Improving Preschoolers’ Numerical Abilities by Enhancing the Home Numeracy Environment

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Research Findings: Young children develop numeracy competencies during interactions with more knowledgeable others. Such interactions typically occur in the home numeracy environment (HNE). In this study a nonintensive intervention procedure was developed to improve both the HNE and numerical competencies. All parents of 113 Australian children (age 4 years, 5 months, on average at the beginning of the study) were invited to participate in a 2-part intervention that included attending 1 group meeting at which information regarding the HNE was provided and participating in an additional individual session that introduced them to the principles of counting. The HNE and children’s num..