PBS KIDS mathematics transmedia suites in preschool homes

Abstract

There is growing evidence that economically disadvantaged preschool children have less extensive mathematical knowledge than their middle-income peers [14, 37]. This study addresses a program to foster low-income parents' support for their preschool children's mathematical development. Parents use PBS KIDS LAB web- and mobile-based mathematics transmedia game suites with their children. The study used a quasi-experimental, non-equivalent control group design, which assigned 90 parent/child dyads from two Head Start centers serving primarily low-income families to an intervention or comparison group. The results indicate that the intervention was positively associated with gains in children's knowledge and skills in mathematics (p<.05), as measured by Test of Early Mathematics Ability (TEMA-3), after accounting for differences in baseline assessment results and participant demographic characteristics. The use of these age-appropriate digital media and related home activities also led to increases in parents' awareness of strategies to support their child's mathematics learning and their direct support of mathematics learning in the home environment.