Kindergarten Mathematics Research Articles

Problems and Countermeasures of Mathematics Teaching at Transition from Kindergarten to Primary School

The state attaches great importance to the articulation between kindergarten and primary school, and there is an objective "vacuum" in the teaching of mathematics in kindergarten and primary school. Through questionnaires and interviews, we understand the current situation of mathematics teaching in X city, and summarize the five problems of mathematics teaching in the early childhood and primary school convergence according to the current situation. although the overall awareness of the early childhood and primary school convergence is high, the participation of both sides is not balanced; the convergence of educational objectives is superficial; the educational content is repetitive; the convergence of educational methods is not strong; and the educational evaluation lacks scientificity. By analyzing the problems, this study gives suggestions in five ways, namely, cohesion must have a basis, cohesion must have talent, cohesion must have a method, cohesion must have a sequence and cohesion must have an effect, hoping to promote the effective articulation of ECE and primary mathematics teaching.

Evaluating a gated screening approach for identifying risk in kindergarten mathematics.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of different universal screening approaches for identifying mathematics difficulties in kindergarteners. We used extant data from 2,010 kindergarten students from 23 schools across two states. First, we identified the diagnostic accuracy of two individual screeners: (a) a set of three curriculum-based measures (CBM) and (b) a diagnostic measure, the Number Sense Brief (NSB). Then, we determined the diagnostic accuracy of a gated screening approach considering both the CBM and NSB. The criterion measure was a norm-referenced mathematics achievement test. The results indicated that area under the curve values met or exceeded .80 for both individual screeners; however, the number of false positives was high. The gated screening approach yielded fewer false positives at the expense of increasing false negatives. Directions for future research and the practical implications of the results for screening in kindergarten mathematics are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

A Mathematics Intervention in Kindergarten Using Shel Silverstein’s “The Missing Piece Meets the Big O”: Early Childhood Educators’ Perceptions on a Teaching Framework Integrating Literature in Mathematics-Related Concepts

Teaching mathematics in kindergarten necessitates interdisciplinary methods. By merging different disciplines, educators should create an environment conducive to learning, equipped with diverse materials, which allows children to engage with mathematical concepts through play, observation, and read-aloud stories. The aim of the present study is to explore early childhood educators’ perceptions of a teaching framework integrating literature in mathematics-related concepts. The hypothesis is that a mathematics intervention using Shel Silverstein’s “The missing piece meets the big O” could affect the teaching of mathematics in kindergarten. In this action research, twenty-four (n=24) early childhood educators participated by implementing the intervention and completing a semi-structured questionnaire. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential statistical analysis that was used to compare the mean scores of the two parts of the questionnaire before and after the intervention. Results show that educators were more positively inclined to use picturebooks as a stimulus for approaching mathematics-related concepts and creating a demarcated and inviting space for learning mathematics. Their answers lead to the assumption that a clear and concise framework, which integrates literature in mathematics and offers specific phases with activities would facilitate their teaching process. The notable deviation in their answers before and after the intervention demonstrates the extent to which the intervention affected their perceptions. Discussion of findings highlights the need for the Greek curriculum for preschool education to offer methodological recommendations for the integration of picturebooks in the teaching of mathematics.

Examining the relations between interventionists' use of classroom management and student mathematics gains within a Tier 2 kindergarten mathematics intervention

AbstractEffective classroom management is critical to supporting student learning and success in school. However, little research has focused specifically on the impact of classroom management on student mathematics achievement, especially in the early elementary grades or in a small group (i.e., Tier 2) context. To address this need we investigated the relationship between classroom management and student mathematics achievement within the context of ROOTS, a validated Tier 2 kindergarten mathematics intervention taught by paraprofessionals. Results show that the quality of classroom management within the ROOTS intervention predicted gains in student mathematics achievement from pretest to posttest. These findings have critical implications for practitioners, including the importance of integrating effective classroom management techniques into Tier 2 mathematics intervention groups and supporting paraprofessionals' knowledge and use of effective classroom management.

Developing the Write Reasoning in Kindergarten Mathematics

Learn how to introduce kindergarteners to mathematical writing and develop their ability to reason and communicate their thinking to others.

