Resources & Research
Research Related to Johnnie Max: Dialogic Reading, Nonfiction Text, and Online Learning
Current and Relevant Research
ESSA Evidence Level IV, 2024
LearnPlatform by Instructure, a third-party edtech research company, developed a logic model for the Johnnie Max platform to satisfy Level IV requirements (Demonstrates a Rationale) according to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Level IV validates the high-quality research base of Johnnie Max which includes “a well-specified logic model that is informed by research or an evaluation that suggests how the intervention is likely to improve relevant outcomes…”. (p. 9, U.S. Department of Education, 2016). Read the full report.
Read the full report
Positive Learning Outcomes
“…Johnnie Max can expect the following …outcomes: Students will show increased interest in and motivation to learn about the world and demonstrate an ability to think critically about it (Interest, Motivation, & Critical Thinking); exhibit oral language competence, academic content knowledge, and digital navigation skills (Academic Goals); and gain confidence in their ability to discuss content and to interact with adults and children socially (Confidence & Social Learning)… . Students will be able to enter school ready to learn, having foundations in academic content, early literacy, and social contexts (School Readiness); develop increased agency, positive growth mindset, social-emotional learning, and global awareness (Metacognition & Agency); and demonstrate stronger listening skills, language fluency, and ability to form complete sentences using more modifiers and complex syntax (Oral Language Development).”
From Johnnie Max Logic Model; Study Type: ESSA Evidence Level IV; January 2024
Dialogic Reading
There’s an extensive body of research on the effectiveness of dialogic reading for PreK learners. Read the full article.
Read the full article
Positive Learning Outcomes
“A large body of research suggest that children benefit most from shared book reading when dialogic reading practices are incorporated into reading sessions… Dialogic reading aligns with research-based principles for optimal learning.”
From Preschoolers Benefit Equally From Video Chat, Pseudo-Contingent Video, and Live Book Reading: Implications for Storytime During the Coronavirus Pandemic and Beyond
Nonfiction Content
There is a dearth of nonfiction designed for use in the PreK classroom. Here is a great research article that address the benefits of increasing children’s exposure to nonfiction text early on.
Read the full article
Positive Learning Outcomes
“With careful consideration when choosing appropriate informational text for preschool children and careful instructional planning, preschool teachers and caregivers can expand early childhood children’s vocabulary, content knowledge, language skills, and knowledge of expository text structure through professionally executed read aloud lessons. Informational text serves to assist children in their conceptual development and encourages them to engage in higher order thinking. Informational text paired with theme related fiction text, extension activities, and adult-child conversation serves to address preschool learning standards through a targeted exploration of the natural and social world.”
From Making the Case for Using Informational Text in Preschool Classrooms
Online Learning
Teaching and learning online is critical during the current pandemic. However, learning online has already become a key life skill. It allows students the freedom of self-directed learning, and will become more and more central to children’s education in the years ahead. The following article conveys some of the latest research on the subject.
Read the full article
Developing a Framework
“Media Literacy is the emerging ability to access, engage, explore, comprehend, critically inquire, evaluate, and create with developmentally appropriate media… Media literacy must occur and develop in a developmentally appropriate way. This means applying a strong child development lens while thinking about how young children engage with media.”
From Media Literacy in Early Childhood Report Framework, Child Development Guidelines, and Tips for Implementation
Our mission is to build the foundation of early literacy, empower child-driven learning, and expand children’s worldview with equitable and safe digital access for all young learners and their families.