{"id":25084,"date":"2026-02-07T10:43:48","date_gmt":"2026-02-07T10:43:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/?p=25084"},"modified":"2026-02-17T17:34:22","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T12:04:22","slug":"play-and-creativity-in-early-mathematics-evidence-from-pre-primary-pupils-in-nigeria","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/2026\/02\/07\/play-and-creativity-in-early-mathematics-evidence-from-pre-primary-pupils-in-nigeria\/","title":{"rendered":"Play and Creativity in Early Mathematics: Evidence from Pre-Primary Pupils in Nigeria"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"25084\" class=\"elementor elementor-25084\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-874870e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"874870e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-6ccee4d\" data-id=\"6ccee4d\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-55c574d elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"55c574d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/h1>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a0c4098 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"a0c4098\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Vol-05, Issue-01(Jan-Mar 2026)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2768f0c elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"2768f0c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h5 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">An International scholarly\/ academic journal, peer-reviewed\/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2959-1376<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f78f51b elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f78f51b\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-2d51334\" data-id=\"2d51334\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-d4365e3 elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"d4365e3\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Play and Creativity in Early Mathematics: Evidence from Pre-Primary Pupils in Nigeria<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7f5ae55 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7f5ae55\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Njideka, Ezieke Euphemia<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;\">1<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> and Onwunyili, Fidelis C.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;\">2<\/span><\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><span style=\"font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;\">1<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Department of Science and Computer Education, Faculty of Education, Godfrey Okoye University, Thinker\u2019s Corner, Enugu State. Nigeria.<\/span><\/p><p><span id=\"docs-internal-guid-aaf32e36-7fff-28cc-a7d5-ddf45419656e\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;\"><span style=\"font-size: 0.6em; vertical-align: super;\">2<\/span><\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variant-emoji: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;\">Department of Curriculum and Instruction \u2013 Science Education, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-3896527 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"3896527\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-880b5aa\" data-id=\"880b5aa\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f5acfed elementor-widget__width-inherit elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-simple-tab\" data-id=\"f5acfed\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-simple-tab.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\" >        <div class=\"elementkit-tab-wraper vertical  elementskit-fitcontent-tab \">\n            <ul class=\"nav nav-tabs elementkit-tab-nav \">\n                                    <li class=\"elementkit-nav-item elementor-repeater-item-ca158ed\">\n                        <a class=\"elementkit-nav-link  active show left-pos\" id=\"content-ca158ed69db8f2366113-tab\" data-ekit-handler-id=\"abstract\" data-ekit-toggle=\"tab\" data-target=\"#content-ca158ed69db8f2366113\" href=\"#Content-ca158ed69db8f2366113\"\n                            data-ekit-toggle-trigger=\"click\"\n                            aria-describedby=\"Content-ca158ed69db8f2366113\">\n                            <span class=\"far fa-file-alt elementskit-tab-icon\"><\/span>                            <span class=\"elementskit-tab-title\"> Abstract<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"elementkit-nav-item elementor-repeater-item-62e3348\">\n                        <a class=\"elementkit-nav-link  left-pos\" id=\"content-62e334869db8f2366113-tab\" data-ekit-handler-id=\"about-author\" data-ekit-toggle=\"tab\" data-target=\"#content-62e334869db8f2366113\" href=\"#Content-62e334869db8f2366113\"\n                            data-ekit-toggle-trigger=\"click\"\n                            aria-describedby=\"Content-62e334869db8f2366113\">\n                            <span class=\"far fa-user elementskit-tab-icon\"><\/span>                            <span class=\"elementskit-tab-title\"> About Author<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"elementkit-nav-item elementor-repeater-item-e351830\">\n                        <a class=\"elementkit-nav-link  left-pos\" id=\"content-e35183069db8f2366113-tab\" data-ekit-handler-id=\"impact-statement\" data-ekit-toggle=\"tab\" data-target=\"#content-e35183069db8f2366113\" href=\"#Content-e35183069db8f2366113\"\n                            data-ekit-toggle-trigger=\"click\"\n                            aria-describedby=\"Content-e35183069db8f2366113\">\n                            <span class=\"fas fa-file-import elementskit-tab-icon\"><\/span>                            <span class=\"elementskit-tab-title\"> Impact Statement<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                        <li class=\"elementkit-nav-item elementor-repeater-item-bb8dae5\">\n                        <a class=\"elementkit-nav-link  left-pos\" id=\"content-bb8dae569db8f2366113-tab\" data-ekit-handler-id=\"cite-this-article\" data-ekit-toggle=\"tab\" data-target=\"#content-bb8dae569db8f2366113\" href=\"#Content-bb8dae569db8f2366113\"\n                            data-ekit-toggle-trigger=\"click\"\n                            aria-describedby=\"Content-bb8dae569db8f2366113\">\n                            <span class=\"far fa-address-card elementskit-tab-icon\"><\/span>                            <span class=\"elementskit-tab-title\"> Cite this Article<\/span>\n                        <\/a>\n                    <\/li>\n                                <\/ul>\n\n            <div class=\"tab-content elementkit-tab-content\">\n                                    <div class=\"tab-pane elementkit-tab-pane elementor-repeater-item-ca158ed  active show\" id=\"content-ca158ed69db8f2366113\" role=\"tabpanel\"\n                         aria-labelledby=\"content-ca158ed69db8f2366113-tab\">\n                        <div class=\"animated fadeIn\">\n                            <p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Abstract<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Persistent underachievement in mathematics remains a concern in Nigerian schools despite repeated curricular reforms, with little empirical research addressing instructional practices at the pre-primary level. This study investigated the effectiveness of play-based instruction in improving mathematics achievement and interest among Early Child Care Development III pupils in Enugu East Local Government Area. A quasi-experimental pre-test\u2013post-test control group design was adopted using 51 pupils from two intact classes. The experimental group (n = 26) received instruction through card games, while the control group (n = 25) was taught addition of whole numbers (sums \u2264 10) using conventional counting strategies over a one-week period. Data were collected with the Number and Numeration Achievement Test (NNAT; \u03b1 = .91) and the Number and Numeration Interest Scale (NNIS; \u03b1 = .95). A Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA), with pre-test scores as covariates, revealed significant effects of instructional method on both achievement, F (1, 47) = 136.72, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .74, and interest, F (1, 47) = 142.55, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .75. These findings provide robust evidence that play-based approaches significantly enhance mathematics performance and engagement in early childhood. The study highlights the importance of integrating structured play into Nigerian early childhood mathematics curricula and calls for further research on long-term retention and scalability across diverse contexts.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Keywords<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">:<\/span> <span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">play-based instruction; mathematics achievement; learner interest; early childhood education; quasi-experimental design; Nigeria<\/span><\/p>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"tab-pane elementkit-tab-pane elementor-repeater-item-62e3348 \" id=\"content-62e334869db8f2366113\" role=\"tabpanel\"\n                         aria-labelledby=\"content-62e334869db8f2366113-tab\">\n                        <div class=\"animated fadeIn\">\n                            <p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">About Author<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">EZIEKE EUPHEMIA NJIDEKA is the Lead Author and a Master\u2019s degree holder in Educational Measurement and Evaluation (M.S.Ed.) from Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nigeria, where she also obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). She earned her Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is affiliated with the Department of Science and Computer Education, Faculty of Education, Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, Nigeria. Her academic and professional profile reflects a strong commitment to advancing quality education, particularly within the STEM disciplines.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Her research interests focus on improving teaching and learning processes in STEM education, with special emphasis on early mathematics learning, assessment strategies, and conceptual development in science and mathematics education. She actively explores innovative and evidence-based approaches to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes, employing statistical analyses such as multivariate techniques, and aiming to apply advanced modeling methods to examine relationships between underlying factors and student performance.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Through her recent research, she investigated the impact of play-based instructional strategies on early mathematics learning in Nigerian pre-primary classrooms. The findings demonstrated that structured, game-based activities significantly improve both learners\u2019 academic performance and their enthusiasm for mathematics. This work offers practical insights for teachers on supporting young learners effectively, contributes to strengthening early mathematics instruction, and promotes positive attitudes toward STEM. Ultimately, her research supports individual learner development and broader social progress by equipping children with essential foundational skills for lifelong learning and meaningful participation in society.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">\u00a0<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">FIDELIS CHINEDU ONWUNYILI is the second author and a doctoral student as well as an Associate Instructor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction \u2013 Science Education, School of Education, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA. He holds a Master\u2019s degree in Educational Measurement and Evaluation from Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, Nigeria, and a Bachelor of Science degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. His academic training reflects a strong foundation in both science education and educational assessment.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\">\u00a0<\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">His research interests are situated within science teacher education and STEM education, with particular emphasis on improving assessment strategies, understanding and addressing conceptual change and development among science students, and identifying innovative approaches for engaging learners in meaningful scientific learning experiences. He employs advanced quantitative methods, including the use of latent variables and large-scale databases, to model relationships between STEM dispositions and students\u2019 achievement and conceptual development. Through this work, he seeks to generate evidence-based insights that can inform effective instructional practices, teacher preparation, and policy decisions aimed at enhancing science learning outcomes.<\/span><\/p>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"tab-pane elementkit-tab-pane elementor-repeater-item-e351830 \" id=\"content-e35183069db8f2366113\" role=\"tabpanel\"\n                         aria-labelledby=\"content-e35183069db8f2366113-tab\">\n                        <div class=\"animated fadeIn\">\n                            <p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Impact Statement<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study shows that using play as an instructional strategy can meaningfully improve young children\u2019s learning of basic mathematics concepts. Evidence from pre-primary classrooms in Nigeria indicates that when addition is taught through structured games, pupils not only perform better but also show greater enthusiasm for learning. These outcomes suggest that early mathematics instruction benefits when teaching methods are closely matched to children\u2019s developmental characteristics. The study offers practical value for teachers and school systems by demonstrating that effective mathematics instruction does not require expensive materials or complex technologies. At the theoretical level, the findings support long-standing views that children learn mathematical ideas best through active participation and exploration. By strengthening early numeracy skills and encouraging positive attitudes toward mathematics, the study contributes to improved educational outcomes that are essential for individual growth and broader social development.<\/span><\/p>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                    <div class=\"tab-pane elementkit-tab-pane elementor-repeater-item-bb8dae5 \" id=\"content-bb8dae569db8f2366113\" role=\"tabpanel\"\n                         aria-labelledby=\"content-bb8dae569db8f2366113-tab\">\n                        <div class=\"animated fadeIn\">\n                            <p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Citation<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">APA 7th Style<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Njideka, E. E., &amp; Onwunyili, F. C. (2026). Play and creativity in early mathematics: Evidence from pre-primary pupils in Nigeria. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(01), 174\u2013203. