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Reciprocal development of numeracy, mathematical language, and general language skills from age 2 ½ to 4 years : A cross-lagged panel perspective
Besser, Nadine; Weinert, Sabine; Dornheim, Dorothea; u. a. (2026): Reciprocal development of numeracy, mathematical language, and general language skills from age 2 ½ to 4 years : A cross-lagged panel perspective, in: Learning and Individual Differences, Amsterdam [u.a.]: Elsevier Science, Jg. 131, Nr. 102991, S. 1–12, doi: 10.1016/j.lindif.2026.102991.
Author:
Title of the Journal:
Learning and Individual Differences
ISSN:
1041-6080
Publisher Information:
Year of publication:
2026
Volume:
131
Issue:
102991
Pages:
Language:
English
Abstract:
This study examines reciprocal relations between toddler's numeracy and their language skills in “Germany” (N = 389, M = 31.46 months, SD = 3.34, 52.8% male) across three time points (collected between 2021 and 2023) while controlling for potential influencing factors. Cross-lagged panel models revealed that between ages 2½ and three years numeracy (β = 0.19, p < .010) and general language (β = 0.25, p < .010) development mutually predicted each other and both fostered later mathematical language (β = 0.16–0.18, p < .010). From three to four years, mathematical language predicted numeracy (β = 0.21, p < .050) and general language (β = 0.32, p < .010) development, while numeracy predicted mathematical language development (β = 0.19, p < .010). The results highlight the intertwined yet distinct roles of numeracy and general and math-specific language skills in early development.
Keywords: ; ; ; ;
Numeracy
General language
Mathematical language
Toddlers
Reciprocal development
Peer Reviewed:
Yes:
International Distribution:
Yes:
Open Access Journal:
Yes:
Type:
Article
Activation date:
August 12, 2026
Project(s):
Versioning
Question on publication
Permalink
https://fis.uni-bamberg.de/handle/uniba/116753