The Impact of Big Math for Little Kids on Children’s Number Sense

Abstract

It is acknowledged that, of the math skills, the number skills are the most significant factor which affects math achievement in the forthcoming grades. Thus, it is critical to support the development of number skills early in life. The present study examines whether supplementing a global curriculum with the Big Math for Little Kids (BMLK) affects the growth of children's number skills. Pretest-posttest experimental design was used. Seventy-seven kindergarten children (38 experimental; 39 comparison) participated in the study. For six weeks, children in the experimental group were exposed to the Ministry of National Education (MoNE) program plus the BMLK while those in the comparison group only experienced the MoNE program. Children's number skills were measured by the Anatolian Early Childhood Mathematics Skills Scale (ANOMAT). Findings indicated that children who were exposed to the global MoNE curriculum supplemented with the BMLK had greater gains than did those who experienced only the MoNE curriculum. The results indicate that a global curriculum supplemented with a skill-based curriculum has a positive impact on children's number skills.