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0563c1; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897<\/span><\/a><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Chicago 17th Style<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Njideka, Ezieke Euphemia, and Fidelis C. Onwunyili. &#8220;Play and Creativity in Early Mathematics: Evidence from Pre-Primary Pupils in Nigeria.&#8221; <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> 5, no. 1 (2026): 174\u2013203. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0563c1; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">MLA 9th Style<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Njideka, Ezieke Euphemia and Onwunyili, Fidelis C. &#8220;Play and Creativity in Early Mathematics: Evidence from Pre-Primary Pupils in Nigeria.&#8221; <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, vol. 5, no. 1, 2026, pp. 174-203, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0563c1; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.<\/span><\/p>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                                \n        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class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-31598a6 elementor-align-justify elementor-mobile-align-left elementor-widget-tablet__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"31598a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/archive.org\/download\/353.-play-and-creativity-in-early-mathematics\/353.Play%20and%20Creativity%20in%20Early%20Mathematics.pdf\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"fas fa-university\"><\/i>\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Archive 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elementor-widget-shortcode\" data-id=\"7b71ef6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"shortcode.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-shortcode\"><div class=\"sdm_download_count\"><span class=\"sdm_count_number\">43<\/span><span class=\"sdm_count_string\"> Downloads<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f84b101 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f84b101\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-be17090\" data-id=\"be17090\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-a200045 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"a200045\" data-element_type=\"section\" data-settings=\"{&quot;background_background&quot;:&quot;classic&quot;}\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-bc2e53c\" data-id=\"bc2e53c\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6203928 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6203928\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">DOI: <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0563c1; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/SARI7897<\/span><\/a><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Subject: Early Childhood Education \/ Mathematics Education \/ Educational Psychology<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Page No. 174-203<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-c7cdac4\" data-id=\"c7cdac4\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bd9ff42 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bd9ff42\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Received: Oct 25, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Accepted Nov 28, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Published Jan 01, 2026<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2bed9f8 elementor-widget__width-initial elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2bed9f8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Thematic Classification: Play-based Instruction, Mathematics Achievement, Learner Interest, Early Childhood Education, Quasi-experimental Design, Nigeria, Pre-primary Pedagogy, Numeracy Skills<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-2bab505 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"2bab505\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c129124\" data-id=\"c129124\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1671c6f elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"1671c6f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Introduction\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-96eb597 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"96eb597\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Mathematical competence serves as a cornerstone of scientific advancement, technological progress, and economic development across nations. The foundational concepts acquired during early childhood\u2014particularly number sense and basic operations establish cognitive frameworks that support subsequent learning across academic disciplines (Haruna &amp; Daya, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.yhcebf8rg1er\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">; Onah, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.mywaga6q5tug\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Yet despite its recognized importance, mathematics instruction in Nigeria continues to yield persistently poor outcomes. Recent examination data from the West African Examinations Council reveal that fewer than 25% of secondary school candidates achieve credit-level performance in mathematics (WAEC, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.rsnoufga3uum\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">), signaling systemic inadequacies in pedagogical practices and curriculum implementation.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">These challenges manifest with intensity at the pre-primary level, where young children&#8217;s developmental characteristics including limited sustained attention and emerging abstract reasoning capacities complicate traditional instructional approaches. Nigeria&#8217;s National Policy on Education explicitly advocates for play-based pedagogies in early childhood settings, positioning inquiry, creativity, and experiential exploration as central to quality ECCD provision (Federal Republic of Nigeria, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.1u65vqjo7mx7\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2014<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). However, empirical evidence suggests considerable divergence between policy aspirations and classroom realities. Many pre-primary teachers continue to employ didactic, teacher-centered methods that prioritize procedural memorization over conceptual understanding (Fisayo, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.7jv8pj1cdgkg\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">; Udegbe, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.flapwxtmlrs0\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Such approaches risk disengaging young learners during the critical period when mathematical foundations are established, potentially contributing to the negative attitudes and poor performance evident in later schooling.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">A substantial body of theoretical and empirical scholarship supports the integration of play-based strategies into early mathematics instruction. Pedagogical approaches that embed mathematical concepts within games, manipulatives, and problem-solving activities align with children&#8217;s natural propensity for exploration and discovery (Louw &amp; Claassens, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.4eyuyysem3h5\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">; Palm\u00e9r &amp; van Bommel, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.ixttrrlesa3x\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). These methods operationalize constructivist learning principles articulated by Piaget, who demonstrated that cognitive development proceeds through active manipulation of concrete materials rather than passive reception of abstract information (Piaget, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.5ommaiv4j6j9\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1952<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Similarly, Dienes&#8217; staged model of mathematical learning illustrates how structured play activities serve as bridges between informal intuitions and formal symbolic reasoning (Dienes, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.q2p0bbf6vaje\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1960<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Recent empirical investigations provide encouraging evidence for play-based pedagogies. Studies conducted in diverse international contexts document positive effects of playful mathematics instruction on both achievement outcomes and affective dispositions (Cohrssen, Church, &amp; Tayler, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.5q32nd89841y\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2016<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">; Elaine, Sawalma, &amp; Martin, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.r7fpyc8wryxl\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2022<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Reiker\u00e5s (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.tekiu2vazkn4\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2020<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) demonstrated significant associations between play skills and mathematical competencies among toddlers, while Shodiq, Juniati, and Susanah (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.cpeenrp8ttpq\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) found that creativity-oriented problem-solving activities enhanced lateral thinking capacities. Within Nigerian contexts specifically, Udegbe (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.flapwxtmlrs0\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) reported superior achievement among primary pupils taught through play-based methods compared with traditional instruction, and Kwabe, Hannatu, &amp; Waviche (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.a7f982peppsa\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) documented similar advantages for game-based science instruction. Ossai (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.tg2nd4p7fvb7\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) similarly found that guided play enhanced learning outcomes in Enugu State primary schools.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Despite accumulating evidence supporting play-based approaches at primary and secondary levels (Ezeugwu et al., <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.3bdez2j2dzl1\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2016<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">), research examining their effectiveness specifically within Nigerian pre-primary contexts remains limited. Taiwo (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.3trn92w2uqt2\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) advocates for play-based mathematics in early childhood education but notes the scarcity of rigorous experimental studies. The gap is particularly pronounced in Enugu State, where no published investigations have examined play-based interventions with ECCD III populations. This absence of localized evidence constrains informed decision-making by teachers, administrators, and policymakers regarding optimal instructional strategies during this foundational period.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Mathematical underachievement in Nigeria spans all educational levels, reflecting multifaceted challenges including ineffective pedagogical practices, insufficient teacher preparation, inadequate instructional resources, and negative learner attitudes (WAEC, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.rsnoufga3uum\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Emerging research suggests that play-based instructional strategies may mitigate some of these challenges by increasing engagement, reducing mathematics anxiety, and supporting conceptual understanding (Cohrssen et al., <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.5q32nd89841y\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2016<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">; Louw &amp; Claassens, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.4eyuyysem3h5\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). However, empirical evidence examining the effectiveness of such approaches within Nigerian pre-primary contexts particularly in Enugu East Local Government Area remains sparse.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This evidentiary gap presents practical challenges for educational stakeholders. Without rigorous local research, teachers lack empirical guidance regarding whether and how to implement play-based strategies. Administrators cannot make evidence-informed resource allocation decisions. Curriculum developers lack contextually grounded data to support policy recommendations. The fundamental question persists: Can play-based instructional approaches enhance both achievement and interest among ECCD III pupils in Enugu East, thereby establishing stronger mathematical foundations during this critical developmental period?<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study addresses this gap by examining the effects of play-based strategies on pre-primary pupils&#8217; mathematics achievement and interest in addition concepts. By providing empirical evidence from Nigerian public-school contexts, the investigation aims to inform pedagogical decision-making and contribute to discussions regarding optimal early childhood mathematics instruction.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Significance of the Study<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study has both theoretical and practical relevance. Theoretically, it provides empirical support for Dienes\u2019 six-stage theory of mathematics learning and Piaget\u2019s constructivist framework, both of which emphasize active, hands-on engagement.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Practically, the study is expected to:<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Assist pupils in building stronger foundations in numeracy while reducing mathematics-related anxiety.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Guide teachers in adopting engaging methods that simplify lesson preparation and increase classroom participation.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Relieve parents of the burden of paying for remedial lessons by promoting early mastery.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Inform curriculum planners and policymakers about effective strategies that can be integrated into early childhood curricula.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Contribute to societal development by nurturing mathematically literate learners who can contribute to national growth.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Purpose of the Study<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study examined the effects of play-based strategies on ECCD III pupils&#8217; mathematics achievement and interest in Enugu East Local Government Area, Nigeria<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The study specifically aims to:<\/span><\/p><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Compare the mean achievement scores of pupils taught addition with play-based strategies and those taught with conventional methods.