Fostering a "Head Start" in Math: Observing Teachers in Early Childhood Mathematics Engagement

• In Event: Roundtable Session 9
  In Roundtable Session: STEM Learning and Instruction in Early Childhood Education

Abstract

This paper explores the pedagogical strategies utilized by educators to engage children in mathematics in over sixty Head Start classrooms of southwestern Pennsylvania. Participants underwent innovative professional development that integrated trans-media content from an animated television series designed to help young children learn age-appropriate math concepts and skills. During the following school year, a series of teacher observations were conducted and data were analyzed. Findings from this study expand our knowledge base of effective mathematics instruction specific to the context of Head Start classrooms.

Authors

• Everett Herman, University of Pittsburgh

• Tracy Pelkowski, University of Pittsburgh

• Dana Marie Winters, University of Pittsburgh

• Keith W. Trahan, University of Pittsburgh

• Cynthia A. Tananis, University of Pittsburgh

• Mallary I. Swartz, The Fred Rogers Company

• Nancy Bunt, Allegheny Intermediate Unit 3