Effects of the Project Approach on Preschoolers with Diverse Abilities

Mixed methods were used to study the impact of the Project Approach, a curriculum component that can engage and motivate children to participate in learning activities, on the play behaviors and language development of preschoolers. Participants included 4 children with disabilities and 4 children identified as at-risk. Six adults received support to implement the Project Approach. Choice time was videotaped over 14 weeks to assess the impact of the Project Approach on play levels and MLUm. Results showed that play behavior and language development were positively affected following implementation of the Project Approach. In addition, adults perceived the Project Approach as having a positive impact on children's vocabulary development and play behavior. Limitations and suggestions for research and practice are discussed.