Game predicts Kindergarten achievement success

The headline read, “Self-Regulation Game Predicts Kindergarten Achievement,” on the 6-9-09 Science Daily web article. It seems that a simple 5-minute self-regulation game not only predicts end-of-year achievement in math, literacy and vocabulary, but also but also was associated with several months of additional learning in kindergarten!

Researchers at the University of Virginia and Oregon State University used a simple HTKS (head-toes-knees-shoulders) ‘game’ to see if it has any predictive powers for assessing pre-schoolers--those below grade one!

Almost 350 kindergarten children played the “game” which tested their ability to listen, follow directions, and remembering instructions. For example students were clearly instructed to always touch their toes if orally told to touch their head. How well they could remember the prime direction was the skill being observed.

The ‘”game” was described at “simple to administer, fun for the kids, and it predicts children’s academic achievement.” One important area that the game did not measure was that of interpersonal-skills since it is not “emotion-oriented” according to the researchers.

They found that students who performed well on this type of behavior task in the fall achieved strong scores in reading, vocabulary and math in the spring when compared to students who had low performance on the task in the fall. In addition, the more successful fall students by spring scored 3.4 months ahead of peers in the area of mathematics learning.

Because a simple DVD that demonstrates the game and this research article was published in the journal, Developmental Psychology, Clair Ponitz, UVA, and Megan McClelland of OSU, have been receiving inquiries from around the world. They now plan to expand the study to include many more children from many more types of communities.

This is the kind of research which is being conducted all the time here in the USA and around the world. The challenge for practicing educators--administrators and teachers--is to find ways to remain informed about such studies and then to make program adaptations locally when appropriate. I have been quite pleased with how well our own Oakwood professionals have done exactly this! Thanks to you all!

OJHS registration begins Aug. 12

The Oakwood Jr. High Office will be open for new student registration weekdays, beginning Aug. 12 – Aug. 21 from 9-11:30 a.m. & 1-3 p.m. Please bring a copy of your child’s birth certificate, immunization record, and a copy of your purchase or rental contract to the Oakwood Junior High Office at 1200 Far Hills Ave.

If you would like a registration packet mailed to you or if you have any questions, please email or call Dawne Roeckner at roeckner.dawne@oakwood.k12.oh.us or (937) 297-5328. Please visit the website for additional information about Oakwood Schools at www.oakwood.k12.oh.us.

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June 30, 2009
Volume 18, No. 26

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