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Indigenous knowledge and its contribution to early childhood numeracy development

Bibliographic Data

ID22229362
AuthorsDereje Dakamo Tomora (0000-0002-5059-0139, Hawassa University, corresponding author), Tadesse Jaleta Jirata (0000-0002-0864-2601)
Year2025
Volume5
Issue4
Publication date2025-03-28
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueSN Social Sciences (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2662-9283 • E-ISSN: 2662-9283
PublisherSpringer Science and Business Media LLC (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1007/s43545-025-01077-x
OpenAlexW4408992083
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited20

Studies depict that early childhood programs which are based on indigenous knowledge are more valuable than the Western traditions for young children. Keeping this all-in mind, the present study is aimed at exploring the role of IK in early childhood education, particularly in numeracy development. It aims to fill the knowledge gap in indigenous early childhood education and contribute to the literature and policy on the subject. The study uses a mixed-methods approach, involving 30 elders and 30 children from the Sidama people in Ethiopia. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and questionnaire. The findings reveal that the Sidama people’s indigenous games, such as Tiiki-tiikiyyo, Hayyye, Assitta-assumma, and Shilinge’ya ba’u, teach young children early numeracy skills. These games involve activities that help children count numbers, identify shapes, and compare objects. However, the study also found that many indigenous knowledge and practices are not well incorporated into early childhood practices. Therefore, the study suggests the need for further in-depth investigations in this area. The expected outcomes were to identify the benefits and challenges of using IK in early childhood care and education, develop a framework for incorporating IK into the numeracy curriculum and pedagogy, and provide insights into the role of indigenous games in promoting numeracy development and cultural diversity in ECCE

Biology · Developmental psychology · Early childhood · Geography · Indigenous · Literacy · Numeracy · Pedagogy · Sociology · Traditional knowledge · Education Systems and Policy · Indigenous and Place-Based Education · Psychology · Reading and Literacy Development

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  • Early childhood education and the pursuit of SDG 4 in Ethiopia

    Ashenafi Tsegaye Tegegn•European Early Childhood…•2025

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    Open Access•Dereje Dakamo Tomora, Tadesse Jaleta Jirata•Journal of Early Childhood Research•2026

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    Open Access•David J Purpura, Laura E Hume et al.•Journal of Experimental Child…•2011

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    Open Access•Daniël Lakens, Don Van Ravenzwaaij•Collabra•2022

  • Indigenous Knowledge in Early Childhood Education

    Open Access•Cheryl Kinzel•Journal of Childhood Studies•2020

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    Gladys Sterenberg•Canadian Journal of Science…•2013

  • The development of early numeracy skills in kindergarten in low-, average- and high-performance groups

    Open Access•Pirjo Aunio, Pekka Heiskari et al.•Journal of Early Childhood Research•2014

  • Child and home predictors of early numeracy skills in kindergarten

    Open Access•Tijs Kleemans, Marieke Peeters et al.•Early Childhood Research Quarterly•2012

  • Home and preschool learning environments and their relations to the development of early numeracy skills

    Open Access•Yvonne Anders, Hans-Günther Roßbach et al.•Early Childhood Research Quarterly•2012

  • The development of children's early numeracy through key stage 1

    Open Access•Carol Aubrey, Ray Godfrey•British Educational Research…•2003

  • The Community within the Child

    Jessica Ball, Maureen Ann Simpkins et al.•The American Indian Quarterly•2004

Unique citing works5
Citations per year5
Citation span2025 - 2026 (2)
Citation velocitycurrent
Highly citedNo
Citation typesNeutral: 5

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