Examining the Effect of Playing an Arithmetic-based Game- “Chopsticks†on the Arithmetical Competencies of 5-year-old Children in Singapore

Marcruz Yew Lee Ong, Manabu Kawata

Abstract


Abstract. In this study, the authors examined the effect of playing arithmetic-based game- “Chopsticks†has on young children’s arithmetical competencies. A total of 21 young children (Mean age: 4 years 11 months) were randomized to an experimental group (n=10) or a control group (n=11) from two typical early childhood settings in Singapore. Those in the experimental group attended the learning and playing sessions of “Chopsticks†for a 4-week period, while those in the control group did not attend. Pre-test and post-test, which comprised 10 simple addition items each, were administered to all participants. The statistical results revealed both groups of children performed the same level in the pre-test. However, after the 4-week playing session of “Chopsticksâ€, children in the experimental group solved more items and utilized a shorter time to solve the items than those children in the control group. Therefore, the authors suggested that playing “Chopsticks†enhances young children’s arithmetical competencies.


Keywords


“Chopsticks”; arithmetical competencies; learning; early childhood settings

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