Latina Mothers' Engagement in Young Children's Math Learning: Conceptions of Math and Socialization Practices

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 32
  In Roundtable Session: Learning and Socialization in STEM Education: Perspectives on Engagement, Language Learning, and Teacher Gesturing

Abstract

This study addressed the role that the home plays, particularly around the start of formal schooling, in facilitating children’s math learning. Although research on home influences is a burgeoning area, there has been limited research with Latino families, one of the fastest growing racial/ethnic groups in the U.S. Using a mixed-methods approach and data from 47 foreign-born Latina mothers of children in preschool through first grade, we examined mothers’ socialization (beliefs and practices) of children’s math skills and their conceptualization of math (knowledge and attitudes). The study combined two empirical traditions —mainstream conceptualizations of and sociocultural approaches to parental engagement. Results will inform interventions to improve Latino children’s math skills by capitalizing on the strengths found within children’s homes.

Authors

• Claudia Lucia Galindo, University of Maryland - College Park

• Susan Sonnenschein, University of Maryland - Baltimore County

• Angélica Montoya-Ávila, University of Maryland - College Park