Author
Mary Angel V. Pingkian*
Cebu Technological University – Main Campus, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines
Abstract
The study examined the relationship between teachers’ instructional practices and numeracy skills of kindergarten learners. Utilizing a quantitative descriptive-correlational research design, the study was conducted at Maguikay Elementary School in Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines, during the school year 2025–2026. Respondents consisted of 100 kindergarten learners, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected using validated and reliable instruments. These instruments were pilot-tested, and the results indicated that they were valid and reliable for use in the study. The study included the profile of teachers and kindergarten learners, the extent of teachers’ instructional practices, the level of learners’ numeracy skills, and the relationship between the variables. Statistical tools included frequency count, percentage distribution, weighted mean, standard deviation, and Pearson’s r correlation coefficient. Results indicated that teachers’ instructional practices were interpreted as “Always,” indicating a very high extent of instructional practices in teaching numeracy among kindergarten learners. Additionally, the combined level of numeracy skills of kindergarten learners was interpreted as “Expert,” meaning the learners consistently demonstrated numeracy skills independently and accurately. Although the results of each variable were at an excellent level, indicating that each variable was utilized effectively, statistical analysis revealed a negligible negative correlation between teachers’ instructional practices and numeracy skills of kindergarten learners, which was not significant, leading to the acceptance of the null hypothesis. This suggests that instructional practices alone do not substantially influence the acquisition of numeracy skills. The findings further suggest that numeracy development may also be influenced by parental support, learner motivation, home learning experiences, and exposure to number-related activities. Thus, the study proposed PROJECT N.U.M.B.E.R.S. (Nurturing Understanding through Manipulatives, Best-practices and Early Readiness Skills) to provide holistic support in strengthening numeracy development among kindergarten learners.
Keywords: Early childhood education, educational games, numeracy skills, descriptive-
correlation, intervention plan, Mandaue City, Cebu, Philippines.
*Corresponding author / Email: pingkian.pinky@gmail.com
DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05031262
Recommended citation:
Pingkian, M. A. V. (2026). Teachers’ instructional practices in teaching numeracy skills of kindergarten learners. Pantao (International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 5 (2), 136-161. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS05031262
Read the full text
References
Abdullahi, S., & Abdulkareem, H. B. (2023). Educational psychology perspective on constructive social play and academic performance of primary school children in Nigeria. ProGCouns Journal of Professionals in Guidance and Counseling, 4(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.21831/progcouns.v4i1.55757
Abenes, F. M. D., Caballes, D. G., Balbin, S., & Conwi, X. L. P. (2023). Gamified mobile apps’ impact on academic performance of Grade 8 in a mainstream physics class. Journal of Information Technology Education Research, 22, 557. https://doi.org/10.28945/5201
Acebedo-Rivera, A. L., & Mendoza, R. O. (2025). Instructional Practices And Learners’ Interest: Implications On The Numeracy Skills Of Grade 3 learnersS. Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research). https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17959992
Afrianti, R., & Maryatun, I. B. (2025). Utilization of educational games as learning media: Recognize the concept of numbers. Jurnal Eduscience, 12(2), 592. https://doi.org/10.36987/jes.v12i2.6833
Ahmed, M., Usmiyatun, U., Nurhidayah, N., Darmayanti, R., & Azizah, I. N. (2021). PDKT: Introducing numbers 1–10 for kindergarten students using card media. AMCA Journal of Education and Behavioral Change, 1(2), 69. https://doi.org/10.51773/ajeb.v1i2.268
Al-Hassan, O. M., et al. (2025). Enhancing early childhood mathematics skills learning through digital game-based learning. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(2), 186. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.2.10
Ali, S. R., Sarudin, A., Azura, R. N. F., & Farhana, M. Z. (2022). Gamification as cognitive intervention in numeracy. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 11(3), 1480. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v11i3.22450
