The Foundations of Numeracy: Subitizing, Finger Gnosia, and Fine Motor Ability
نویسندگان
چکیده
Butterworth (1999; 2005) proposed that several component abilities support our numerical representations and processes: an innate capacity to represent small numerosities (indexed by subitizing), fine motor ability (indexed here by finger tapping), and the ability to mentally represent one’s fingers (indexed by finger gnosia). In the current paper, we evaluated the predictive power of these component abilities in the development of numeration and calculation skills in Grade 1 children (N = 146). Each component ability was found to be a significant unique predictor of number system knowledge, which in turn was related to calculation skill. Finger gnosia was related to calculation skill indirectly through number system knowledge. In contrast, subitizing predicted calculation skill both directly and indirectly through number system knowledge. Our results support Butterworth’s view of the foundations of numeracy and have implications for the early identification of children at risk of math difficulties.
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