Southeast Asia Early Childhood Journal

The Great Danger in Digital Games: Sexual Abuse and Sympathetic Violence

Derya ATABEY — 2024-04-03

This research sets out to examine digital games containing sexuality and sympathetic violence. The study group of the research consists of 5 digital games; 3 digital games with sexuality and 2 digital games with sympathetic violence. A checklist developed by the researcher is used as a data collection tool in the study. The research has been carried out with the document review method, which is one of the qualitative research methods, and the digital games that constitute the study group of the research have been analyzed with the content analysis technique. As a result of the research, it has been determined that the digital games involving sexuality include explicit body lines, touching (sexually), flirting, kissing (sexually), hugging (sexually), wrong attitude (Begrudge, get angry, cry, sorrow, ridicule), body care (like adult) not suitable for their age and wearing clothes that are not suitable for their age. Punching, shooting, killing-dying, grappling-fighting, destroying-breaking-smashing-damaging, chasing-scaring, crashing, locking – imprisoning, hurt-pain have been determined in digital games containing sympathetic violence. Various recommendations have been presented in line with the results of the research. Being aware of the great danger in digital games and taking the necessary precautions will positively support children's development and guide families and educators.

The Relationship between Preschool Children’s Anxiety and Life Skills: The Mediating Role of Self-Regulation

Aylin Sop — 2024-04-03

The present study examined the mediating role of self-regulation in the relationship between preschool children's anxiety and life skills. Children's anxiety, self-regulation, and life skills were assessed using the "Children's Anxiety Scale-Mothers' Form," "The Self-Regulation Skills Scale for Children aged 4 to 6 (Mothers' Form)," "The Early Childhood Life Skills Scale," and the data obtained from 303 participants who participated in the survey were tested through PLS to SEM. Although preschool children's anxiety is not directly related to life skills, self-regulation fully mediates the relationship between anxiety and life skills. The results provided preliminary evidence for the mechanism by which children's anxiety affects self-regulation and life skills. These findings suggest that the relationship between anxiety and life skills varies according to children's self-regulatory abilities. The findings have practical implications for supporting the development of self-regulation in preschool children.

The Dynamic of Demographic Characters on the Reading Seed Program of Pustaka Negeri Sarawak

Awang Rozaimie — 2024-04-03

Potentially serving as the primary national literacy initiative, the Reading Seed Programme (RSP) by PUSTAKA Negeri Sarawak aims to enculturate a reading culture from an early age. For instance, RSP was invented to promote reading culture by having the pregnant mother read to their infant until the child was three years old. The process is vital to helping children learn to read from a young age and eventually empower them to be independent readers for life. Particularly, the objectives of RSP are to promote reading habits by getting parents to read to their children, strengthen a child’s vocabulary, and develop their confidence, especially in reading. Thus, this paper is primarily designed to investigate the demographic differences between RSP participation and the programme’s objectives, i.e., reading habits, parent’s engagement, vocabulary ability, and confidence development. To assess how well the RSP achieved its goal of assisting toddlers in developing their confidence as readers. An online survey yielded 385 completed responses, representing a 92.33% response rate among RSP participants. The key findings indicated that the age of the child, mode of joining the programme, and year received the RSP’s kits are the most important indicators of the usefulness of the programme (RSP and RSP’s kits) and the programme’s objectives attainment, especially in straightening the child's vocabulary and comprehension and developing their confidence, especially in reading and knowledge. Nonetheless, the results of this study highlighted the novelty of the early literacy programme of the RSP in cultivating the reading culture, parent-child engagement in reading, and preparing children to acquire knowledge.