Views of Students’ of Pedagogical Departments on the Teaching of Mathematics in Kindergarten

The purpose of this research was to explain why many people do not like mathematics and find it difficult because it is difficult to understand or because a teacher they had did not give the appropriate weight. The methodology used in this research was the quantitative method. The sample was collected through electronic questionnaires involving sixty-three (63) participants from pedagogical departments. The following survey shows the main results of the research, more specifically, that negative emotions about mathematics are more prevalent. The three main elements that characterize the successful teaching approach of mathematics at school are the transmission of knowledge by the teacher, the approach of knowledge through play, and the selection of appropriate activities. While the two most appropriate ways of approaching mathematics in kindergarten are through play but also through investigation and discovery by the child based on the participants’ answers.

Does Variability Within Tier 2 Mathematics Intervention Groups Affect Students’ Response to Intervention?

The effectiveness of Tier 2 interventions may depend on the variability of student skills within an intervention group. We investigated the effect of pretest variability within intervention groups using data from a large-scale study of ROOTS, a Tier 2 kindergarten mathematics intervention. Our research questions were as follows: Does mathematics pretest variability within ROOTS groups predict student gains from the intervention, and is this relationship moderated by (a) intervention group size (two- vs. five-student groups), (b) quality of explicit instruction, or (c) group-level initial skill? We found that ROOTS groups with greater pretest variability on a closely aligned mathematics measure experienced smaller gains from the intervention. This association was more impactful in larger intervention groups (i.e., five-student groups compared with two-student groups) and in groups with higher quality of explicit instruction. We unpack these findings and conclude with recommendations for practice and future research.

Teaching Mathematics in Kindergarten: How Does Instruction Differ by Classroom Ability?

Background/Context: Kindergarten mathematics instruction is critical for students’ future academic success. The nature and quality of this instruction may vary depending on classroom characteristics. However, little empirical work has examined how mathematics instruction in kindergarten might differ based on classroom performance levels. Purpose, Objective, Research Question, or Focus of Study: This study focuses on whether kindergarten teachers’ mathematics instructional practices differ based on reported performance levels of students in the classroom. In particular, we focused on whether mathematics instructional time, as well as the extent to which teachers use traditional versus ambitious mathematics practices, differed based on teaching a higher proportion of children performing below grade level. Research Design: This study used a nationally representative dataset of approximately 2,900 kindergarten teachers from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, Kindergarten Class of 2010–11. With these data, the study utilized a model that compared teachers to each other within the same school (i.e., school fixed effects). Conclusions or Recommendations: This study found that mathematics instructional time did not differ based on the proportion of children reported to be below grade level in the classroom. However, how teachers taught mathematics differed: teachers who reported having a greater percentage of students performing below grade level used ambitious practices less frequently. These findings were not moderated by measures of teacher background or teachers’ reported expectations of their students.

Implementation Factors and Their Influence on Student Mathematics Outcomes

Assessing implementation allows for a better understanding of an intervention's effects and the mechanisms that influence its impact. Two main areas of implementation are (a) the quality with which an intervention is delivered and (b) instructors’ adherence to the programmed intervention. The current study used data from a kindergarten mathematics intervention program to (a) examine if and how treatment adherence was associated with implementation quality and (b) explore implementation measures’ relation to student mathematics outcomes. Results indicated high implementation scores across time for both adherence and quality. Neither treatment adherence nor implementation quality was found to relate to a general outcome measure of student mathematics achievement; however, both were similarly related to the curricular–aligned measure.

STEAM интеграция на изкуствата и математиката в детската градина

The article analyzes the essence of the approach to the integration of arts and mathematics and its role in the formation of the universal 4K skills (creativity, communication, cooperation, criticality) in children of preschool age. A comparison of STEM and STEAM is made, describing their methods for forming the four groups of skills of the 4K system. Three types of curricula are distinguished in which art is used as an end or a means of learning. A model of the integration of arts and mathematics to develop creative and active personalities is presented. Ideas and examples of thematic projects for the integration of visual and theatrical activities in the teaching of mathematics in kindergarten are given.

