(Commerce)—American schoolchildren lag behind other countries in math and science, but David L. Brown, a professor of early childhood education at Texas A&M University-Commerce, is doing his best to change that.
David
L. Brown (A&M-Commerce photo by Lorraine Pace)
Brown is a national educational adviser to "Sesame Street," and recently returned from a meeting in New York City to participate in the curriculum seminar of the educational television program that reaches preschool audiences around the world. He goes to New York once a year to work with the show’s writers and producers.
"It's wonderful to see "Sesame Street" incorporate math and science concepts following my suggestion to Sesame Workshop, the producers of the show," Brown said.
"Sesame Street" is screened in 26 countries worldwide and is entering its 28th season. Preschool children between the ages of 2 to 5 are its prime audience. It also uses various platforms to get its messages across, like books, music and games.
"We have worked hard at establishing how best we can help young children develop literacy and language skills, even developing curriculum materials that teachers can use in the classroom,” Brown said.
"Many teachers watched 'Sesame Street' as young children so they have a personal connection from those years; however, many don't know about the curriculum materials," he said. According to Brown, they can be seamlessly integrated into existing literacy lesson plans.
Brown was asked to become involved with “Sesame Street” after speaking at a National Association for the Education of Young Children Conference. Other advisers include former education commissioner Susan Neuman, and Catherine Snow, the Harvard professor whose report "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children" is highly regarded.
"My children watched 'Sesame Street' 30 years ago and I remember watching it with them,” Brown said. “I never thought I would have the opportunity to influence the literacy development of kids through one of the most powerful shows in the world. It's a warm feeling.”
Brown said that that while many impoverished homes may not have a computer, virtually all have a television. This means that the program reaches those children whose development might otherwise be at risk.
The real challenge is, he said, getting parents to watch educational television with their children. "They need someone who will talk to them about what they are seeing, someone who will ask them questions and engage their thinking."
Part of Brown's role is to ensure the skills taught by the show are in line with education standards and are age appropriate. The show receives federal funding and thus must demonstrate how it impacts literacy development in young children.
"Letter recognition is one of the most powerful predictors of a child's success in reading," said Brown. "Children must know their ABCs."
The program incorporates the alphabet, letter sounds, rhyming, alliteration, vocabulary development, story structure, sign language and many of the other fundamentals of early reading and writing.
For a long time "Sesame Street" was the only show of its kind on television, but now competitors like "Between the Lions" and Disney snap at its heels.
"Sesame Street" is responding by developing material for infants and toddlers and by partnering with Zero to Three, the nation's leading resource on early development. "I suspect some wonderful things will result," said Brown.
Brown is a leader in the preschool movement and a recognized researcher in the areas of emergent literacy and early childhood education. He has served on numerous boards, and his research and writings are featured in peer-reviewed journals. He received his bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees from A&M-Commerce.
A 30-year veteran A&M-Commerce faculty member, Brown started his career as
a kindergarten teacher in the Dallas Independent School District, little dreaming
that Elmo, Big Bird and the Cookie Monster would one day be among his "bestest" friends. 