Promoting Early Childhood Children's Collaborative Behaviours through Organising Experiences Based on the Engineering Design Process

Oramon Tuekkhow — 2024-04-03

The purpose of this research was to study and compare children's collaborative behaviours through organising experiences based on the engineering design process. This research was conducted in the context of Thai early childhood classroom. The study group used in this research was 30 students from Kindergarten 3/1 Anubansamsen School (The Government Lottery Office Support) studying in the second semester of the academic year 2022 using a cluster random sampling method. The instruments used in the research were: 1) an experience plan based on the engineering design process for early childhood children; and 2) an observational form of early childhood children's collaborative behaviours. Statistics used for data analysis were mean, standard deviation, and t-test dependent. The results of the research revealed that, before organising experiences based on the engineering design process, early childhood children showed collaborative behaviours at a moderate level (M = 19.06). After the experience, the collaborative behaviours of early childhood children overall were at a very good level (M = 42.46). When comparing the collaborative behaviour scores of early childhood children, it was found that after the engineering design experience, the scores were significantly higher than before, at a statistical level of.01.

Preschool Teachers' views on Sensory Education

Saadet Bartan — 2024-04-24

The aim of this study is to reveal preschool teachers' views on sensory education. In the study, phenomenological design, one of the qualitative research methods, was selected. The study group of the research consists of 20 preschool teachers working in a city in Turkey in the 2022-2023 academic year. Maximum diversity sampling, one of the purposeful sampling types, was used to form the study group. A semi-structured interview form consisting of open-ended questions was used as a data collection tool. The data were analyzed using content analysis technique. As a result of the research, it was seen that preschool teachers had an average knowledge about sensory education It was determined that they carried out studies for the senses in all activities. Most of the participants stated that they did not have enough materials for the implementation of sensory education and that the physical conditions of their classrooms and schools were unfavourable. Sensory education supports children's developmental areas, family participation, physical and material equipment of the classroom and school are important in this process. It was concluded that pre-school teachers did not fully master the concept of sensation, but the benefits of sensory education and its contribution to children's developmental areas are important. according to research results; n-service trainings can be organised for teachers about sensory education and its importance in early childhood, occupational therapist support can be provided to pre-school institutions by working interdisciplinary at the point of sensory education and classrooms and schools can be supported in terms of sensory education materials, can be recommended.

Unlocking Voices: A Multifaceted Approach in Assessing and Managing a Preschooler with Selective Mutism

Sook Huey Lee — 2024-04-24

This case study aims to report on the psychological assessment and intervention for a 4-year-old preschooler with selective mutism. A comprehensive assessment that involves parents and teacher interview, classroom observation, Seguin Form Board Test (SFBT), Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales Third Edition (Vineland-3), Behaviour Assessment System for Children, Third Edition (BASC-3), Childhood Autism Rating Scale, Second Edition Standard Version Rating Booklet (CARS 2-ST), and School Speech Questionnaire were conducted. The psychological assessment revealed that the child fulfils the criteria for selective mutism. Play-based intervention sessions were then conducted, which involved gradual exposure to the child’s teacher and peers and facilitation of verbalization related to child’s interests and classroom routines. The child demonstrated improvement in her frequency of verbalizing in the classroom following the intervention, as supported by the improved score in the School Speech Questionnaire (SSQ). This case study illustrates the advantages of a collaborative approach that engages parents, teachers, and peers in the management of selective mutism during early childhood.

The Nature of Pedagogical Support Provided by Departmental Heads to Reception Year Teachers in Primary Schools: A Case of South Africa

Matshediso Modise Rebecca — 2024-04-24

This research paper explored pedagogical leadership and its implementation by Departmental Heads (DHs) regarding the supervision and support of Reception year (Grade R) teachers in the Gauteng North District public schools, South Africa. Three objectives were framed for this study which applied the Atlas Ti software to analyse qualitative data. The research employed a descriptive single case study design. The population consisted of selected Reception year teachers and DHs. The purposive study sample comprised 13 DHs and 12 Reception year teachers. Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory underpinned the study in line with pedagogical leadership principles regarding the supervision and support of Reception year teachers. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data from primary school DHs and teachers. The interpretative lens was selected to explore and understand DHs' responses regarding aspects of supervision and support. The findings revealed that pedagogical leadership was ineffective when supervising teaching practice. The follow-up processes of guidance, assistance, and support, which were previously provided, were now non-existent. This reflected a disconnected understanding among participants of pedagogical leadership support for Reception year teachers. The recommendations included the following: provision of relevant resources for Reception year teachers (and learners) to exploit the benefits of Early Childhood Care and Education; ECCE education officers must regularly provide support and training for DHs on the importance of pedagogical leadership and how to effectively implement them; and DHs need to collaborate with Reception year teachers to improve their pedagogical support.

