Fullerton Graduate Student Studies Kindergarten Literacy

Heidi Gerard implemented a new disciplinary literacy research project for young students during the 2026 academic period.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Primary Education

Fullerton Graduate Student Studies Kindergarten Literacy

Live Poll

Should schools introduce complex critical thinking and historical research skills to kindergarten students?

Heidi Gerard, a graduate student at Cal State Fullerton, concluded a five-month research study exploring disciplinary literacy in kindergarten classrooms. The project centered on teaching students to investigate historical artifacts and photographs.

Why it matters

This research addresses a significant gap in academic literature regarding the use of disciplinary literacy practices in lower elementary education. Gerard aims to provide educators with evidence-based strategies to improve instructional approaches for young learners.

The study spanned a 5-month duration as part of the Engaging Graduate Students in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities program. This initiative receives partial funding support from the U.S. Department of Education.

The players

Heidi Gerard

She is a graduate student in the literacy and reading education program at Cal State Fullerton who led the kindergarten research project.

Cal State Fullerton

This is a public university located in California that serves as the home institution for the research study.

U.S. Department of Education

This is a federal executive department that provides partial financial support for the Engaging Graduate Students in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities program.

The details

Kindergarten students engaged with classroom lessons involving the investigation of historical items, including a tule reed boat. Participants also visited the Oakland Museum of California to practice evidence-based analysis and collaborative discussions.

The research study spanned a five-month period.
Heidi Gerard presented her findings during the summer of 2026.

Culture Shift

This study aligns with the broader institutional goal of the Engaging Graduate Students in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities program to integrate advanced research into primary education. It reflects a growing movement to challenge traditional instructional methods for early learners.

Local educators may find new utility in these instructional practices when designing their own classroom lesson plans for young children. Parents might notice an increased focus on analytical skills and artifact-based learning within the kindergarten curriculum.

The takeaway

Integrating complex analytical tasks into early education can help build foundational critical thinking skills in young learners. Teachers are encouraged to adopt similar artifact-based methods to engage students in deeper collaborative investigation.