Improving Preschoolers' Numerical Abilities by Enhancing the Home Numeracy Environment

Research Findings: Young children develop numeracy competencies during interactions with more knowledgeable others. Such interactions typically occur in the home numeracy environment (HNE). In this study a nonintensive intervention procedure was developed to improve both the HNE and numerical competencies. All parents of 113 Australian children (age 4 years, 5 months, on average at the beginning of the study) were invited to participate in a 2-part intervention that included attending 1 group meeting at which information regarding the HNE was provided and participating in an additional individual session that introduced them to the principles of counting. The HNE and children's numerical competencies were assessed before and after the intervention. Participating and nonparticipating families did not differ on any of the study variables at the beginning of the study, yet not only did the intervention group significantly improve their HNE, but children in this group also showed significantly greater numerical competency development compared with the nonparticipating group. Practice or Policy: Results indicate that less intensive interventions can have effects on the HNE and children's numerical competencies. Consequently, even on small budgets interventions should be undertaken.