Alotaibi, M. S. (2024). Game-based learning in early childhood education: A systematic review. Frontiers in Psychology, 15. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1307881
Anggraeni, R., et al. (2024). Systematic literature review: Game-based media and numeracy literacy. Intellektika Jurnal Ilmiah Mahasiswa, 2(5), 84. https://doi.org/10.59841/intellektika.v2i5.1483
Asqia, M., et al. (2025). Educational game development for early childhood numeracy. Teknika, 14(3), 387. https://doi.org/10.34148/teknika.v14i3.1349
Balala, M. M. A., Areepattamannil, S., & Cairns, D. (2021). Early numeracy and mathematics achievement. Large-Scale Assessments in Education, 9(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40536-021-00106-4
Bang, H. J., & Siebert-Evenstone, A. (2024). Personalized game-based reading app. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-3826156/v1
Best, K. (2020, August 18). Low Family Income May Be Factor in Children’s Math Skills Entering School. UConn Today. https://today.uconn.edu/2020/08/low-family-income-may-factor-childrens-math-skills-entering-school/
Black, S. E., Devereux, P. J., & Salvanes, K. G. (2004). The more the merrier? The effect of family composition on children’s education. SSRN Electronic Journal. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.583144
Blake, J. (1981). Family size and the quality of children. Demography, 18(4), 421–442. https://doi.org/10.2307/2060941
Blancaflor, E., (2022). Gamified learning module for elementary subjects. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 12(11), 1280. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2022.12.11.1751
Borko, H. (2004). Professional Development and teacher Learning: Mapping the terrain. Educational Researcher, 33(8), 3–15. https://doi.org/10.3102/0013189×033008003
Brandlistuen, R. E., Flatø, M., Stoltenberg, C., Helland, S. S., & Wang, M. V. (2020). Gender gaps in preschool age: A study of behavior, neurodevelopment and pre-academic skills. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 49(5), 503–510. https://doi.org/10.1177/1403494820944740
Buray, A., & Alferez, R. C. (2025). Digital game-based learning in numeracy skills. Psychology and Education, 34(5), 592. https://doi.org/10.70838/pemj.340504
Capinding, A. T., & Salazar, R. D. (2023). Traditional Filipino games in science education. TEM Journal, 12(4), 2241. https://doi.org/10.18421/tem124-35
Ceulemans, A., Baten, E., Loeys, T., Hoppenbrouwers, K., Titeca, D., Rousseau, S., & Desoete, A. (2017). The relative importance of parental numerical opportunities, prerequisite knowledge and parent involvement as predictors for early math achievement in young children. Interdisciplinary Education and Psychology, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.31532/interdiscipeducpsychol.1.1.006
Chavez, V. L. A. (2024). Mathematics performance among Filipino students (PISA 2022). Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4617174/v1
Chen, G. (2023). Digital games and intercultural empathy. Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2781249/v1
Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2020). Learning and teaching early math. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003083528
Cornelio, R. (2026). Effectiveness of differentiated instruction in teaching mathematics for grade three learnerss. International Journal of Sustainability and Advanced Integrated Research, 2(2), 93–100. https://doi.org/10.65339/ijsair.v2.i2.166
Cross, C. (2009). Mathematics learning in early childhood. In National Academies Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.17226/12519
Dai, X., & Heckman, J. J. (2013). Older siblings’ contributions to young child’s cognitive skills. Economic Modelling, 35, 235–248. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.econmod.2013.07.003
Đan, N. N., et al. (2024). Digital game-based learning in mathematics: Systematic review. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(4). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/14377
Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017, June 4). Effective teacher professional development. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/effective-teacher-professional-development-report
Darnon, C., & Fayol, M. (2021). Early mathematics intervention. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 37(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-021-00550-4
