Reading picture books to stimulate young children’s mathematical development: the contribution of task and teacher competence characteristics

The present PhD project focuses on the stimulation of young children’s (i.e., 3-6-year-olds) mathematical development via picture books. Special attention is paid to the characteristics (content-related characteristics, structural characteristics) of picture books that enhance young children’s mathematical reflections and interactions. The PhD project will involve a series of empirical studies that can be conducted in experimental as well as ecologically valid research settings. These studies will involve the systematic analysis of the characteristics and use of picture books in association with young children’s mathematical development. We also plan to evaluate the effectiveness of a powerful teaching/learning environment for enhancing young children’s mathematical competencies using picture books.