PENGGUNAAN PAPAN SEMAT SEBAGAI MEDIA PENGENALAN KONSEP MATEMATIKA PADA ANAK USIA 5-6 TAHUN

This study aims to introduce the concept of mathematics for children aged 5-6 years with fun educational media, namely the pinned board. Pinboard is one of the learning media that is used by pinning. The introduction of mathematics in kindergarten is still fairly low because it only learns concepts and number symbols, addition, and subtraction. Therefore, the readiness of preschool children in understanding mathematical concepts must still be given further stimulation by using various interesting and easy media. This type of research is a descriptive qualitative method with an observation data collection process. The results of this study explain that the introduction of mathematical concepts with the semat board media in children aged 5-6 years at the State Kindergarten Pembina Serang City is quite good, because the children in the kindergarten can already mention the number symbols, triangular, circular and square shapes and can also count the number of shapes contained on the pinned board. The subjects in this observation were 5 children, where there were 2 children who had difficulty in doing this, therefore the researcher tried to make creative media and not that in order to support the math learning process.

A Conceptual Replication of a Kindergarten Math Intervention Within the Context of a Research-Based Core

We replicated a study of a kindergarten mathematics intervention, ROOTS, delivered in the context of a research-based core program. We randomly assigned 62 classrooms to treatment (ROOTS) or a business-as-usual control. All classrooms implemented the research-based core program (Early Learning in Mathematics). Participants included 163 treatment students and 145 control students nested within classrooms. Key differences between the current replication study and the original study included geographical region, instructional context, and student initial skill. In contrast to the significant positive effects (Hedges’s g values of .30 to .38) found in the original study, no significant differences were found between the treatment and control conditions in this study (Hedges’s g values of –.09 to .12) Pretest skills did not moderate treatment effects. We discuss these results’ implications for replication research and evaluating intervention efficacy.

Why do early mathematics skills predict later mathematics and reading achievement? The role of executive function

A robust association between young children’s early mathematical proficiency and later academic achievement is well established. Less is known about the mechanisms through which early mathematics skills may contribute to later mathematics and especially reading achievement. Using a parallel multiple mediator model, the current study investigated whether executive function (integration of working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility) can explain the relations between early mathematics skills and elementary school mathematics and reading achievement. Data in this longitudinal study were collected from 243 children during the last year of early childhood education and care (kindergarten ages 5 and 6 years), 1 year later in first grade, and 5 years later when the children were in fifth grade. Background variables (maternal education, age, sex, and immigrant status), kindergarten baseline skills, and mediating effects of first-grade mathematics, phonological awareness, vocabulary, and possible omitted variables were controlled. Results showed that first-grade executive function mediated the effects of kindergarten mathematics on fifth-grade mathematics and on reading achievement. These findings suggest that executive function may work as a mechanism that may help to explain the frequently found strong association between children’s early mathematics skills and later mathematics and reading achievement.

Application of Living Situational Teaching in Kindergarten Mathematics Activities

Application of Living Situational Teaching in Kindergarten Mathematics Activities

Kindergarteners at Risk for Severe Mathematics Difficulties: Investigating Tipping Points of Core Mathematics Instruction

A concerning number of students enter kindergarten facing an intractable variation of mathematics difficulties (MD). This study investigated the impact of an explicit, core kindergarten mathematics program on the mathematical outcomes of kindergartners who demonstrated risk for severe MD at kindergarten entry and examined whether these students improved from a category of high MD risk (i.e., <10th percentile) to a lower risk of MD (i.e., norm-referenced performance at or above the 10th, 20th, 30th, and 40th percentiles) between the fall and spring of kindergarten. Differential response to the program based on the classroom-level proportion of students with severe MD was also explored. A total of 795 kindergarteners with severe MD from 122 classrooms were included in the analyses. Results suggested students with severe MD in treatment classrooms improved from fall to spring at a greater rate than their control peers. Treatment students also demonstrated higher rates of improvement from below the 10th percentile to a performance at or above the 20th, 30th, and 40th percentiles across the school year. No evidence of differential efficacy of the program by the classroom-level proportion of students with severe MD was found. Implications for using explicit mathematics programs to thwart the onset of severe MD among academically vulnerable students are discussed.