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Compare the mean interest ratings of pupils exposed to play-based strategies and those taught with conventional methods.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ol><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Research Questions<\/span><\/p><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">What are the mean achievement scores of pupils taught mathematics addition using play-based strategies compared with those taught with conventional methods?<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">What are the mean interest ratings of pupils taught mathematics addition using play-based strategies compared with those taught with conventional methods?<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ol><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Hypotheses<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">H\u2080\u2081: There is no significant difference in achievement between pupils taught mathematics addition with play-based strategies and those taught with conventional methods.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">H\u2080\u2082: There is no significant difference in interest between pupils taught mathematics addition with play-based strategies and those taught with conventional methods.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Scope of the Study<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The study is delimited to ECCD III (ages 4\u20135) pupils in Enugu East Local Government Area, Enugu State. The content scope is restricted to addition of numbers without carrying.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Theoretical Framework<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study integrates two foundational theories of childhood learning to examine play-based mathematics instruction: Piaget&#8217;s constructivist developmental theory and Dienes&#8217; mathematical learning framework.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Piaget&#8217;s Constructivist Foundations<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Piaget&#8217;s theory emphasizes that children actively build knowledge through interaction with their environment rather than absorbing information passively (Piaget, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.5ommaiv4j6j9\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1952<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.7i4fz4dd0w4w\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1964<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). During the preoperational stage (ages 2-7), which encompasses ECCD III learners, cognition is characterized by concrete thinking and reliance on perceptual information. Piaget argued that mathematical understanding develops as children physically manipulate materials, observe relationships, and construct mental representations of numerical concepts. This developmental perspective suggests that effective early mathematics instruction should emphasize hands-on exploration and discovery-oriented problem-solving rather than abstract symbol manipulation or procedural memorization. Play-based approaches align with this theory by providing concrete, experiential contexts for mathematical learning.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Dienes&#8217; Learning Progression<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Dienes (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.q2p0bbf6vaje\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1960<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.lo4goest8cu0\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1971<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) proposed that mathematical understanding develops through six sequential stages: free play, structured games, identification of commonalities, representation, symbolization, and formalization. This framework suggests that abstract mathematical concepts become accessible when children first encounter them through concrete, game-based activities (Dienes &amp; Golding, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.lo4goest8cu0\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1971<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). For example, addition concepts can be developed through games involving physical objects, where children experience combining quantities before working with written numerals. Dienes emphasized that structured play provides repeated, varied experiences that support pattern recognition and conceptual insight, serving as cognitive bridges between intuitive understanding and formal mathematics.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Theoretical Expectations<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Both theories suggest that developmentally appropriate instruction characterized by concrete materials, meaningful contexts, and active problem-solving should enhance learning outcomes for young children. The present study tests whether play-based instruction, which embodies these theoretical principles, produces superior achievement and interest compared with conventional teacher-directed methods. If Piaget&#8217;s and Dienes&#8217; propositions hold, experimental group pupils should demonstrate both stronger mathematical performance and greater engagement, as the instructional approach matches their cognitive capabilities and natural learning tendencies.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Method<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Research Design<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The study employed a quasi-experimental pre-test\u2013post-test control group design. This design was suitable because intact classes were used, and random assignment of individual pupils was not feasible. The design allowed for the comparison of pupils taught mathematics addition with play-based and creative strategies (experimental group) and those taught through conventional methods (control group).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Population of the Study<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The population consisted of all pupils in Early Child Care Development III (ECCD III) across public pre-primary and primary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Sample and Sampling Procedure<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The study involved 51 pupils enrolled in Early Child Care Development (ECCD) III classes from two public primary schools located in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The schools were purposefully selected to ensure institutional comparability based on several criteria: public ownership, urban setting, mixed socioeconomic composition of the pupil population, teacher qualifications, class size, and physical learning environment.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">School Selection Procedures<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">An official list of public primary schools offering pre-primary education in Enugu East (N = 14) was obtained from the Local Government Education Authority. Eligibility screening was guided by the following conditions: (a) enrollment of at least one ECCD III class with 20\u201330 pupils, (b) employment of teachers with the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) specializing in Early Childhood Education, (c) availability of adequately equipped classrooms with basic instructional resources, and (d) willingness of school administrators to permit participation. Eight schools satisfied these requirements. From this pool, two schools showing close similarity in structure and operation were randomly chosen through a simple lottery procedure.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Within each participating school, one intact ECCD III class was selected in consultation with the head teacher to ensure timetable convenience and teacher availability. The first selected school served as the experimental site (n = 26), while the second served as the control site (n = 25). Although random assignment of schools to treatment conditions was not feasible due to administrative and logistical limitations, the use of separate institutions for each condition reduced the likelihood of contamination or information exchange between groups.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Participant Characteristics<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The sample comprised 51 ECCD III pupils (27 males, 24 females) with ages ranging from 4.0 to 5.9 years (M=4.90, SD=0.50). Table 1 presents demographic characteristics by group.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 1<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: Demographic Characteristics of Participants by Group<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"127\" \/> <col width=\"134\" \/> <col width=\"97\" \/> <col width=\"83\" \/> <col width=\"43\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Characteristic<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental (n=26)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Control (n=25)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Total (N=51)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">p<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Gender, n (%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.671<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Male<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">13 (50.0%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">14 (56.0%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">27 (52.9%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Female<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">13 (50.0%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">11 (44.0%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">24 (47.1%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Age in years<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">M (SD)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4.88 (0.52)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4.92 (0.49)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4.90 (0.50)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.774<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Range<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4.0\u20135.8<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4.1\u20135.9<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4.0\u20135.9<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Prior ECCD, n (%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.554<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Completed I &amp; II<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">24 (92.3%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">24 (96.0%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">48 (94.1%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Direct entry<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 (7.7%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 (4.0%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3 (5.9%)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Chi-square tests and independent t-test revealed no significant baseline differences (all p&gt;.05).<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The experimental group consisted of 13 males (50.0%) and 13 females (50.0%) with mean age 4.88 years (SD=0.52), while the control group included 14 males (56.0%) and 11 females (44.0%) with mean age 4.92 years (SD=0.49). Groups did not differ significantly in gender distribution, \u03c7\u00b2 (1) =0.18, p=.671, age, t (49) =0.29, p=.774, or prior ECCD completion, \u03c7\u00b2 (1) =0.35, p=.554. This demographic equivalence, combined with non-significant pre-test differences, confirms that pupils from the two schools were well-matched at baseline.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">School and Classroom Context<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The study was conducted in two public primary schools within Enugu East Local Government Area that offered pre-primary education and shared similar institutional features. School A, designated as the experimental site, had an enrollment of about 420 pupils, from which one ECCD III class comprising 26 pupils was selected. School B, assigned as the control site, enrolled approximately 360 pupils, with one ECCD III class of 25 pupils chosen for participation.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Both schools served urban communities with mixed socioeconomic backgrounds and exhibited comparable learning environments. They operated under public management, maintained similar class sizes, and employed teachers holding the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) in Early Childhood Education with between seven and nine years of professional experience. The physical classroom conditions were also equivalent, featuring rooms measuring roughly 6 by 8 meters, furnished with adequate lighting, ventilation, seating, and standard instructional resources.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Regular teachers in both schools had taught their respective classes throughout the first term, ensuring comparable instructional exposure before the study commenced. During the intervention, the researcher personally conducted all mathematics lessons in both schools, while the classroom teachers observed to maintain uniformity in procedure. The use of two separate schools was intended to minimize contamination and prevent any exchange of instructional materials or experiences between the groups.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Statistical Power<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Post-hoc power analysis using G*Power 3.1.9.7 indicated that with N=51, two dependent variables, two covariates, \u03b1=.05, and the observed effect size (f\u00b2=3.00, derived from \u03b7\u00b2=.75), statistical power exceeded .99. Even for detecting medium effect sizes (f\u00b2=0.15), the study achieved power of .73. While the sample size was modest, it provided adequate power for detecting meaningful treatment effects.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Method of Data Analysis<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation) were used to summarize pupils\u2019 scores in achievement and interest. To test the hypotheses, a Multivariate Analysis of Covariance<\/span> <span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(MANCOVA) was performed in R, with post-test scores in achievement and interest as dependent variables, instructional method as the independent variable, and pre-test scores as covariates. MANCOVA was considered appropriate because it allowed for the simultaneous examination of differences across the two outcome variables while controlling for initial group differences. The level of statistical significance was set at 0.05.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Instruments for Data Collection<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Two instruments were developed specifically for this study: the Number and Numeration Achievement Test (NNAT) and the Number and Numeration Interest Scale (NNIS).