Fullerton Study Tests New Kindergarten Literacy

A local graduate research study shows that kindergarteners can successfully engage in advanced disciplinary literacy.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Primary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of a miniature woven reed boat, representing the investigative tools used in a new kindergarten literacy study. — A recent study from Cal State Fullerton suggests kindergarten students can successfully grasp advanced disciplinary literacy through hands-on artifact investigation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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

Fullerton graduate student Heidi Gerard recently completed a five-month study exploring how disciplinary literacy practices can be applied in kindergarten classrooms. The research, presented this summer at the Cal State Fullerton Summer Symposium, focused on enhancing learning through artifact analysis and collaborative investigation.

Why it matters

Gerard launched this study to bridge a significant gap in academic literature regarding disciplinary literacy strategies for lower elementary education. Her findings encourage teachers to introduce critical inquiry techniques to young students, potentially shifting early instructional approaches.

The study spanned a five-month duration within a kindergarten setting. Findings were recently presented following the conclusion of the research project.

The players

Heidi Gerard

A graduate student in the literacy and reading education program at Cal State Fullerton who led the kindergarten research study.

Cal State Fullerton

A public university in California that supports graduate research through programs like the Engaging Graduate Students in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities initiative.

The details

In the classroom, students practiced disciplinary literacy by investigating historical artifacts and analyzing photographs, including a hands-on study of a tule reed boat. These lessons were supplemented by a field trip to the Oakland Museum of California, where children engaged in evidence-based discussions to build meaning from objects. This hands-on method aims to help young children develop investigative skills typically reserved for older students.

The research study took place over a five-month period.
Heidi Gerard presented her findings at the Summer Symposium during summer 2026.

The Home Front

This study follows a pattern set by the Engaging Graduate Students in Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities program, which promotes academic development for graduate students. The project reflects a broader shift in early education toward incorporating critical literacy skills at younger grade levels.

Parents of young learners can engage children at home by asking them to describe and analyze physical objects or museum artifacts in detail. This practice mimics the classroom investigation techniques that encourage observational and inquiry-based learning.

The takeaway

Heidi Gerard's research suggests that even kindergarteners can benefit from investigative learning when given the right materials. Parents can support this by encouraging their children to treat everyday household items as artifacts worthy of detailed observation and discussion.