Eric.ed.gov – Natural Math: A Progress Report on Implementation of a Family Involvement Project for Early Childhood Mathematics among Children of the Oklahoma Seminole Head Start and Boley Head Start.

The Natural Math project was undertaken to encourage parents of Native American and Black preschool and kindergarten children to engage in math activities and games at home. Natural Math also attempted to integrate Seminole culture into math materials. The project originally included only Seminole preschool and kindergarten children. Later, Boley school, located in a rural Black community, petitioned for inclusion. Natural Math activities included: (1) the provision of start-up supplies and other materials to the children and their families; (2) an initial meeting to explain the project and the proper use of the materials; (3) a portable computer lab; (4) a math fair; and (5) the distribution of materials for the summer. After their participation in the project, former Head Start children were tested for verbal, math, and social skills, and parents were surveyed. Participating students had higher raw scores than the students of the previous year. At Boley School, Natural Math materials were introduced to the children before they were given to parents, with several advantages resulting. An extensive literature review covers adult literacy and communication among Native Americans; a Native American perspective of giftedness; the role of culture in education; demographic and academic achievement data for six tribes; and Native American early childhood education and Head Start programs. A 36-item bibliography is included. (AC)