Learning about Learning

I wonder about you - what makes you curious about me, what makes you wonder about teaching and learning, about children and learners of all ages?

Read my personal #whyIteach story, recently published in Early Year: Journal of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children www.texasaeyc.org.

Early Years Pathways cover http://faculty.tamuc.edu/jthompson/documents/eyWhyITeachThompson.pdf

Let us know when and where you post your #whyIteach story by including the #EYPath tag.

Teaching

Effective teaching can be demonstrated in a number of ways. “Value-added” is one method to enumerate growth, using pre- and post- measures to demonstrate change in the student. On the other hand, research has pointed toward the difference a TEACHER makes in effective teaching. That a teacher CARES turns out to be a significant factor in teaching effectiveness (Goldstein. 2002. Reclaiming Caring in Teaching and Teacher Education. NY: Lang.). I want to be known as a teacher who cares.

Summer 2017

Fall 2017

Previous Course Web pages

Doctoral Students

Brumfield, Melissa. (abd). Topic of interest: Retention in Early Grades
Ezell, Sonja. (2013). Early Head Start, Curriculum Intervention, and Outcome Measures.
Fetter, Sherri. (abd). Topic of interest: Spot Observations
Johansen, Robert (abd). Topic of interest: Assembling Awesomeness
Jones, Suzanne Stateler. (2011). Academic Red-Shirting: Perceived Life Satisfaction of Adolescent Males.
Keddington, Holly. (2012). Complement Syntax, Mental Verbs, and Theory of Mind in Children who are Deaf.
Kouhana, Hilary. (abd). Topic of interest: Effect of Third-Grade Retention on Subsequent Fifth-Grade Achievement on TAKS.
Spoon, Deborah. (abd). Topic of interest: Teacher Mentoring
Yeh, Chia Jung. (2013). Effects of Peer Relationships adn Child Behaviors on Preschoolers' Language Competencies. Texas Woman's University.

Research

Within the community of child language acquisition researchers, it is known that pragmemes transmit pragmatic competence to language learners; how they do so is still quite a mystery. The complex, interwoven connectedness of diverse elements and their influence on language acquisition remains unzipped; the double, triple, or infinite helix of pragmemes needs to be realized. Following Naomi Baron's (1990) structure of Five Language Functions (affection, control, information, pedagogy, and social exchange), my research examines the effectiveness of this structure to describe pragmemes in the early language learning environment of young children.

Early childhood educators are predominantly female; I am exploring gender differences in the ways men parent and teach. I join other researchers and early childhood practitioners (e.g. www.MenTeach.org, www.StrongFathers.com) in seeking what is necessary to attract, recruit, retain, and promote men in early childhood education.

Language: Early Childhood Classroom Research
Capturing Teacher Talk
Family Literacy Packs
Words at Work
Games Teachers Play
Gifts of the Italian Educators
What Teachers Think about ELLs
Teacher Inquiry Projects

Publications

Wolff, K., Chapman, M., & Thompson, J. (2017). Exploring the Intersections of Social Identity, Popular Culture and Men in Early Childhood Education. In E. A. Janak & L. Sourdot (Eds.), Educating through Popular Culture: “You’re Not Cool Just Because You Teach with Comics” (pp. 265-286). Lanham, MD: Lexington Books.

Abstract: In the past twenty years, multiple books, movies, and articles focus on men in Early Childhood Education. Many teacher education programs and school districts are formally and energetically attempting to recruit male teachers for younger children. Yet, in reality, men still make up only 4.5 percent of child care workers and only 2.4 percent of preschool teachers and kindergarten teachers, a number quite similar to decades ago. This paper examines discourses found in the popular movie, Daddy Day Care and juxtaposes them with the literature on men in early childhood and with the lived reality of men teaching and caring for young children. Themes that emerged included the assumptions that men in the early childhood profession are: lacking intelligence and ambition; sexual deviants; going against nature; more fun but less nurturing and/or competent; or temporarily teach on the way to finding a more suitable career. These assumptions, coupled with the challenges that accompany all ECE teachers (e.g., lack of pay, low professional respect) differ from the humorous images portrayed in Hollywood movies. Along with constant comparative data analysis, participant/observer ethnography provides personal accounts and counter-narrative in an effort to challenge and redirect the discourse surrounding men in early childhood education.

Araujo, J., & Thompson, J. (2016). A Place for Children of Poverty. Early Years: Journal of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, 37(2), 78.79.

Lee, D., Reid, M. J., & Thompson, J. (2016). Teachers Who Stay. Early Years: Journal of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children 37(2), 74-77.

Thompson, J. (2016). Why I Teach. Early Years: Journal of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children 37(2), 82-83.

Thompson, J., & Walker, K. (2016). One summer day: Play at Parker-Chase. Play, Policy, & Practice CONNECTIONS XVII(1), 26-28.

