Katie Anderson

October 21, 2015

Intern-Mentor G/T, Period 6
Social and Academic Success at a Young Age
Research Question:
What is the most important factor in a childs academic and social success from age five to age
ten?
Hypothesis:
In Elementary school, the most important factor for a childs academic success is the home
environment of the child, and how their parents assist them and encourage them academically.
Socially, the most important factor is how the teacher of the child incorporates social activities in
the classroom.
Background/History of Issue:
It has been found that at a young age, some kids are more successful academically and/or
socially than others. There are many factors that contribute to this such as: how involved a
childs parents are, the amount of time a child spends on electronic devices, the teachers
teaching skills, how often the child reads, and who kids associate with. Some other factors are
the type of school the child goes to (private, public, Catholic, etc.), and financially, how the child
is supported. Many kids are not as fortunate as others financially, and this often affects a child
academically. Socially, some kids spend hours on electronic devices, while others are limited to a
certain amount of time watching television, or playing games on a device. There are so many
factors as to why some kids excel more at a young age, but some may be more important than
others. What is the most important factor, and what can be done to raise awareness of the answer
to this question?

Rationale:
1

Katie Anderson
October 21, 2015
Intern-Mentor G/T, Period 6
This research is important because many parents, teachers, and kids are unaware that some things
have a direct correlation to how successful they are in elementary school. Often times parents are
unaware that they are role models for their children academically, and socially. Teachers are also
very big role models for young kids, and if they do not incorporate social skills, or teach
effectively, it can harm a childs education and how their students interact with others. If students
do not care about their education, and do not want to learn, it can be detrimental to their
education.
Basis of Hypothesis:
I separated my hypothesis into two main points. Academically, the most important factor for a
childs success is their parents. Based on my research so far, parents are either extremely
involved in their childs education, or their childs education is not a main priority. For example,
some parents read to their kids at home, limit television time, and financially support their childs
education through buying books, getting extra help for their child, etc. If a child is being
supported and encouraged at home, they will be successful academically. Most of my research so
far has supported this hypothesis. Socially, the most important factor for success is how the
teacher of the child incorporates social activities in the classroom. In an elementary school
classroom, there are many students which means there are many opportunities for social
interactions. It is the perfect environment to build social skills and these opportunities should not
be missed out on.
Operational Definitions:
Academic Success: In Elementary School, grasping new concepts in reading,
math, grammar, writing, science, and social studies. As stated in my hypothesis, academic

Katie Anderson
October 21, 2015
Intern-Mentor G/T, Period 6
success is achieved when a student can learn and apply the concepts learned in the classes
previously listed.
Social Success: In Elementary School, being able to appropriately interact with
others.
Descriptors Used for Literature Search:

Education and the home environment

Private school versus Public School
Kids excelling more than others at a young age
Early education and academic success/skills
Early education and social success/skills
Correlation between success in elementary school and success in high school and

college