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Number and Numeration Achievement Test (NNAT).<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The NNAT was designed to measure pupils&#8217; ability to solve simple addition problems involving whole numbers with sums not exceeding 10. The instrument consisted of fifteen items presented in both pre-test and post-test formats. Items required pupils to add three single-digit numbers (e.g., 1 + 1 + 2 = ___). This format was chosen to assess both computational accuracy and ability to hold multiple addends in working memory\u2014a key component of early mathematical competence (Geary, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.7j9excx3oo8q\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2011<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Each item was scored dichotomously (correct\/incorrect), with each correct response worth 20 points, yielding a maximum score of 100 points. This scaling facilitated interpretation and comparison across groups. Although pre-test and post-test versions used different item combinations to prevent practice effects, both versions maintained equivalent difficulty levels through careful item selection. All items used addends from the set {1, 2, 3} and sums ranging from 3 to 6, ensuring content parallelism. Table 2 illustrates sample items from the NNAT.<\/span><b id=\"docs-internal-guid-d325236a-7fff-719e-6065-aa1eb2b4b9d4\" style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 2<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: Sample Items from the Number and Numeration Achievement Test (NNAT)<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"63\" \/> <col width=\"91\" \/> <col width=\"96\" \/> <col width=\"108\" \/><\/colgroup><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Item No.<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Pre-Test Item<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Post-Test Item<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Correct Answer<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 1 + 2 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 1 + 1 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 1 + 1 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 1 + 1 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 1 + 3 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 3 + 2 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 3 + 1 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 1 + 3 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 2 + 1 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 2 +1=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"6\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 3 + 2 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 2 + 3 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"7\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 1 + 1 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 1 + 2\u00a0 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"8\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3 + 1 + 1 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 3 + 1 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"9\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 1 + 3 = ?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 2 + 3 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"10\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3 + 2 + 1 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 3 + 1 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"11\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> +\u00a0 1 + 3 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 3 * 1 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"12\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 1 + 1 =?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 1 + 2=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"13\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3 + 2\u00a0 + 1=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 + 1 + 3=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"14\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1 + 3 +2=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3 + 1 +2=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\" start=\"15\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\">\u00a0<\/li><\/ol><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 * 2 +1<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2 +1 + 2=?<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note. Items assessed addition of three single-digit numbers without carrying. Cronbach&#8217;s \u03b1 = .91 for the five-item scale.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Number and Numeration Interest Scale (NNIS).<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The NNIS was developed to assess pupils&#8217; affective responses to mathematics instruction. The scale consisted of 15 statements designed to capture enjoyment, engagement, and desire for continued mathematics learning. Items were worded in age-appropriate language and administered orally to accommodate limited reading ability. Examples include &#8220;I enjoyed the class&#8221; and &#8220;I want us to continue with the class.&#8221;<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Because the participants were very young (ages 4\u20135) and possessed limited literacy skills, all instruments were administered orally through one-on-one sessions. The researcher read each question aloud in English and then translated it into Igbo language to ensure full comprehension, as Igbo was the dominant home language for most pupils in the sample (approximately 83.5%). Pupils gave verbal responses, which the researcher recorded immediately on the scoring sheets.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">During the administration of the Number and Numeration Achievement Test (NNAT), pupils were shown concrete objects to visually represent numbers and support their understanding of addition tasks. For the Number and Numeration Interest Scale (NNIS), the four-point response options were explained using age-appropriate Igbo translations: <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Strongly Disagree<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (\u201cEkwenyeghi m nke ukwuu\u201d), <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Disagree<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (\u201cEkwenyeghi m\u201d), <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Agree<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (\u201cEkwere m\u201d), and <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Strongly Agree<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (\u201cEkwere m nke ukwuu\u201d). The bilingual format followed established practices in Nigerian educational research with pre-primary learners (Udegbe, 2024) and helped ensure that differences in English proficiency did not interfere with the accurate assessment of mathematical understanding or interest.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Responses were recorded on a four-point Likert scale: Strongly Disagree (1), Disagree (2), Agree (3), and Strongly Agree (4). Total scores ranged from 15 to 60, with higher scores indicating stronger interest. The four-point format (rather than five-point) was chosen to eliminate neutral response options, encouraging pupils to express a definite position while remaining simple enough for young children to comprehend. Table 3 presents the complete item set.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 3<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: Items from the Number and Numeration Interest Scale (NNIS)<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"60\" \/> <col width=\"427\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Item No.<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Statement<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I participated actively in learning this addition.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I enjoyed solving by adding.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I would like to do it as an assignment at home.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I would like to invite my friends to join us in our next class.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">5<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I will teach my friends when I get home.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">6<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I will tell my siblings about this mathematics addition when I get home.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">7<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I enjoyed the class.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">8<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I like what you are teaching us.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">9<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I want us to be learning addition very often.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">10<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I want us to continue with the class.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">11<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I want us to have another class tomorrow.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">12<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I like to do Mathematics at higher level.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">13<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I would like to study addition at home.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">14<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I would like to be in the class when addition is taught.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">15<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">I would like to continue learning addition.<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note. Cronbach&#8217;s \u03b1 = .95, indicating excellent internal consistency.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Validity and Reliability of Instruments<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Content Validity.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Both instruments underwent rigorous content validation. Initial item pools (20 items for NNAT, 30 items for NNIS) were developed based on the Nigerian ECCD III curriculum guidelines and reviewed literature on early numeracy assessment. Three experts in mathematics education, two specialists in educational psychology, and one measurement and evaluation scholar independently reviewed the instruments for content relevance, age-appropriateness, and clarity.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experts rated each item on a 4-point scale (1 = not relevant, 4 = highly relevant) and provided qualitative feedback. Items with Content Validity Index (CVI) values below .80 were revised or eliminated. The final NNAT consisted of fifteen items with mean CVI = .92 (range: .83\u20131.00), and the final NNIS contained 15 items with mean CVI = .89 (range: .83\u20131.00). Experts also confirmed that language complexity was appropriate for 4\u20135-year-old Nigerian children familiar with English and Igbo instruction.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Face Validity.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Prior to main data collection, both instruments were piloted with 12 ECCD III pupils from a different school not included in the study sample. Pupils were asked whether they understood each question, and researchers observed response patterns for signs of confusion. Minor wording adjustments were made based on this feedback (e.g., simplifying &#8220;participate actively&#8221; to &#8220;join in&#8221;). The pilot also confirmed that 30 minutes was sufficient for administration.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Reliability.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Internal consistency reliability was estimated using Cronbach&#8217;s alpha coefficient. For the NNAT, \u03b1 = .91 (95% CI [.85, .95]), indicating that the fifteen items measured a unitary construct despite the small number of items. For the NNIS, \u03b1 = .95 (95% CI [.92, .97]), demonstrating excellent internal consistency. These values exceed conventional thresholds for research instruments and are particularly strong given the young age of respondents. Table 4 summarizes reliability estimates.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 4<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: Reliability of Study Instruments<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"76\" \/> <col width=\"80\" \/> <col width=\"88\" \/> <col width=\"70\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Instrument<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">No. of Items<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Cronbach&#8217;s \u03b1<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">95% CI<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">NNAT<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">15<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.91<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">[.85, .95]<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">NNIS<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">15<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.95<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">[.92, .97]<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Data Screening and Preparation<\/span><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">All data were entered into R statistical software (version 4.4.1; R Core Team, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.9adfhgpoknhm\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) and subjected to comprehensive screening procedures prior to analysis.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Missing Data.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Initial examination revealed no missing data for demographic variables. Two cases (3.9% of sample) had incomplete post-test interest scale responses (one item each). These cases were retained after single imputation using the participant&#8217;s mean score across completed items, as the proportion of missing data was minimal, and imputation preserved sample size.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Data Entry Accuracy.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> To verify accuracy, 20% of cases (n = 10) were randomly selected for double-entry verification. Discrepancies were identified in three data points (0.6% error rate), which were corrected by consulting original score sheets. This low error rate indicated acceptable data entry quality.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Univariate Outliers.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Boxplots were generated for all continuous variables (pre-test achievement, post-test achievement, pre-test interest, post-test interest). Values exceeding 1.5 times the interquartile range were flagged. Four potential outliers were identified: two high scores on post-test achievement (experimental group) and two low scores on post-test interest (control group). Visual inspection and review of raw responses confirmed these were legitimate values rather than errors, so all cases were retained.