Theoretical Issues in Mathematics Readiness Preparation for First Grade in Kindergarten Children

Theoretical Issues in Mathematics Readiness Preparation for First Grade in Kindergarten Children

Chu Cam Tho chucamtho1911@gmail.com Phenikaa University (Vietnam)
Le Thi Tuyet Trinh ltttrinh@dthu.edu.vn Dong Thap University (Vietnam)
Nguyen Thi Yen Phi* ntyphi@dthu.edu.vn Dong Thap University (Vietnam)
Summary: 
The transition from preschool to primary education entails a critical shift from informal, play-based experiences to structured academic instruction, requiring careful preparation to ensure children’s readiness. Within this process, mathematics occupies a central role as both an abstract and practical discipline, characterized by logical rigor and precision while simultaneously offering indispensable tools for reasoning, scientific inquiry, and everyday problem-solving. Mathematical knowledge and methodologies not only support the acquisition of core mathematical competencies but also serve as foundational resources for learning across disciplines. Consequently, fostering mathematical readiness has become a pivotal objective of early childhood education. This article explores both theoretical perspectives and practical challenges associated with preparing kindergarten children for Grade 1 mathematics learning. Special attention is given to the foundational factors that shape children’s readiness, including cognitive, affective, and contextual dimensions. Methodologically, the study employs a comprehensive literature review of both national and international research to identify critical factors, highlight existing gaps, and synthesize effective practices. Based on this analysis, the article proposes a set of strategies aimed at equipping young learners to approach Grade 1 mathematics with confidence, curiosity, and enthusiasm, thereby contributing to a smoother and more effective transition into formal schooling.
Keywords: 
early childhood education
school readiness
elementary mathematics
preschool-to-primary transition
mathematics readiness.
Refers: 

[1] A. V. Petrovski (1982). Developmental and educational psychology, vol. 1 (translated by Dang Xuan Hoai). Hanoi: Education Publishing House.

[2] Ministry of Education and Training (2024). Decision on the Promulgation of the Developmental Standards for Five-Year-Old Children, issued under No. 4222/ QĐ-BGDĐT dated December 27, 2024.

[3] Bhise, C. D. & Sonawat, R. (2016). Factors influencing school readiness of children. Research Journal of Recent Sciences, 5(5), 53-58

[4] Bui Van Hue, Phan Thi Hanh Mai, & Nguyen Xuan Thuc (2008). Psychology for primary education. Hanoi: Vietnam National University Press.

[5] Clements, D.H. (2001). Mathematics in the Preschool. Teaching children mathematics, 7.

[6] Chere-Masopha, J. (2022). Teachers’ Perceptions of School Readiness Among Grade 1 Learners in Lesotho Schools: The Case of Roma Valley. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(9).

[7] Chu Cam Tho (2013). Some perspectives on teaching students to think through mathematics education. Journal of Science, Hanoi National University of Education, 58(4), 11–20.

[8] Chu Cam Tho, Nguyen Quynh Anh Thi (2015). The proposal of using the number line to improve number sense for children from 5 to 6 years old in Vietnam. 7th ICMI-East Asia Regional Conference on Mathematics Education, 1–9.

[9] Chu, C. T. (2013). Some opinions on the training and thinking of students in teaching mathematics in high school. Journal of Science, Educational Science, 58(4), 11–20. Hanoi National University of Education

[10] Chu Cam Tho (2017). Fostering creative thinking in primary education in Japan. In Proceedings of the International Scientific Conference on Creativity Development and Opportunities for Business and Start-up Ideas.

[11] Chu Cam Tho, Dang Xuan Cuong, Vu Truong An, Vu Thi Ngoc Minh, & Nguyen Thi Huong (2023). A proposal for the criteria framework to evaluate Vietnam’s early childhood education program in the new era. Vietnam Journal of Educational Sciences, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.15625/2615 8957/12310109.

[12] Dang Thi Phuong Phi (2008). Social preparation for kindergarten children to transition to grade 1 in the Mekong Delta. Doctoral dissertation in Educational Sciences.

[13] Dinh Thi Kim Thoa (2018). Evaluating learning motivation from the perspective of behaviorism. Journal of Psychology, (11)(236), 18–33.

[14] Do Thi Minh Lien (2007). Some research findings on promoting pre-schoolers’ active cognition in early mathematics activities. Education Journal, (169), 19–21.

[15] Gjelaj, M. (2013). Effects of Preschool Education in Preparing Children for the First Grade in Terms of Linguistic and Mathematical Development. Creative Education, 04, 263-266.

