Posted in Handwriting, School Readiness

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.
Posted in Education, Handwriting, Neuroscience, Reading Skills, School Readiness, Technology

Indoor Fitness for Preschoolers: Is Your Classroom Fit?

Indoor Fitness for Preschoolers: Is Your Classroom Fit?

Experts recommend that children, by the time they’re 5 years of age, should engage in moderate to vigorous physical fitness for at least 60 minutes of activity per day. Researchers found that children’s physical activity levels during preschool class sessions are correlated to the overall quality of the preschool and the availability of indoor area equipment.

 

Posted in Education, Movement & Exercise, School Readiness

How Your Child's Weight Affects School Readiness

How Your Child's Weight Affects School Readiness

A recent study in Early Childhood Research Quarterly ventures into largely unchartered research territory. While previous research has examined how extra weight may inhibit children’s ability to perform optimally, most studies haven't differentiated between weight classes, such as overweight and obese. Further, there are few studies which examine the performance of underweight students in wealthy countries.
Posted in Education, Health & Wellness, Language, School Readiness, Social Development, Social Skills

Early Education Spells Success for Toddlers

Early Education Spells Success for Toddlers

A child’s early years lay the foundation for future learning and success. High quality early education can help even those children who may start school at a disadvantage to develop necessary academic skills.
Posted in Education, School Readiness