Parents' Beliefs about Children's Math Development and Children's Participation in Math Activities
Table 4
Mean frequency of children’s math activities by age group.
Overall
Younger
Older
Composite math activities
Overall indicator
2.49
2.57
2.40
.222
Average based on specific math activities
1.48
1.42
1.55
.138
Specific math activities
Count objects
2.42
2.72
2.07
<.001
Answer/ask questions “How many are things are there?”
2.21
2.31
2.08
.324
Write numbers
2.18
1.99
2.42
.047
Use TV remote
2.07
1.87
2.31
.088
Add/subtract objects
2.01
1.68
2.41
<.001
Match/identify shapes
2.01
2.38
1.57
<.001
Tell time on a clock
1.86
1.59
2.20
.021
Play with blocks/construction toys
1.73
1.87
1.56
.210
Use a computer
1.73
1.38
2.15
.003
Make patterns with beads/blocks
1.50
1.61
1.39
.356
Play with money
1.49
1.50
1.48
.924
Play with puzzles
1.42
1.73
1.05
.001
Do math homework
1.41
0.82
2.12
<.001
Put objects in order
1.38
1.51
1.24
.260
Use math workbooks
1.36
1.01
1.78
.001
Dial telephone
1.33
1.40
1.25
.568
Play math games/board games
1.29
1.21
1.39
.374
Play video games
1.26
0.79
1.83
<.001
Use calendars
1.25
0.82
1.77
<.001
Play card games
1.22
1.22
1.21
.964
Measure things
1.18
1.08
1.29
.344
Watch math TV programs
1.18
1.48
0.81
.008
Keep score in games
1.15
0.92
1.43
.042
Look at math books
1.12
1.19
1.05
.583
Jump rope/play hop scotch games
1.00
0.97
1.04
.762
Use math flashcards
0.69
0.74
0.63
.632
Use maps
0.42
0.35
0.52
.314
Note. Younger group includes children going into prekindergarten and kindergarten; the older group includes children going into first grade and above. Means for younger and older age group are adjusted for mothers’ educational level. Overall means are not adjusted. Significance is based on results of an ANCOVA, controlling for mothers’ education level.
