Creating a preschool curriculum using gaming to improve speech and language skills

Development of preschool speech-to-print curricula with online gaming technology for early language development

NIH-funded research Finnegan the Dragon, INC · NIH-10919549

This study is testing a fun new preschool program called Finnegan the Dragon, which uses online games to help kids aged 2-6 improve their speech and language skills while making learning enjoyable and interactive, both in the classroom and at home.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 1 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFinnegan the Dragon, INC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hillsboro, United States)
Project IDNIH-10919549 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a preschool curriculum that integrates online gaming technology to enhance speech and language development in children aged 2-6. The program, called Finnegan the Dragon, aims to provide a structured instructional system that promotes active engagement in learning while minimizing harmful passive screen time. It combines classroom instruction with a mobile app that allows children and their families to practice speech and literacy skills at home. By utilizing modular units of instruction, teachers can effectively support children's phonological awareness and language development.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 2-6 who are in preschool or early childhood education settings.

Not a fit: Children who are older than 6 years or those who do not attend preschool may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early language development and literacy skills in preschool-aged children.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that integrating technology into early education can enhance learning outcomes, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

Hillsboro, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.