About

Who we are

The Early Language and Literacy Investigations (ELLI) lab is a research group organized by faculty in the department of Human Development and Family Studies at Michigan State University. ELLI serves as a resource for both undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of disciplines across campus who are interested in young children's language and literacy development. This research group engages students in research in this area, providing students with opportunities to be involved in every step of the research process, from data collection to manuscript preparation.

Please explore our website and let us know if you have any questions about the ELLI Lab.

WE WANT YOU TO BE AN ELLI LAB GRADUATE STUDENT!
Faculty in the ELLI lab are seeking strong graduate students interested in studying language and literacy development for young children.

Learn More About Graduate Study In The ELLI Lab!

THE ELLI LAB IS HIRING POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH SCHOLARS!
The Early Language and Literacy Investigations Lab is hiring a postdoctoral researcher to join a productive and collaborative research team led by PIs Ryan Bowles, Hope Gerde, and Lori Skibbe. The research associate will contribute to ELLI lab research and assist with several large federally-funded projects focused on early childhood language and literacy development. This position offers an opportunity to work on all aspects of the research process: data collection in educational settings, advanced statistical analyses, dissemination through publications, presentations and other practitioner-oriented venues, and development of grant applications. The position is open immediately with start date to be negotiated, and renews yearly for up to two years, with the possibility of a third year (depending on federal grant funding). Interested candidates are strongly encouraged to apply!

Interested applicants should submit the following materials via the online MSU job portal (careers.msu.edu) to posting #539117:

Cover letter detailing the applicant’s research interests and fit with the position
Curriculum vitae
Scholarly writing sample
Names and contact information for three references who will only be contacted if the department requests

Applications from individuals with disabilities and minorities are encouraged.

Media coverage of investigators from our lab

Skibbe, L. E., Montroy J. J., Bowles, R. P., & Morrison, F. J. (in press). Self-regulation and the development of literacy and language achievement from preschool through second grade. Early Childhood Research Quarterly.
4 Keys to Teaching Literacy and Language with the Yoga Alphabet
MSU Today, Honing children's language and literacy skills, May 24, 2018
Michigan Radio, MSU study links 'self-regulation' with early development of language and literacy skills,
         May 26, 2018
Futurity.com, Kids learn language faster when they can self-regulate, May 29, 2018

Gerde, H. K., Bingham, G. E., & Bowles, R. P. iWRITE teacher professional development program funded by the US Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences.
News 6, WLNS.com, Preschoolers may soon be enriched with more writing, February 8, 2018

Gerde, H. K., Pierce, S. J., Lee, K. S., & Van Egeren, L. A. (2018). Early childhood educators’ self-efficacy in science, math, and literacy instruction and science practice in the classroom. Early Education and Development.
     MSU Today, Preschool teachers need better training in science. September 26, 2017
Reddit, September 27, 2017
MiAEYC Weekly Newsletter, September 27, 2017, emailed to all MiAEYC members
   Michigan Radio, MSU study finds need for more math and science instruction in preschools, October 2, 2017
         Business Standard, Teaching science concepts in early childhood may be beneficial, September 27, 2017
Education Week, Helping preschool teachers shake off fear of science education, October 6, 2017

Skibbe, L. B is for bug when preschoolers make nature their classroom.
PBS Newshour, Aug. 15, 2017.

Montroy, J. J., Bowles, R. P. Skibbe, L.E., McClelland, M., & Morrison, F. J. (2016). The development of self-regulation across early childhood. Developmental Psychology, 52, 1744-1762.
            MSU Today, Oct. 2016
            Daily Mail, Oct. 2016
            Futurity, Oct. 2016
            PsychCentral, Oct. 2016
            Science Daily, Oct. 2016
            Parents.com, Oct. 2016
            Consumer Affairs, Oct. 2016
            Fox 47 News, Oct. 2016
            NewKerala.com, Oct. 2016
            Kinstantly, Nov. 2016

Skibbe, L. E., Bindman, S. W. Hindman, A. M., Aram, D., & Morrison, F. J. (2013). Longitudinal relations between parental writing and preschoolers' language and literacy skills. Reading Research Quarterly, 48, 387-401.
            Voice of Literacy, Nov 2013

Skibbe, L. E., Connor, C. M., Morrison, F. J., & Jewkes A. (2011). Schooling effects on preschoolers' self-regulation, early literacy, and language growth. Early Childhood Research Quarterly, 26, 42-49.
          Nwi.com, February 2011
Michigan Radio, February 2011