Hammack, B.J., Foote, M., Garretson, S., & Thompson, J. (2012). Family Literacy Packs: Engaging Teachers, Families, and Young Children in Quality Activities to Promote Partnerships for Learning, in Young Children 67(3) 104-110.

Thompson, J. & Garretson, S. (2011). Encouraging men in their conversations with children, in Perspectives on gender in early childhood education (Tamar Jacobson, Ed.). St. Paul: Redleaf Press.

Thompson, J. & Stryker, A. (2010). Tale of two talents: How two teachers use peer-reflection to better prepare for class. Journal of Early Childhood Teacher Education.

Thompson, J. (2008). Table talk: Taking dinner conversation into the classroom, In P. Dam & M. T. Coward (Eds.), Current Issues and Best Practice in Bilingual and ESL Education (pp. 54-64). Denton, TX: Federation of North Texas Universities.

Thompson, J. & Leeds, L. (2006). Infant crying: To soothe or not to soothe. Montessori Life: Journal of the American Montessori Society 18(1) 26-31.

Leeds, L. & Thompson, J. (2005). Tears as Tools. Early Years: Journal of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children 27(1) 5-6.

Thompson, J. (2003). Hundred Language Zoo. Dimensions of Early Childhood, 31(1) 13-20.

Accepted for publication

Thompson, J., & Walker, K. (August 2017). Rich Words for Free. ACEI Early Years Bulletin: Focus on Pre-K & K.

Manuscripts, Submitted to Refereed Journals

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Manuscripts, in Progress

Book contract: Thompson, J. & Walker, K. (2019). Deeper Learning: Lessons from Early Childhood. St. Paul, MN: Redleaf Press.

Thompson, J. & Stanković-Ramirez, Z. (Spring 2017). P.L.A.C.E.S. to grow: Using Observation to Transform Teaching.

Editor

Brown, D.L., Geneser, V., & Thompson, J. (Eds.). (2012-2016). Early Years: Journal of Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Austin, Texas: Texas Association for the Education of Young Children.

Recent Presentations

Thompson, J., Stanković-Ramirez, Z. (June 2017). P.L.A.C.E.S. Children Grow. Annual Conference National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Educators. San Francisco, CA.
Gamez, S., Foote, M., Pearce, K.N., & Thompson, J. (May 2017). Building a Reggio Environment. Thirteenth Annual Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium. Commerce, Texas.
Thompson, J. (2017). Rich Words for Free. Christian Montessori Conference. San Antonio, Texas.
Thompson, J., Baker, I., & Walker, K. (September 2016). Classy books for all ages and stages. Annual Conference, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Dallas, Texas.
Thompson, J., & Gordon, B. (September 2016). Montessori Silent Journey and Discovery. Annual Conference, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Dallas, Texas.
Golden, F., Lawson, E, & Thompson, J. (July 2016). Re-Sorting the Word Wall. International Literacy Association. Boston, MA.
Thompson, J. (June 2016). Child Development. Observation. Dallas Montessori Teacher Education Program. Plano, Texas.
Thompson, J. & Baker, I. (June 2016). Rich Words for Free. NAEYCProfessional Development Institute. Baltimore, MD.
Thompson, J. & Baker, I. (June 2016). Rich Words for Free. National Head Start Association. Nashville, TN.
Thompson, J. & Murcia, C. (April 2016). Rising Tide Raises All Boats. DFW Montessori Association. Dallas, Texas.
Thompson, J. (April 7, 2016). Hundred Language Zoo. Twelfth Annual Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium. Commerce, Texas.
Thompson, J., & Reid, M. (March 2016). Freedom and choice. Deeper Learning 2016. San Diego, California.
Thompson, J. & Walker, K. (March 2016). Deeper Learning: Lessons from Early Childhood. SXSWedu Mentor Panel. Austin, Texas.
Thompson, J. (January 2016). Adding up to Count Down! Books to Bring a Child’s Language to Life! Educational First Steps. Dallas, Texas.
Thompson, J., Hallman, & Kinnard, T. (October 2015). Boys in School: Making Room for Each and Every Child. Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Galveston, Texas. http://faculty.tamuc.edu/jthompson/boys/
Thompson, J. (April 2015). Living with Learners. Workshop. Deeper Learning 2015www.deeper-learning.org/dl2015. San Diego, California. http://faculty.tamuc.edu/jthompson/ll1
Thompson, J., Brown, D., & Geneser, V. (October 2015). Re-Telling Your Story: Writing the Stuff of Early Childhood Education. Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Galveston, Texas.
Araujo, J., & Thompson, J. (November 2014). Siguiendo el viaje de Enrique: Preparándonos para la próxima inundación de niños inmigrantes en nuestra puerta y más adelante en nuestras aulas (Following Enrique's journey: Preparing for the next flood of immigrant children at our door and in our classrooms). National Association for the Education of Young Children. Dallas, Texas.
Thompson, J., Hallman, D., Huber, M., & Kinnard, T. (November 2014). Boys in School: Making Room for Each and Every Child. National Association for the Education of Young Children. Dallas, Texas. http://faculty.tamuc.edu/jthompson/boys/
Brown, D., Geneser, V., & Thompson, J. (September 2014). Meet the Editors: Publishing in Early Years. Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Austin, Texas. http://www.texasaeyc.org/?page_id=622
Golden, F., Lawson, E., & Thompson, J. (September 2014). Kids' College: Outdoor Learning STEM Academy. Project Galleria, Research Poster Presentations, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Austin, Texas.
Thompson, J., Foote, M., & Golden, F. (November 2013). Living with Learner: ResearchNet on Teacher Education. National Association for Early Childhood Teacher Educators. Washington, DC.
Thompson, J. (November 2013). The Indigenous Child's Use of Language. Reconceptualizing Early Childhood http://receinternational.org/. Nairobi, Kenya. http://faculty.tamuc.edu/jthompson/rece
Brown, D., Geneser, V., & Thompson, J. (October 2013). Meet the Editors: Publishing in Early Years. Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. San Antonio, Texas.
Thompson, J., Reid, M., Boggs, M., Johansen, R., & Garret, C. (November 2012). Learners All: How to Build Powerful Discussions Between Student Teachers, Mentors, and University Liaisons. Annual Conference, National Association for the Education of Young Children, Atlanta.
Thompson, J., Brown, D.L., & Geneser, V. (October 2012). Publishing My Story in Early Years: The Journal of the Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Annual Conference, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children, Galveston.
Reid, M., & Thompson, J. (February 2012). Peer De-Briefers: Co-Constructors of New Knowledge. Southern Education Research Association. New Orleans, Louisiana.
Thompson, J., & Robbins, J. (November 2011). Men Matter: Results of a Survey of What Teachers Think of Men in the Lives of Young Children. Annual Conference, National Association for the Education of Young Children. Orlando, Florida.
Geneser, V., & Thompson, J. (November 2011). From Scribbles to Scripts: Connecting Art to Language and Literacy. National Association of Early Childhood Teacher Education. Orlando, Florida.
Thompson, J. & Geneser, V. (September 2011). Art Easel Speech. Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Arlington, Texas.
Thompson, J., Hammack, B., & Sennette, J. (September 2011). Games and Andragogy. Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Arlington, Texas.
Johansen, R., Garrett, C., Schneider, K., & Hester, M. (September 2011). Brave Challenges at Bray Elementary School. Project Galleria, Texas Association for the Education of Young Children. Arlington, Texas.

