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

> **NIH NIH R43** · FINNEGAN THE DRAGON, INC · 2024 · $294,542

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Children ages 2-6 are experiencing a steady decline in speech and language development rates. Lack of a
developmentally appropriate preschool curriculum with technology that supports active speech and language
development is nonexistent due to lack of oversight and regulations of preschool learning outcomes and access
to high quality and affordable educational products, and a commercial media industry exploiting these deficits.
Existing products also increase consumption of harmful passive screentime. Grounded in research in the fields
of speech-first instruction, inclusive music, and single character-driven narratives, Finnegan the Dragon has
created a classroom instructional system that supports functional and grammatical language development with
technology that addresses passive screen time consumption with all children. Finnegan the Dragon is a speech-
to-print preschool curricula and mobile gaming app that targets speech and early literacy skill development that
does not introduce the harmful effects of passive screen time. Modular units of instruction focused on sound
development are used by classroom teachers to instruct children in phonological awareness. The mobile gaming
app features extend classroom learning into the home, providing students and families with extended
opportunities to practice and master targeted speech and language milestones. The goal of Finnegan the Dragon
is to reinvent the nature of curriculum designed for preschool-aged children using technology paired with
classroom learning for more inclusive and impactful instruction. In this Phase I project, we will establish baseline
efficacy, usability, and adoptability of the Finnegan the Dragon learning system. Baseline efficacy will be
demonstrated by improvement of speech and language acquisition in children ages 3-4. Achievement of the
Phase I Aims will prepare the product for Phase II expansion of the classroom curricula to more precisely address
developmental milestones between ages 2-6 and increase usability and adaptability rates. The total available
market for preschool learners in the United States is 4.2M children, and our target market is the 2.1M children
enrolled in formal preschool learning institutions. The preschool market segmentations are made up of small,
mid-sized, large and national institutions who spend close to $65M annually in curriculum products. Our path to
market targets mid to large-sized institutions that serve between 500-15,000 students per region or district. We
have strategically partnered with Head Start of Oregon to validate classroom use and efficacy for large
institutions. We have also partnered with Vooks.com to drive customer acquisition for mid-sized institutions. Our
technology is currently patent pending and our branded materials are protected under copyright and trademark
law.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10919549
- **Project number:** 1R43HD115460-01
- **Recipient organization:** FINNEGAN THE DRAGON, INC
- **Principal Investigator:** Emily John Cadiz
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $294,542
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-17 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10919549

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10919549, Development of preschool speech-to-print curricula with online gaming technology for early language development (1R43HD115460-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10919549. Licensed CC0.

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