"I wanted to grow up to be strong enough to do all the work and help my mother": Why Do Children Want to Grow Up Rapid?

Vakkas Yalcin — 2024-04-30

A supportive environment is critical for individuals to protect their developmentally bio-psycho-socio-emotional health. This research was carried out to determine the possible causes of "desire for rapid growth", which is frequently seen in childhood, and the emotional states caused by "desire for rapid growth" in children, were carried out in a basic qualitative research design. The research participants are 60 undergraduate students who are preschool pre-service teachers. Within the scope of the study, data were collected through focus group discussion and documents, and the study's results were reached through content analysis, one of the qualitative analysis methods. Based on the study findings, participant showed long-term effects such as emotional emptiness, nostalgia, permanent emotional and social impact, and lastly, the "desire for rapid growth" is experienced, It was concluded that they had feelings of worthlessness, inferiority, anger, stuckness, and insecurity. In addition, among all participants, 56 has at least experienced once in their childhood the “desire for rapid growth”.

Music-based language programme teacher training on preschool teachers’ music teaching self-efficacy and delivery performance: A case study

TeeNa Sim — 2024-04-30

Music substantially impacts early childhood development, especially language development, yet early childhood policies rarely emphasise the role of music in early learning and engagement. Research shows that effective delivery of early childhood music programmes depends on teachers' music knowledge, skills, and music teaching self-efficacy, which may be enhanced through teacher training. However, little is known about the training details and preparation of non-music-specialist preschool teachers who use music to teach. The present study sought to determine whether music-based language programme (MBLP^©) teacher training could improve the music teaching self-efficacy of non-music specialist preschool teachers and their MBLP^© delivery in an inclusive preschool classroom. The 14 training sessions consist of a briefing, a workshop, a practicum, interactive reflections, and observations. Three non-music-specialist preschool teachers were trained to deliver MBLP^© lessons to nine preschoolers aged 33–47 months. The within-subjects design investigated the teachers' self-efficacy in music teaching, while the single-subject design tracked their MBLP^© lesson delivery performance. Data was collected using a self-reported music background survey, pre-, mid-, and post-test music teaching self-efficacy, teachers' feedback, and MBLP^© lesson observations. The results showed that the training increased music teaching self-efficacy by 10–46% and revealed a positive relationship between practicum with interactive reflections and lesson delivery performance. The findings suggest that providing MBLP^© training to non-specialist preschool teachers could help address language developmental issues in inclusive preschool settings.

Enactments of Distributed Pedagogical Leadership Between Early Childhood Centre Directors and Deputy Directors in Norway

Marit Bøe — 2024-04-30

This study aims to investigate how early childhood directors and deputy directors describe their enactments of distributed pedagogical leadership. An interpretive qualitative study was conducted by way of semi-structured individual interviews and job-descriptions of six participants. Distributed leadership frameworks that involve multiple persons enacting pedagogical leadership in interdependent ways, inform the study. The findings of this study illustrate that enactments of distributed pedagogical leadership between ECE directors and deputy directors occur both by leading together where they enact the same leadership task and where they work separately with tasks they have divided between them. Additionally, shared authority, dialogue on pedagogical development, support and division of tasks show various forms of distributed pedagogical leadership enactments. The study highlights some implications for further attention to take benefit from distributed pedagogical leadership. This is important as distributive leadership is seen to increase the capacity of pedagogical leadership through collaboration to deal with challenges and high workload resulting from new requirements and changes.