Davis-Kean, P. E. (2005). The influence of parent education and family income on child achievement: the indirect role of parental expectations and the home environment. Journal of Family Psychology, 19(2), 294–304. https://doi.org/10.1037/0893-3200.19.2.294
Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (2012). Motivation, personality, and development within embedded social contexts. In Oxford Handbook of Human Motivation. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195399820.013.0006
DePascale, M., & Ramani, G. B. (2025). Math games and early learning: Systematic review. Journal of Numerical Cognition, 11. https://doi.org/10.5964/jnc.14897
Downey, D. B. (2001). Number of siblings and intellectual development: The resource dilution explanation. American Psychologist, 56(6–7), 497–504. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.56.6-7.497
Duncan, G. J., Dowsett, C. J., Claessens, A., Magnuson, K., Huston, A. C., Klebanov, P., Pagani, L. S., Feinstein, L., Engel, M., Brooks-Gunn, J., Sexton, H., Duckworth, K., & Japel, C. (2007). School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1428–1446. https://doi.org/10.1037/0012-1649.43.6.1428
Elfiky, D. E. G. (2021). Whole brain teaching in kindergarten math. International Journal of Instruction, 15(1), 673. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2022.15138a
Firdaus, F. M., et al. (2024). iPusnas and numeracy skills. Record and Library Journal, 10(1), 93. https://doi.org/10.20473/rlj.v10-i1.2024.93-102
Fisher, K., Hirsh-Pasek, K., Golinkoff, R. M., Singer, D. G., & Berk, L. (2010). Playing around in School: Implications for learning and Educational Policy. In Oxford University Press eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195393002.013.0025
Fitriyah, I. J., et al. (2025). Meta-analysis of digital games in STEM. Discover Education, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00756-4
Ginting, M. B., et al. (2025). STEM constructive games. International Journal of Serious Games, 12(4), 169. https://doi.org/10.17083/3bcwrq59
Gui, Y., et al. (2023). Digital educational games in STEM. International Journal of STEM Education, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-023-00424-9
Hattie, J. (2009). Visible learning. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203887332
Hyde, J. S. (2005). The gender similarities hypothesis. American Psychologist, 60(6), 581–592. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066x.60.6.581
Ilić, J., et al. (2024). Digital games and STEM motivation. Journal of Baltic Science Education, 23(1), 20. https://doi.org/10.33225/jbse/24.23.20
Ingersoll, R., & Merrill, L. (2017). A quarter century of changes in the elementary and secondary teaching force: From 1987 to 2012. Statistical Analysis Report (NCES 2017-092). U.S. Department of Education, National Center for Education Statistics.
Jordan, N. C., Kaplan, D., Ramineni, C., & Locuniak, M. N. (2009). Early math matters: Kindergarten number competence and later mathematics outcomes. Developmental Psychology, 45(3), 850–867. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0014939
Kim, J.-D. (2024). Fusion education journal article. Korean Journal of Fusion Ayurveda, 16, 77. https://doi.org/10.52251/kja.2024.16.77
Kini, T., & Podolsky, A. (2016, June 9). Does teaching experience increase teacher effectiveness? A review of the research. Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/does-teaching-experience-increase-teacher-effectiveness-review-research
Lasala, N. J. (2023). EDUTainment in ecosystem learning. Recoletos Multidisciplinary Research Journal, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.32871/rmrj2311.02.07
Lim, E. J. A. (2021). Gamified math class effects. Indian Journal of Science and Technology, 14(23), 1970. https://doi.org/10.17485/ijst/v14i23.902
Maghfirah, F.(2025). Contextual digital games in numeracy. Golden Age Journal, 10(2), 295. https://doi.org/10.14421/jga.2025.102-07
Marcaida, A. M. (2025). Implementation Of The National Mathematics Program (NMP) and Primary Learners’ Numeracy Skill Levels: Foundation For An Enhanced Mathematics Instructional Program. International Journal of Education Humanities and Social Science, 08(02), 979–1004. https://doi.org/10.54922/ijehss.2025.0966
Maryana, M., et al. (2024). Gamification and engagement in math. International Journal of Business Law and Education, 5(2), 1697. https://doi.org/10.56442/ijble.v5i2.682
Mayer, R. E. (2014). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. In Cambridge Handbook of Multimedia Learning. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/cbo9781139547369.005
Mayer, R. E. (2021). Cognitive theory of multimedia learning. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781108894333.008
