Preschoolers' Acquisition of Scientific Vocabulary Through Repeated Read-Aloud Events,Retellings, and Hands-On Science Activities |
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Authors: | Cynthia B. Leung |
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Affiliation: | University of South Florida St. Petersburg , St. Petersburg, Florida, USA |
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Abstract: | This study explored 3- and 4-year-old children's development of scientific vocabulary from participation in repeated interactive read-aloud events and retellings of three informational picture books about light and color, followed by hands-on science activities. Thirty-two children attending a YWCA preschool were matched by age and general vocabulary knowledge and randomly assigned to a retelling or no retelling condition. Repeated measures ANOVA of pretest and posttest scores on a free recall target vocabulary test revealed significantly higher scores for 4-year-olds, those with higher vocabulary knowledge, and those who retold the books. Children used significantly more target words across the three retellings. |
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