Family partnership program addresses early childhood obesity

A family partnership program developed by University of Nebraska researchers shows promise for addressing challenges related to early childhood obesity.
With an interdisciplinary team representing three Nebraska campuses, Brandy Clarke, assistant professor at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, led a pilot study for the program: Partners in Health: In it Together (PHIT).
Team develops virtual reality game to teach children healthy habits

Trees line the horizon under a bright, cloudless sky. It’s a typical outdoor scene — except for the giant pineapple soaring overhead.
Kindergarteners playing the virtual reality game must make a decision: What is the name of the fruit they see?

With $15 Google Cardboard glasses and an interdisciplinary research team, Changmin Yan, associate professor of advertising and public relations, has created an immersive experience to encourage healthy habits for young children in rural communities — particularly those from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
CYFS releases 2016-17 Annual Report

CYFS has released its annual report for the 2016 fiscal year, which ran from July 2016 to June 2017.
This report features research using technology — including tablets, fMRI scanners and virtual reality — to explore questions related to children’s learning and development. It highlights international research in Brazil and Tanzania. And it includes projects taking place in Nebraska communities, from classrooms in Lincoln to after-school programs in rural school districts.
Study: Strong parent-teacher ties drive positive outcomes for rural children

When parents and teachers work together, student behavior improves, along with their academic and social skills, according to a recent CYFS study.
Using the research-based program known as Teachers and Parents as Partners, the study examined how emphasis on strong relationships between schools and families in rural communities affects children’s outcomes. TAPP supports collaboration between teachers and parents to enhance students’ academic and social skills, and behavior.
Rural education research webinar is Oct. 18
CYFS is presenting a free rural education research webinar Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 11 a.m. to noon Central Standard Time. The webinar is open to all rural practitioners at school, district, state, and regional levels who routinely collaborate with researchers to design and implement educational research activities.