Grants

Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, May 2014, $500. Early Childhood Committee of the Federation of North Texas Universities.
2013, International Travel Research & Presentation Grant, to Nairobi, Kenya, http://receinternational.org/2013.html Texas A&M University-Commerce Faculty Development Committee, $2000.
2013, Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS), U.S. Dept. of Education, http://www.ed.gov/programs/campisp/index.html. $67,000.
Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, May 2013, $500, Early Childhood Committee of the Federation of North Texas Universities.
2012, Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS), U.S. Dept. of Education, http://www.ed.gov/programs/campisp/index.html. $67,000.
Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, May 2012, $1500, Early Childhood Committee of the Federation of North Texas Universities.
2011, Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program (CCAMPIS), U.S. Dept. of Education, http://www.ed.gov/programs/campisp/index.html. $67,000.
Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, May 2011, $2000, Early Childhood Committee of the Federation of North Texas Universities.
Bill Martin Jr Memorial Symposium, May 2010, $2000, Early Childhood Committee of the Federation of North Texas Universities.

Education

Ph.D. (2001). Humanities, The University of Texas at Arlington. Dissertation: Adaptations of Language Functions in Caregiver Speech: Nurturing the Acquisition of Pragmatic Competence. Dissertation Chair: Dr. Nancy Hadaway. Major Adviser (Early Childhood Education): Dr. Carol Sue Marshall.
M.Ed. (1986). Elementary Education, Dallas Baptist University.
B.M. (1980). Piano Performance, Trinity University. Student of Karl Leifheit.

Associations

Texas Association for the Education of Young Children Co-Chair, Publications Committee (2012-2016)
Dallas Association for the Education of Young Children Co-President (2015-2017)
MIGHTY! Men for Young Texans - MyT
www.MenTeach.org
International Reading Association www.Reading.org
Children’s Literature and Reading Special Interest Group http://clrsig.org/nbgs.php
National Council of Teachers of Mathematics www.nctm.org
American Montessori Society http://amshq.org/
Tyler St. United Methodist Church, Oak Cliff, Texas www.tsumc.org
Village Tech Schools, Cedar Hill, Texas www.villagetechschools.org

Dr. Josh Thompson

Department of Curriculum & Instruction