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Multivariate Outliers.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Mahalanobis distance (D\u00b2) was computed for each case to detect multivariate outliers. Using a critical value of \u03c7\u00b2 (4) = 18.47 at p = .001, no cases exceeded this threshold (maximum D\u00b2 = 14.83). Therefore, no multivariate outliers were present.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Normality.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Univariate normality was assessed via Shapiro-Wilk tests and visual inspection of Q-Q plots. All variables showed acceptable normality (all W &gt; .96, all p &gt; .30), with Q-Q plots displaying approximately linear patterns. Skewness values ranged from -0.42 to 0.38, and kurtosis values ranged from -0.63 to 0.51, all within acceptable limits (|skewness| &lt; 1.0, |kurtosis| &lt; 2.0).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Linearity.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Scatterplots of covariates (pre-test scores) against dependent variables (post-test scores) revealed positive linear relationships with no evidence of curvilinearity. Pearson correlations were pre-test achievement with post-test achievement (r = .68, p &lt; .001), pre-test interest with post-test interest (r = .64, p &lt; .001).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">These screening procedures confirmed that the dataset met quality standards and statistical assumptions necessary for MANCOVA.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental Procedure<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The intervention was implemented over five consecutive school days (one week), with one 30-minute lesson delivered each morning between 9:00-9:30 AM. This timing was selected to maximize pupils&#8217; alertness and minimize interference with other activities. Both groups completed pre-tests (NNAT and NNIS) on Monday morning before instruction commenced.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental Group. Pupils in the experimental group (n=26) received play-based instruction using a card game designed to teach addition. Each lesson followed a structured progression: (1) Introduction (5 minutes): The researcher reviewed previous learning and introduced the day&#8217;s objective; (2) Demonstration (5 minutes): The game rules were modeled using a sample round; (3) Group Play (15 minutes): Pupils were divided into groups of 4-5 and played the card game. The deck contained 20 cards showing &#8220;2,&#8221; 16 cards showing &#8220;3,&#8221; 18 cards showing &#8220;1,&#8221; and 2 &#8220;whot&#8221; (wild) cards. Cards were shuffled and distributed equally. Players took turns placing cards face-up while announcing cumulative sums aloud. The player whose card brought the sum to exactly 10 collected all cards from that round. Play continued until all cards were used. The winner was the player who collected the most cards; (4) Evaluation (5 minutes): Individual pupils solved written addition problems to demonstrate mastery.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The researcher circulated among groups during play, asking prompting questions (&#8220;What number do you need to make 10?&#8221;), correcting miscalculations, and encouraging strategic thinking. Emphasis was placed on verbalizing addition processes and recognizing number patterns. Lessons progressed from simple additions (1+1, 2+1) to more complex combinations (2+3+5, 1+4+5).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Control Group. Pupils in the control group (n=25) received conventional instruction at 10:00-10:30 AM to prevent cross-contamination. Lessons followed traditional Nigerian ECCD pedagogy: (1) Introduction (5 minutes): The researcher explained the concept of addition using everyday examples (e.g., combining fruits); (2) Demonstration (10 minutes): Addition problems were presented on the blackboard with step-by-step solutions. The researcher used counting objects (stones, sticks, straws) to demonstrate. For example, to solve 2+3, the researcher showed 2 stones, then 3 stones, combined them, and counted the total; (3) Guided Practice (10 minutes): Pupils used their own counting objects to solve problems dictated by the researcher, responding aloud in unison; (4) Individual Practice (5 minutes): Written addition problems were assigned for independent work.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The control group&#8217;s approach emphasized procedural accuracy and memorization of basic facts through repetition. Pupils were passive recipients of teacher-directed instruction, with limited opportunity for exploration or peer interaction.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Fidelity and Contamination Control. To maintain consistency in instructional delivery, the researcher adhered strictly to standardized lesson plans and kept detailed field notes throughout the intervention to record and address any procedural variations. Both groups were taught identical mathematical content addition involving sums not exceeding ten and received the same instructional duration of 30 minutes daily over a five-day period. Several strategies were employed to minimize contamination between the experimental and control conditions. Conducting the intervention in two different schools prevented direct contact between pupils from the two groups, as the schools served distinct neighborhoods and catchment areas. Consequently, opportunities for after-school interaction or exchange of instructional information were highly unlikely. Furthermore, neither teachers nor school administrators were informed of their school\u2019s assigned condition, thereby reducing expectancy bias. Within each participating school, only one ECCD III class was involved in the study to prevent within-school diffusion of instructional strategies. Parents were also not briefed on the nature of the experimental and control conditions, which minimized the likelihood of home discussions influencing pupils\u2019 engagement. Collectively, these safeguards ensured high procedural fidelity and greatly reduced the potential for cross-group contamination, enhancing the internal validity of the study.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Post-Testing. On Friday afternoon, both groups completed post-tests (NNAT and NNIS) under standardized conditions. The researcher administered assessments orally to accommodate pupils&#8217; limited reading ability, recording responses on score sheets. Testing occurred in the regular classroom with pupils seated individually to prevent collaboration.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Results<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The results are presented in alignment with the research questions and hypotheses. All analyses were conducted using R statistical software (version 4.4.1; R Core Team, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.9adfhgpoknhm\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Preliminary Analysis: Baseline Equivalence<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Prior to examining treatment effects, baseline equivalence between groups was assessed using independent samples t-tests on pre-test measures. Table 2 presents pre-test means, standard deviations, and group comparisons.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 5<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: Pre-Test Means, Standard Deviations, and Group Comparisons<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"86\" \/> <col width=\"134\" \/> <col width=\"97\" \/> <col width=\"30\" \/> <col width=\"25\" \/> <col width=\"47\" \/> <col width=\"43\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Measure<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental (n=26)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Control (n=25)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">t<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">df<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">p<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Cohen&#8217;s d<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Achievement<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">38.46 (9.23)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">39.20 (8.87)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">0.30<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">49<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.767<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">0.08<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Interest<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">35.62 (8.14)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">36.48 (7.92)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">0.39<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">49<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.696<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">0.11<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> No significant differences were found between groups at baseline, indicating initial equivalence. Values in parentheses are standard deviations.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Independent samples t-tests revealed no significant differences between the experimental and control groups on pre-test achievement, t (49) = 0.30, p = .767, d = 0.08, or pre-test interest, t (49) = 0.39, p = .696, d = 0.11. The negligible effect sizes (d &lt; 0.20) confirm that intact classes were well-<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">matched at baseline, satisfying a key assumption for quasi-experimental designs.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Descriptive Statistics<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 6 presents pre-test, post-test, and gain score means and standard deviations for mathematics achievement and interest by instructional group.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 6<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: Pre-Test, Post-Test, and Gain Score Means and Standard Deviations by Group<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"86\" \/> <col width=\"127\" \/> <col width=\"106\" \/> <col width=\"111\" \/> <col width=\"124\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Measure<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Group<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Pre-Test M (SD)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Post-Test M (SD)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Gain Score M (SD)<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Achievement<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental (n=26)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">38.46 (9.23)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">65.62 (6.91)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">27.16 (8.45)<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Control (n=25)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">39.20 (8.87)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">39.68 (8.85)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">0.48 (6.12)<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Interest<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental (n=26)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">35.62 (8.14)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">60.38 (7.76)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">24.76 (7.89)<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Control (n=25)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">36.48 (7.92)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">36.04 (7.29)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">-0.44 (5.83)<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note. Gain scores represent post-test minus pre-test. M = mean; SD = standard deviation.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Descriptive statistics revealed substantial differences between groups on post-test measures. For achievement, the experimental group (M = 65.62, SD = 6.91) scored 25.94 points higher than the control group (M = 39.68, SD = 8.85), representing a raw difference of approximately 0.65 standard deviations. Similarly, for interest, the experimental group (M = 60.38, SD = 7.76) scored 24.34 points higher than the control group (M = 36.04, SD = 7.29).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Gain scores further illustrate the treatment contrast: the experimental group improved by 27.16 points on achievement and 24.76 points on interest, whereas the control group showed minimal change (0.48 points on achievement, -0.44 points on interest). These patterns suggest that the play-based intervention produced substantial improvements, while conventional instruction resulted in near-zero gains.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Assumption Testing for MANCOVA<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">All statistical assumptions for MANCOVA were systematically evaluated prior to hypothesis testing.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Univariate Normality.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Shapiro-Wilk tests indicated acceptable normality for all dependent variables by group: experimental achievement (W = 0.96, p = .329), control achievement (W = 0.97, p = .643), experimental interest (W = 0.98, p = .872), and control interest (W = 0.97, p = .701). Visual inspection of Q-Q plots confirmed approximately linear patterns, supporting the normality assumption.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Linearity.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Scatterplots of covariates (pre-test scores) against dependent variables (post-test scores) revealed positive linear relationships for both achievement (r = 0.68, p &lt; .001) and interest (r = 0.64, p &lt; .001), with no evidence of curvilinear patterns.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Homogeneity of Variance.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Levene&#8217;s test confirmed homogeneity of variance for post-test achievement, F (1, 49) = 1.89, p = .175, and post-test interest, F (1, 49) = 0.42, p = .519.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Homogeneity of Covariance Matrices.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Box&#8217;s M test yielded M = 6.83, F (6, 34820) = 1.08, p = .372, indicating that covariance matrices were homogeneous across groups.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Multicollinearity.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Correlation between covariates was moderate (r = 0.58), and variance inflation factors (VIF = 1.51 and 1.48) were well below the threshold of 10, confirming absence of problematic multicollinearity.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Outliers. Mahalanobis distance analysis revealed no multivariate outliers exceeding the critical value of \u03c7\u00b2 (4) = 18.47 at p = .001. Two cases with standardized residuals exceeding \u00b12.5 were examined and retained as legitimate data points.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">All assumptions were adequately satisfied, supporting the appropriateness of MANCOVA for hypothesis testing.