Examining the Efficacy of a Kindergarten Mathematics Intervention by Group Size and Initial Skill

AbstractThis study examined whether the efficacy of ROOTS, a 50-lesson mathematics intervention program focused on whole number concepts for at-risk kindergarten students, differed by group size an...

Finding patterns in objects and numbers: Repeating patterning in pre-K predicts kindergarten mathematics knowledge

Both recent evidence and research-based early mathematics curricula indicate that repeating patterns—predictable sequences that follow a rule—are a topic of major importance for mathematics development. The purpose of the current study was to help build a theory for how early repeating patterning knowledge contributes to early math development, focusing on development in children aged 4–6 years. The current study examined the relation between 65 preschool children’s repeating patterning knowledge (via a fast, teacher-friendly measure) and their end-of-kindergarten broad math and numeracy knowledge, controlling for verbal and visual-spatial working memory (WM) skills as well as end-of-pre-K (pre-kindergarten) broad math knowledge. Relations were also examined between repeating patterning and specific aspects of numeracy knowledge—knowledge of the count sequence to 100 and the successor principle. Children’s repeating patterning knowledge was significantly predictive of their broad math and general numeracy knowledge, as well as one specific aspect of their numeracy knowledge (counting to 100), even after controlling for verbal and visual-spatial WM skills. Further, repeating patterning knowledge remained a unique predictor of general numeracy knowledge and counting to 100 after controlling for end-of-pre-K broad math knowledge. The relation between repeating patterning and mathematics may be explained by the central role that identifying predictable sequences based on underlying rules plays in both. Theories of math development and early math instruction standards should thus give even greater attention to the role of children’s repeating patterning knowledge.

Executive functioning as a predictor of children’s mathematics, reading and writing

Executive functioning (EF) in early childhood predicts both concurrent and future academic achievement. Nevertheless, few studies have investigated the potential pathways through which this might occur. The present study compared two models through which EF might plausibly predict academic outcomes 1 year later. Structural equation modelling analyses were conducted on a longitudinal dataset from 176 children at the end of Kindergarten (age M = 5 years, 8 months; SD = 4.02 months) and 1 year later (age M = 6 years, 5 months; SD = 3.65 months). Kindergarten EF predicted Year 1 mathematics and handwriting automaticity only via Kindergarten mathematics and handwriting automaticity, respectively. In contrast, Kindergarten EF predicted Year 1 reading and writing quality directly, as well as indirectly via Kindergarten reading and handwriting automaticity, respectively. These results suggest that EF predicts later achievement via early achievement, and also predicts longitudinal growth potential independently of early academic achievement.

Student–teacher dialectic in the co-creation of a zone of proximal development: an example from kindergarten mathematics

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on a case study which explores the co-creation of a zone of proximal development (ZPD) in a mathematics teaching-learning activity in a Norwegian kindergarten. To capture the complexity of teaching and learning mathematics in kindergarten the study uses qualitative methods within an interpretative paradigm. The findings illustrate how a five-year-old girl and a kindergarten teacher co-create a ZPD by expanding each other’s action possibilities, and how the co-creation is fundamentally based on mutual trust and responsibility. The results give insights into how mathematical learning possibilities may be promoted in kindergarten. The study illustrates the importance of being receptive to children’s contributions and, above all, to trust children’s abilities to take responsibility for moving mathematical teaching-learning activities forward.

Practices more likely to occur in kindergarten mathematics teachers’ instruction when English learners are present

Considering the rising proportion of English learners (ELs) in general education, little is known about how this change in classroom composition relates to the frequency of instructional activities and skills. This study uses a multimodal perspective on learning mathematics in a multilingual context, which recognizes the diverse modes of communication that students draw on in mathematics classrooms. We examined national data using quantitative analyses and investigated the mathematics practices that were more likely to occur in kindergarten classrooms that did and did not have ELs. We found teachers reported greater frequency of manipulatives and count/calendar activities in mathematics instruction when there were EL students in the classroom. Teachers in classrooms with ELs also reported a greater frequency of mathematics content that involved teaching shapes and practical skills. The findings indicate that teachers tended towards a supportive multimodal approach to instruction when ELs were present.