The Home Mathematics Environment of Dual Language Learner Children and Their Early Mathematics Skills

• In Event: Factors Contributing to Young Children's Learning in Mathematics

Abstract

This study examined whether the home mathematics environment (HME) of Head Start children is related to their early mathematics abilities above and beyond their vocabulary skills. Children were categorized into three groups: monolingual, Latinx DLLs fluent in English, Latinx DLLs not-yet fluent in English. Multiple-group analyses with a structural equation-modeling framework were conducted using data from the Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey 2014 cohort. Results revealed that the HME is positively associated with children's mathematics skills for the monolingual group; however, this association was not significant for neither of the two Latinx DLL children groups. Children's vocabulary skills were significantly related to their early mathematics performance in the three groups.

Author

• Jimena Cosso, Purdue University