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Multivariate Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA)<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">A one-way MANCOVA was conducted to test whether instructional method (play-based vs. conventional) influenced post-test achievement and interest after controlling for pre-test scores. Table 4 presents the multivariate and univariate results.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 7: <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">MANCOVA Results: Effect of Instructional Method on Achievement and Interest<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"182\" \/> <col width=\"44\" \/> <col width=\"32\" \/> <col width=\"42\" \/> <col width=\"42\" \/> <col width=\"48\" \/> <col width=\"84\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Test\/Variable<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">F<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">df<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Error df<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">p<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">\u03b7\u00b2<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Observed Power<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Multivariate<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (Wilks&#8217; \u039b = .23)<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">78.35<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">46<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">&lt; .001<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.77<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">&gt; .99<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Univariate Tests<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\">\u00a0<\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Achievement<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">136.72<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">47<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">&lt; .001<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.74<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">&gt; .99<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Interest<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">142.55<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">47<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">&lt; .001<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.75<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">&gt; .99<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Covariates were pre-test achievement and pre-test interest. Effect sizes (\u03b7\u00b2) represent the proportion of variance in post-test scores attributable to instructional method after controlling for pre-test scores.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"><br \/><\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The multivariate test indicated a statistically significant effect of instructional method on the combined dependent variables, Wilks&#8217; \u039b = .23, F(2, 46) = 78.35, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .77. This large multivariate effect size (\u03b7\u00b2 = .77) suggests that instructional method accounted for approximately 77% of the variance in the combined outcome measures after adjusting for baseline differences.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Univariate Follow-Up Tests.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Given the significant multivariate effect, univariate ANCOVAs were examined for each dependent variable. Results revealed significant effects of instructional method on both achievement, F (1, 47) = 136.72, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .74, and interest, F (1, 47) = 142.55, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .75. These effect sizes are exceptionally large by conventional standards (Cohen, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/14MzMbCs1aMdAk-fS_LMTzGqmBiofr4Iaw2rtN48xZBU\/edit#bookmark=id.6lyst0w32mfa\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1988<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">), indicating that instructional method explained approximately 74% of post-test achievement variance and 75% of post-test interest variance after controlling for pre-test scores.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Adjusted Means.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Table 5 presents estimated marginal means (adjusted for pre-test scores) with 95% confidence intervals.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Table 8: <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Adjusted Post-Test Means and 95% Confidence Intervals by Group<\/span><\/p><div dir=\"ltr\" style=\"margin-left: 0pt;\" align=\"center\"><table style=\"border: none; border-collapse: collapse;\"><colgroup> <col width=\"86\" \/> <col width=\"134\" \/> <col width=\"124\" \/> <col width=\"108\" \/> <col width=\"88\" \/><\/colgroup><thead><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Measure<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Experimental (n=26)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Control (n=25)<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Mean Difference<\/span><\/p><\/th><th style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\" scope=\"col\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">95% CI<\/span><\/p><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Achievement<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">65.48 [62.91, 68.05]<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">39.82 [37.18, 42.46]<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">25.66<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">[21.84, 29.48]<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><tr style=\"height: 0pt;\"><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Interest<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">60.26 [57.85, 62.67]<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">36.16 [33.67, 38.65]<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">24.10<\/span><\/p><\/td><td style=\"vertical-align: middle; background-color: #ffffff; padding: 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt 0.75pt; overflow: hidden; overflow-wrap: break-word; border: solid #000000 1pt;\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">[20.55, 27.65]<\/span><\/p><\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/div><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: center; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Note. Adjusted means control for pre-test scores. CI = confidence interval.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">After adjusting for baseline differences, the experimental group scored 25.66 points higher on achievement (95% CI [21.84, 29.48]) and 24.10 points higher on interest (95% CI [20.55, 27.65]) than the control group. The confidence intervals do not contain zero, confirming statistically significant differences favoring the play-based approach.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Hypothesis Testing<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The study tested two null hypotheses at \u03b1 = .05.<\/span><b style=\"font-weight: normal;\"><\/b><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Hypothesis 1:<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> There is no significant difference in achievement between pupils taught mathematics addition with play-based strategies and those taught with conventional methods.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Decision:<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The null hypothesis was rejected, F (1, 47) = 136.72, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .74. Pupils receiving play-based instruction demonstrated significantly higher achievement than those receiving conventional instruction.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Hypothesis 2:<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> There is no significant difference in interest between pupils taught mathematics addition with play-based strategies and those taught with conventional methods.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Decision:<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The null hypothesis was rejected, F (1, 47) = 142.55, p &lt; .001, \u03b7\u00b2 = .75. Pupils receiving play-based instruction reported significantly greater interest in mathematics than those receiving conventional instruction.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Effect Size Interpretation<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The observed effect sizes (\u03b7\u00b2 = .74 for achievement, \u03b7\u00b2 = .75 for interest) are exceptionally large. Cohen (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/14MzMbCs1aMdAk-fS_LMTzGqmBiofr4Iaw2rtN48xZBU\/edit#bookmark=id.6lyst0w32mfa\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1988<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) classified \u03b7\u00b2 \u2265 .14 as large effects; the present study&#8217;s effects exceed this benchmark by more than fivefold. To contextualize these magnitudes, several factors warrant consideration.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">First, the focused instructional target single-digit addition without carrying represents a discrete, foundational skill that may be more amenable to rapid improvement than complex mathematical concepts. Second, the developmental appropriateness of play-based methods for preoperational children (ages 4-5) may have optimized learning conditions, as the approach aligns with children&#8217;s concrete thinking and natural inclination toward play (Piaget, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.5ommaiv4j6j9\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1952<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Third, the contrast with baseline practice was substantial; the control group&#8217;s rote, teacher-directed approach differs markedly from the experimental group&#8217;s active, game-based engagement, potentially amplifying treatment effects. Fourth, novelty effects cannot be ruled out. The card game represented a departure from typical classroom activities, likely generating heightened motivation that may attenuate over time (Abrami et al., <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.fry37crvc35m\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2008<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">While these factors contextualize the large effects, they underscore the need for cautious interpretation. The one-week intervention period may have captured peak engagement before habituation occurred, and the absence of delayed assessment prevents conclusions about retention. Nonetheless, the practical significance is clear: play-based instruction produced substantial short-term gains in both achievement and affect.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Summary of Findings<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study examined whether play-based instructional strategies enhance pre-primary pupils&#8217; mathematics achievement and interest compared with conventional methods. Results support two primary conclusions:<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1. Achievement Effects.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Play-based instruction significantly improved mathematics achievement. After controlling for baseline differences, pupils in the experimental group scored 25.66 points higher (on a 100-point scale) than control group peers, representing a difference of approximately 2.9 standard deviations. This large effect (\u03b7\u00b2 = .74) demonstrates that play-based strategies substantially enhanced computational accuracy on basic addition tasks.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2. Interest Effects.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> Play-based instruction significantly increased mathematics interest. Experimental group pupils reported interest scores 24.10 points higher (on a 60-point scale) than control group pupils, reflecting heightened enjoyment, engagement, and desire for continued mathematics learning. This large effect (\u03b7\u00b2 = .75) suggests that play-based pedagogy fosters positive affective responses to mathematics.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Together, these findings indicate that incorporating game-based activities into early mathematics instruction can simultaneously enhance cognitive outcomes (achievement) and affective outcomes (interest), addressing both performance and motivational dimensions of mathematical learning.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Discussion<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The purpose of this study was to investigate whether play-based instructional strategies could improve mathematics outcomes for pre-primary pupils compared to conventional teaching approaches. The results showed that pupils exposed to play-based lessons outperformed their peers in both achievement and interest. These findings highlight the importance of aligning early mathematics instruction with children\u2019s developmental readiness and preferred modes of learning.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Interpretation of Results<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The strong improvements observed among pupils in the experimental group are consistent with developmental theories. Piaget (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.5ommaiv4j6j9\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1952<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.7i4fz4dd0w4w\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1964<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) argued that young children construct knowledge through active interaction with their environment rather than passive reception. In this study, card games provided opportunities for manipulation, discovery, and social interaction, processes that Piaget identified as essential for meaningful learning. Similarly, Dienes (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.q2p0bbf6vaje\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1960<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.lo4goest8cu0\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1971<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) described six stages of mathematical learning in which children move from playful exploration to abstract reasoning. The intervention\u2019s design mirrored this developmental sequence, likely explaining why pupils were able to grasp addition concepts quickly and retain interest throughout the sessions.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The motivational benefits observed also align with research linking play to positive attitudes toward mathematics. Siegler and Ramani (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.1h18evtq154a\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2009<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) found that structured board games improved low-income children\u2019s number sense, while Reiker\u00e5s (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.tekiu2vazkn4\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2020<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) reported that play skills predicted later mathematics competence in toddlers. These studies, like the current findings, confirm that active and playful engagement makes mathematics both enjoyable and cognitively effective.