Medina, J. L. (2025). The effects of active learning strategies on the performance of Thai students in mathematics at Plookpanya Learning School: A Foundation of Intervention Plan. https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=30188
Meylani, R. (2025). Gamification and SDG 4. Journal of Lifestyle and SDGs Review, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.47172/2965-730x.sdgsreview.v5.n02.pe04567
Miller, T. (2018). Developing numeracy skills using interactive technology in a play-based learning environment. International Journal of STEM Education, 5(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-018-0135-2
Muhtarom, M., et al. (2022). Educational math game for numeracy. Transformasi Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 6(2), 95. https://doi.org/10.36526/tr.v6i2.2176
Nanit, R. G. (2020). Kindergarten learnerss’ birth order and Domains of early childhood development. Asian Journal of Social Sciences and Management Studies, 7(2), 143–151. https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.500.2020.72.143.151
Nelson, G., & McMaster, K. L. (2018). Early numeracy interventions meta-analysis. Journal of Educational Psychology, 111(6), 1001. https://doi.org/10.1037/edu0000334
Rajagopal, A. A., Vandecruys, F., & De Smedt, B. (2022). The effects of preschool and age on children’s early number skills. Cognitive Development, 63, 101227. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cogdev.2022.101227
Republic Act No. 10157. (2012). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2011/12/22/republic-act-no-10157/
Republic Act No. 10533. (2013). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/2013/05/15/republic-act-no-10533/
Republic Act No. 11650. (2022). https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2022/01jan/20220104-RA-11650-RRD.pdf
Rice, J. K. (2010). The Impact of Teacher Experience: Examining the evidence and policy implications. Brief No. 11. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED511988
Saidin, N. F., et al. (2019). Mobile augmented reality framework. iJIM. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v13i07.10750
Salami, O. O., & Spangenberg, E. D. (2024). Gender and math games. Interdisciplinary Journal of Sociality Studies, 4, 1. https://doi.org/10.38140/ijss-2024.vol4.10
Shin, N., et al. (2011). Game technology in math learning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 43(4), 540. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8535.2011.01197.x
Simms, V. (2016). Mathematical mindsets: unleashing students’ potential through creative math, inspiring messages and innovative teaching. Research in Mathematics Education, 18(3), 317–320. https://doi.org/10.1080/14794802.2016.1237374
Sirin, S. R. (2005). Socioeconomic Status and Academic Achievement: A Meta-Analytic Review of Research. Review of Educational Research, 75(3), 417–453. https://doi.org/10.3102/00346543075003417
Tamayao, A. I., et al. (2020). College readiness test design. International Journal of Higher Education, 9(2), 209. https://doi.org/10.5430/ijhe.v9n2p209
Technical and Vocational Education and Training in the Philippines. (2021). https://doi.org/10.22617/tcs210084
Tokac, U., et al. (2019). Meta-analysis of game-based learning. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 35(3), 407. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12347
Tondeur, J., Van Braak, J., Ertmer, P. A., & Ottenbreit-Leftwich, A. (2017). Understanding the relationship between teachers’ pedagogical beliefs and technology use in education: a systematic review of qualitative evidence. Educational Technology Research and Development, 65(3), 555–575. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11423-016-9481-2
Tyack, A., & Mekler, E. D. (2024). Self-determination theory in HCI games. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.1145/3673230
Urhahne, D., & Wijnia, L. (2023). Motivation theories in education. Educational Psychology Review, 35(2). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09767-9
Vansteenkiste, M., Niemiec, C. P., & Soenens, B. (2010). Self-determination theory development. In Advances in Motivation and Achievement. Emerald. https://doi.org/10.1108/s0749-7423(2010)000016a007
Villon, J. T. L., & Balagtas, M. U. (2023). Instructional practices of Filipino teachers implementing Philippine and Singapore elementary mathematics curricula. Journal of Educational and Human Resource Development (JEHRD), 11, 58. https://doi.org/10.61569/pecryb33
Zhang, Z., & Huang, X. (2024). Gamified assessment in blended learning. Education and Information Technologies, 29(16), 21869. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-024-12708-w