Text Support for Preschoolers
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how text can aid preschoolers in learning new verbs. Researchers aim to determine if adding text to visual and auditory learning enhances verb acquisition, particularly for children with varying literacy levels. Children will watch videos and hear new words, with some also seeing text (orthographic facilitation) to support their learning. Children who primarily speak English, develop typically, and have normal hearing and vision may be suitable participants. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for children to enhance their language skills through innovative learning methods.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that this method is safe for children?
Research has shown that using text to help children learn, known as orthographic facilitation, is generally safe. In past studies, children, including those with dyslexia, benefited from seeing words while learning them. This method helped them understand and remember new words better without any harm.
For example, studies found that typically developing three-year-olds benefited when text was used to help them learn verbs. These studies reported no negative effects, suggesting that adding text to visual and auditory learning is well-tolerated.
This trial is in the "Not Applicable" phase, focusing on understanding learning processes rather than testing the safety of a new drug or treatment. Therefore, safety concerns are minimal compared to trials involving new medications. Overall, using text to aid learning is considered safe for preschoolers.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how adding text support can enhance verb learning in preschoolers. Most traditional learning approaches rely on visual and auditory cues alone. However, this trial investigates whether incorporating text can boost word learning accuracy. By integrating text alongside the usual visual and auditory methods, the trial could reveal a more effective way to support early language development, potentially leading to improved educational strategies for young children.
What evidence suggests that text support is effective for learning new verbs in preschoolers?
Research has shown that using text along with pictures and sounds can help young children learn new words more effectively. In this trial, one group of participants will receive verb learning with auditory, visual, and text support to determine if this additional support helps them learn novel words with higher accuracy. Studies have found that when children see how a word is spelled while hearing it, they learn the word better. This applies to both children who develop typically and those with hearing loss. The benefits of this method, called orthographic facilitation, persist over time. Thus, adding text could help preschoolers learn verbs more effectively.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Grace Clark, PhD
Principal Investigator
Montclair State University
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy preschoolers aged three to six. It's designed to see if text can help them learn new verbs. Children must be able to watch videos and name alphabet sounds, as this will be used to assess their literacy skills.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants watch videos of actions, hear novel words, and name alphabet sounds to determine literacy skills
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for accuracy in an identification task with a pointing response
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Orthographic facilitation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Montclair State University
Lead Sponsor