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Relation to Previous Studies<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The present findings are consistent with work in African contexts showing that playful strategies enhance numeracy. Taiwo (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.3trn92w2uqt2\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2023<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) and Udegbe (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.flapwxtmlrs0\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2024<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) both reported that game-based approaches improved pupils\u2019 mathematics performance in Nigerian classrooms. At a broader level, reviews by Palm\u00e9r and van Bommel (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.ixttrrlesa3x\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2018<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) and Louw and Claassens (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.4eyuyysem3h5\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2025<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) have demonstrated across multiple settings that embedding mathematical concepts into play activities enhances both achievement and motivation. Together, this body of research confirms that play-based pedagogy is effective across cultures and is particularly relevant in Nigeria, where conventional rote approaches remain dominant.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Interpreting the Magnitude of Effects<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The observed effect sizes in this study were unusually large (\u03b7\u00b2 = .74 for achievement; \u03b7\u00b2 = .75 for interest). By comparison, Cohen (<\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/14MzMbCs1aMdAk-fS_LMTzGqmBiofr4Iaw2rtN48xZBU\/edit#bookmark=id.6lyst0w32mfa\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1988<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">) classified \u03b7\u00b2 \u2265 .14 as a large effect. Several factors may account for the magnitude of these results.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">First, the intervention targeted a narrow and foundational objective addition of single-digit numbers not exceeding ten. Research shows that when instruction is specific and developmentally appropriate, gains can be achieved rapidly (Siegler &amp; Ramani, <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.1h18evtq154a\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2009<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Second, pupils in ECCD III (ages 4\u20135) are at a critical stage for number sense development, making them highly responsive to hands-on, engaging instruction. Third, the control group\u2019s instruction relied heavily on rote counting, which created a sharp contrast with the experimental group\u2019s playful methods, thus widening the treatment effect. Fourth, the novelty of using card games may have heightened motivation and attention, a phenomenon often observed in short-term interventions (Abrami et al., <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/document\/d\/1tljDekTkcC_cTjd--UE7OdEoAcYyPs_JW6AwW7UhqHM\/edit#bookmark=id.fry37crvc35m\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #467886; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2008<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">). Finally, the five-item test, scored on a 100-point scale, may have amplified differences, since each correct response carried substantial weight.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Although these factors help contextualize the findings, they do not diminish the practical significance. Even if some effects attenuate over time, the immediate improvements demonstrate that play-based strategies engage learners effectively and promote rapid gains in mathematics. The key challenge for future research is to examine whether these gains consolidate into lasting conceptual understanding and transfer to more advanced mathematics topics.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Limitations<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Several limitations warrant consideration when interpreting these findings.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Intervention Duration.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The one-week intervention period, while producing statistically significant effects, raises questions about sustainability. The large effect sizes (\u03b7\u00b2=.74-.75) may partly reflect heightened engagement with novel activities rather than deep conceptual mastery. Without delayed post-testing, we cannot determine whether observed gains represent temporary performance increases or durable learning. Future research should extend intervention duration to 6-8 weeks and include follow-up assessments at 2-week and 4-week intervals to examine retention and decay patterns.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Sample Characteristics.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The study sample consisted of 51 pupils drawn from intact Early Child Care Development (ECCD) III classes in two urban public primary schools in Enugu East. While this approach provided practical access to comparable learning environments, it also introduced several limitations affecting generalizability.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">First, although both schools were selected based on institutional equivalence, factors not directly measured such as administrative leadership, school climate, or community support could have contributed to observed outcomes. Second, using intact classes rather than randomly assigning individual pupils raises the possibility of selection bias; however, comparable pre-test scores and similar demographic profiles between groups helped to reduce this threat. Third, since both schools were urban and publicly managed, the findings may not extend to private or rural schools, or to other regions of Nigeria where language, socioeconomic conditions, and infrastructure differ. Finally, purposive school selection, driven by logistical feasibility and administrative consent, may limit representativeness. Future research employing stratified random sampling across multiple school types and geographic locations would enhance the external validity of these findings.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Contextual Constraints.<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> The study was conducted in an urban public school with relatively favorable conditions (functional classrooms, available materials, supportive administration). Results may not generalize to resource-poor rural schools, overcrowded classrooms, or contexts with insufficient instructional materials. Implementation research examining feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness across diverse Nigerian educational settings is needed.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Despite these limitations, this study provides rigorous evidence for play-based strategies&#8217; potential in Nigerian pre-primary mathematics education. The use of validated instruments, pre-post assessment with covariates, attention to assumption testing, and transparent reporting of effect sizes strengthen confidence in findings within acknowledged boundaries.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Conclusion<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">This study provides empirical evidence that play-based strategies significantly enhance pre-primary pupils&#8217; mathematics achievement and interest in Nigerian contexts. The use of card games to teach addition produced large effects on both cognitive (achievement) and affective (interest) outcomes, supporting theoretical predictions from Piagetian constructivism and Dienes&#8217; stage theory. Findings suggest that integrating play-based approaches into Nigerian ECCD curricula could address persistent challenges in early mathematics learning.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">However, the brief intervention duration and single-site sample necessitate cautious interpretation. The exceptional effect sizes likely reflect a combination of effective pedagogy, developmental appropriateness, and novelty effects. Determining which components contribute most to effectiveness and whether effects sustain over time requires systematic replication and extension.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Directions for Future Research<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Building on these preliminary findings, we recommend four research priorities:<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">1. Longitudinal Extension. Replicate with 8\u201312-week interventions and delayed post-tests at 1 month and 3 months to assess retention, consolidation, and potential decay patterns.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2. Multi-Site Implementation. Conduct cluster-randomized trials across 6-10 schools representing diverse contexts (urban\/rural, public\/private, high\/low resource) to evaluate generalizability and implementation feasibility under varied conditions.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3. Component Analysis. Employ factorial designs to identify active ingredients (e.g., competition, verbalization, peer interaction, manipulative use) and optimal dosage parameters.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4. Scale-Up Research. Investigate teacher-delivered implementation with professional development support, examining fidelity, adaptation, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness for policy consideration.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Practical Implications<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">For practitioners and policymakers, findings suggest that:<\/span><\/p><ul style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Simple, low-cost materials (card decks) can effectively teach foundational mathematics<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Play-based approaches engage pupils who might otherwise disengage from abstract instruction<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Teacher education programs should include training on designing and facilitating mathematical games<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: disc; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Curriculum frameworks should explicitly incorporate play-based strategies for ECCD mathematics<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">While questions about long-term effectiveness remain, this study demonstrates that play-based pedagogy merits serious consideration as a strategy for improving early mathematics learning in Nigerian schools.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-de33690 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"de33690\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-e443fda\" data-id=\"e443fda\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6209c6b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"6209c6b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">Statements and Declarations<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2e1be79 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2e1be79\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Peer-Review Method<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: This research article was subjected to a rigorous double-blind peer-review process by two independent external experts to ensure methodological soundness and academic excellence.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Competing Interests<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: The authors (Ezieke Euphemia Njideka and Fidelis C. Onwunyili) declare that they have no financial or personal conflicts of interest that could have influenced the research, analysis, or conclusions of this study.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Funding<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: This research was conducted independently. No specific grants or financial support were received from public, commercial, or non-profit funding agencies for this work.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Data Availability<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: The data supporting the findings regarding play and creativity in early mathematics among Nigerian pre-primary pupils are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request, ensuring participant anonymity is maintained.<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Licence<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Play and Creativity in Early Mathematics: Evidence from Pre-Primary Pupils in Nigeria<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> \u00a9 2026 by Ezieke Euphemia Njideka and Fidelis C. Onwunyili is licensed under <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">CC BY-NC-ND 4.0<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">. This work is published by the International Council for Education Research and Training (ICERT).<\/span><\/p><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 8pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Ethics Approval<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">: This study involved pre-primary pupils and was conducted in strict adherence to the ethical standards of the Faculty of Education, Godfrey Okoye University, and Indiana University. Informed consent was obtained from parents\/guardians, and the study was approved by the relevant Institutional Review Boards.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-7187581 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"7187581\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-54ada8e\" data-id=\"54ada8e\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8fd1c3b elementor-widget elementor-widget-heading\" data-id=\"8fd1c3b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"heading.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h6 class=\"elementor-heading-title elementor-size-default\">References\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e23d268 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"e23d268\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ol style=\"margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0; padding-inline-start: 48px;\"><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Abrami, P. C., Bernard, R. M., Borokhovski, E., Wade, A., Surkes, M. A., Tamim, R., &amp; Zhang, D. (2008). Instructional interventions affecting critical thinking skills and dispositions: A stage 1 meta-analysis. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Review of Educational Research<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">78<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(4), 1102\u20131134. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3102\/0034654308326084\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3102\/0034654308326084<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Cohen, J. (1988). