75.024 - The Jumpstart Intervention Program: Effects of Rich Early Learning Experiences on Learning Behaviors and Cognitive Skills

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

By the time they enter formal schooling, children from low socioeconomic status (SES) families are at a significant academic disadvantage (Lee & Burkam, 2002). Jumpstart, an intervention designed to foster early literacy competencies, has the potential to provide the rich experiences necessary to help narrow these documented achievement gaps. In this symposium, we explore three ways that the Jumpstart program has the potential to enhance children's learning behaviors and cognitive skills. Specifically, we focus on Jumpstart’s influence on: a) children’s question-asking behaviors b) closing vocabulary gaps between high- and low-vocabulary children, and c) its potential to influence children's critical thinking skills. These studies focus on three areas of child development that are known to be critically important for school success.

Sub Unit

• Division E - Counseling and Human Development / Division E - Section 2: Human Development

Chair

• Katelyn E. Kurkul, Merrimack College

Papers

• Home Is Where Learning Begins: Motivations for Early Intervention Programs That Target School Readiness - Katelyn E. Kurkul, Merrimack College; Kathleen H. Corriveau, Boston University

• Narrowing the Gap: Jumpstart's Impact on Reducing the Vocabulary Gap Between Children With Low and High Vocabularies - Julie Dwyer, Boston University

• Children's Use of Explanations to Develop Critical-Thinking Skills in Jumpstart Classrooms - Kathleen H. Corriveau, Boston University; Katelyn E. Kurkul, Merrimack College; Pratima Patil, Boston University

Discussant

• Amie E. Grills, Boston University