The early home math and science environment created by Hong Kong parents and their influencing factors

Math and science learning in the early years can influence later achievement and interest in STEM areas. As parents play a vital role in children’s early learning, including in the areas of math and science, the present study examined the home math and science environment created by parents in Hong Kong for their kindergarten children, and explored the factors influencing their practices. Based on the theory of planned behavior, which suggests that parents’ attitude, subjective norm and perceived behavioral control determine their behavioral intention and then actual behavior, a semi-structured interview protocol was developed. Then, 30 parents in Hong Kong with kindergarten children were interviewed individually online, and their responses were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. Results showed that it was quite common for parents to help children learn math through games and daily activities. Regarding science learning, some parents relied on books for knowledge transmission, whereas some parents focused on science process skills and engaged children in exploratory activities. Parents, in general, recognized the importance of early math learning, and regarded themselves as bearing more responsibility to help children learn math than science. Not all parents knew how to support children’s science learning due to limited knowledge of what young children can learn. These findings indicate the need for parent workshops on how to support children’s early science learning, the significant role of culture in shaping the home learning environment, and the importance of capitalizing on parents’ strengths when supporting them to create stimulating home learning environments. Copyright © 2023 World Education Research Association.