[16] Ho Thi Mai Phuong (2018). Developing cooperative skills in pre-schoolers through math-related activities. Journal of Science and Technology, 188(12/3), 71–76.

[17] Huynh Van Son (2013). Preparing children for school. Hanoi: Vietnam Education Publishing House.

[18] Jung, E., Zhang, Y., & Chiang, J. (2019). Teachers’ Mathematics Education Beliefs, and and Readiness Kkindergarteners’ Mathematics Learning. International Journal of Education in Mathematics Science and Technology.

[19] Klein, A.E., Starkey, P., & Wakeley, A. (1998). Supporting Pre-Kindergarten Children’s Readiness for School Mathematics.

[20] Lee, J., Autry, M.M., Fox, J.E., & Williams, C.S. (2008). Investigating Children’s Mathematics Readiness. Journal of Research in Childhood Education, 22, 316 - 328.

[21] Huitt, W., & Hummel, J. (2003). Piaget’s theory of cognitive Development. Educational psychology interactive, 3(2), 1-5.

[22] Mai Nguyet Nga (2012). Child psychology for preschool-aged children. Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnam Education Publishing House.

[23] Mai Thi Phuong (2022). Preparing children with autism spectrum disorder for primary school readiness. Vietnam Journal of Educational Sciences, 18(7).

[24] Margetts, K. (2004). Identifying and supporting behaviours associated with cooperation, assertion, and self-control in young children starting school. European Early Childhood Education Research Journal, 12(2), 75–85.

[25] Melhuish, E. C., Phan, M. B., Sylva, K., Sammons, P., Siraj-Blatchford, I., & Taggart, B. (2008). Effects of the home learning environment and preschool centre experience upon literacy and numeracy development in early primary school. Journal of Social Issues, 64(1), 95–114.

[26] Missall, K., Hojnoski, R. L., Caskie, G. I., & Repasky, P. (2015). Home numeracy environments of pre-schoolers: Examining relations among mathematical activities, parental mathematical beliefs, and early mathematical skills. Early Education and Development, 26(3), 356–376.

[27] Nguyen Anh Tuyet (1998). Preparing 5-year-old children for primary school. Hanoi: Education Publishing House.

[28] Nguyen Anh Tuyet & Nguyen Thi Nhu Mai (2008). Textbook on psychological development of preschool-age children (For college-level early childhood education teacher training). Education Publishing House.

[29] Nguyen Ba Kim (2004). Methods for teaching mathematics. Hanoi: Education Publishing House.

[30] Nguyen Bich Thuy (chief author), & Nguyen Thi Anh Thu (2005). Psychology for preschool-aged children. Hanoi: Hanoi Publishing House.

[31] Nguyen Quang Uan (chief author), Nguyen Van Luy, & Dinh Van Vang (2016). General psychology textbook [Giáo trình tâm lí học đại cương]. Hanoi University of Education Publishing House.

[32] Nguyen Thi Huong (2023). Measures to develop some logical thinking skills in 5–6-year-old children through math-related activities. Education and Society Journal, March 2023, 46–51.

[33] Notari-Syverson, A., & Sadler, F. H. (2008). Math is for everyone: Strategies for supporting early mathematical competencies in young children. Young Exceptional Children, 11(3), 2–16.

[34] Pham Thi Kim Chau (chief author), Le Thi Tuyet Trinh, Ha Thai Thuy Lam, Nguyen Thi Hong Khoa, Nguyen Ngoc Trinh, & Nguyen Thi Yen Phi (2024). Methods for familiarizing preschool children with math. Hanoi: Vietnam National University Press.

[35] Segooa, M., & Ntshangase, M. (2024). Grade R Teachers’ Experience in Preparing Grade R Readiness: How Grade R Readiness Impacts Grade One Teaching. Research in Educational Policy and Management, 6(2), 77-90. https://doi. org/10.46303/repam.2024.23

[36] Ojose, B. (2008). Applying Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development to Mathematics Instruction. Mathematics Educator, 18(1), 26-30.

[37] Tran Y Lan (2018). Preparing kindergarten children for grade 1. Education Journal, Special Edition, May Issue 2, 138–143.

[38] Tran Thi Huyen (2020). Current practices in preparing Khmer ethnic kindergarten children for grade 1 in some schools in An Giang Province. Education Journal, Special Edition, April, 71–76.

[39] Torabian, E. J. (2019). School readiness toolkit. University College London.

Articles in Issue