Effective picture book reading activities for enhancing kindergartners’ early mathematical development

Picture books (integrating text and pictures) can be effectively used to stimulate children’s early language acquisition. The present research project aims to systematically investigate the potential of picture book reading activities for enhancing children’s early mathematical competencies. In a first study, we analyze current kindergarten picture book reading activities in mathematics in view of child, teacher, and picture book characteristics. In two subsequent intervention studies, we evaluate the effectiveness of systematically designed picture book reading programs in kindergarten in the domain of early mathematics, varying in teacher guidance (with; without) and type of picture book (digital; non-digital). The results of these studies will deepen our theoretical understanding of the variables contributing to effective picture book reading activities in the domain of early mathematics. They will also provide concrete tools to optimize educational practices in kindergarten and teacher training.

Keywords:picture book

Disciplines:Preschool education and kindergarten