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Statistical power analysis for the behavioral sciences<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (2nd ed.). Lawrence Erlbaum.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Cohrssen, C., Church, A., &amp; Tayler, C. (2016). Play-based mathematics in early childhood education: Exploring the collective wisdom of practice. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Early Child Development and Care<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">186<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(7), 1058\u20131073. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03004430.2015.1076397\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/03004430.2015.1076397<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Dienes, Z. P. (1960). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Building up mathematics<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">. Hutchinson Educational.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Dienes, Z. P. (1971). An example of the passage from the concrete to the manipulation of formal systems. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Educational Studies in Mathematics<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(3\u20134), 337\u2013352. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/bf00302399\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/BF00302399<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Elaine, F., Sawalma, J., &amp; Martin, J. (2022). Play-based approaches to mathematics learning: Lessons from Palestinian early years classrooms. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">International Journal of Early Years Education<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">30<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(2), 223\u2013238. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09669760.2021.1943005\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1080\/09669760.2021.1943005<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Ezeugwu, C., Okafor, C., &amp; Anyanwu, C. (2016). Challenges of mathematics achievement in Nigerian secondary schools: Implications for curriculum reform. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Journal of Education and Practice<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">7<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(22), 55\u201361.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Federal Republic of Nigeria. (2014). In <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">National policy on education<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (6th ed.). NERDC Press.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Fisayo, O. (2018). Play-based learning and its impact on early childhood mathematics achievement in Nigeria. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nigerian Journal of Curriculum Studies<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">25<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(2), 112\u2013124.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Geary, D. C. (2011). Cognitive predictors of achievement growth in mathematics: A 5-year longitudinal study. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Developmental Psychology<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">47<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(6), 1539\u20131552. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0025510\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0025510<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Haruna, A., &amp; Daya, T. (2018). Play-way method as a tool for enhancing mathematics learning in early childhood education. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Journal of Early Childhood and Primary Education<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">4<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(1), 15\u201323.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Kwabe, T. M., Hannatu, T. T., &amp; Waviche, T. (2024). Effects of games teaching strategy on primary school pupils\u2019 academic achievement in basic science in Adamawa State, Nigeria. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">VIII<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(XI), 3142\u20133152. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.47772\/ijriss.2024.8110245\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.47772\/IJRISS.2024.8110245<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Louw, J., &amp; Claassens, H. (2025). Enhancing mathematical skills of learners in the early childhood phase through play-based learning: A review of literature. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Journal of Education and Learning<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">14<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(2), 172\u2013184. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5539\/jel.v14n2p172\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.5539\/jel.v14n2p172<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Onah, C. F. (2018). Early childhood mathematics instruction in Nigeria: Challenges and prospects. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nigerian Journal of Curriculum Studies<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">25<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(1), 87\u201396.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Rani, J. (2025). From Tradition to Modernity: Evaluating Fine arts teaching methods and materials in Indian higher secondary education. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">04<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(02), 366\u2013379. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/sari7829<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Ossai, H. N. (2023). Effect of guided play on academic achievement of pupils in basic science in Enugu State. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">International Journal of Studies in Education<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">19<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(3), 254\u2013262.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Egbai, J. M., Eke, O. E., &amp; Ubochi, I. (2024). Assessment of the barriers to AI integration in teacher education programme through Deiph method Nigerian Universities lecturers\u2019 experience. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">03<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(04), 155\u2013169. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/sari7753<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Palm\u00e9r, H., &amp; van Bommel, J. (2018). Learning mathematics through play in early childhood education: A systematic review. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Nordic Studies in Mathematics Education<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">23<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(4), 45\u201366.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Piaget, J. (1952). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">The child\u2019s conception of number<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">. Routledge and Kegan Paul.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Piaget, J. (1964). Cognitive development in children: Development and learning. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Journal of Research in Science Teaching<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">2<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(3), 176\u2013186. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/tea.3660020306\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/tea.3660020306<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">R Core Team. (2024). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">R: A language and environment for statistical computing<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\"> (version 4.4.1). R Foundation for Statistical Computing. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/www.r-project.org\/<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Reiker\u00e5s, E. (2020). Relations between play skills and mathematical skills in toddlers. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">ZDM<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">52<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(4), 703\u2013716. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11858-020-01141-1\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/s11858-020-01141-1<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodiq, L. J., Juniati, W., &amp; Susanah, S. (2025). Teaching creativity through mathematical lateral thinking problems: A pilot study. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">21<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(2), 2\u201310. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.29333\/ejmste\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.29333\/ejmste<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Siegler, R. S., &amp; Ramani, G. B. (2009). Playing linear number board games\u2014But not circular ones\u2014Improves low-income preschoolers\u2019 numerical understanding. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Journal of Educational Psychology<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">101<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(3), 545\u2013560. <\/span><a style=\"text-decoration: none;\" href=\"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0014239\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #0000ff; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1037\/a0014239<\/span><\/a><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Taiwo, O. R. (2023). Teaching mathematics through play-based learning in early childhood education. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">International Journal of Research and Sustainable Development<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">3<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(7), 105\u2013113.<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Muhammad, S., &amp; Gaya, Z. S. (2025). Revolutionizing social studies education in Nigeria: Adopting modern standards for the upper basic school curriculum. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">04<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(01), 256\u2013270. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/sari7791<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Udegbe, G. I. (2024). Effects of play-way and traditional methods of instruction on academic achievement of primary three pupils in mathematics in South-East Nigeria. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">African Journal of Educational Management, Teaching and Entrepreneurship Studies<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">, <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">13<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">(1), 275\u2013293. <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; -webkit-text-decoration-skip: none; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">https:\/\/ajemates.org<\/span><\/p><\/li><li dir=\"ltr\" style=\"list-style-type: decimal; font-size: 11pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre; margin-left: -18pt; padding-left: 3.25pt;\" aria-level=\"1\"><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.7999999999999998; text-align: justify; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;\" role=\"presentation\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">West African Examinations Council (WAEC). (2018). <\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">Chief examiners\u2019 report: May\/June 2018 West African Senior School Certificate Examination<\/span><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">. WAEC Press.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ol><p dir=\"ltr\" style=\"line-height: 1.2; margin-left: -28.5pt; text-indent: -28.5pt; text-align: justify; margin-top: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0pt; padding: 0pt 0pt 0pt 28.5pt;\"><span style=\"font-size: 12pt; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; color: #000000; background-color: transparent; font-weight: 400; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-fcd8e95 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"fcd8e95\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-b320ec3\" data-id=\"b320ec3\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-c45d7c1\" data-id=\"c45d7c1\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-863ce70 elementor-widget elementor-widget-elementskit-social-share\" data-id=\"863ce70\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"elementskit-social-share.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ekit-wid-con\" >\t\t<ul class=\"ekit_socialshare\">\n                            <li class=\"elementor-repeater-item-db288b3\" data-social=\"facebook\">\n                    <div class=\"facebook\">\n                        \n                        <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"icon icon-facebook\"><\/i>                        \n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"elementor-repeater-item-8c1acc4\" data-social=\"whatsapp\">\n                    <div class=\"whatsapp\">\n                        \n                        <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"icon icon-whatsapp-1\"><\/i>                        \n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                <\/li>\n                                            <li class=\"elementor-repeater-item-a0e5dae\" data-social=\"linkedin\">\n                    <div class=\"linkedin\">\n                        \n                        <i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"icon icon-linkedin\"><\/i>                        \n                                                                                            <\/div>\n                <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-33 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-42f36f0\" data-id=\"42f36f0\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a1c1bb4 elementor-align-right elementor-widget elementor-widget-button\" data-id=\"a1c1bb4\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"button.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-button-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-button elementor-button-link elementor-size-sm\" href=\"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/shodh-sari-2\/shodh-sari-vol-5-issue-1\/\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-content-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-button-text\">Back<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Shodh Sari-An International Multidisciplinary Journal Vol-05, Issue-01(Jan-Mar 2026) An International scholarly\/ academic journal, peer-reviewed\/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2959-1376 Play and Creativity in Early Mathematics: Evidence from Pre-Primary Pupils in Nigeria Njideka, Ezieke Euphemia1 and Onwunyili, Fidelis C.2 1Department of Science and Computer Education, Faculty of Education, Godfrey Okoye University, Thinker\u2019s Corner, Enugu State. Nigeria. 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