A1 Journal article (refereed)
Investigating Bidirectional Links Between the Quality of Teacher-Child Relationships and Children’s Interest and Pre‐Academic Skills in Literacy and Math (2021)

Pakarinen, E., Lerkkanen, M., Viljaranta, J., & Suchodoletz, A. (2021). Investigating Bidirectional Links Between the Quality of Teacher-Child Relationships and Children’s Interest and Pre‐Academic Skills in Literacy and Math. Child Development, 92(1), 388-407. https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13431

JYU authors or editors

Pakarinen, Eija
Lerkkanen, Marja-Kristiina

Publication details

All authors or editors: Pakarinen, Eija; Lerkkanen, Marja‐Kristiina; Viljaranta, Jaana; Suchodoletz, Antje

Journal or series: Child Development

ISSN: 0009-3920

eISSN: 1467-8624

Publication year: 2021

Publication date: 08/08/2020

Volume: 92

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 388-407

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/cdev.13431

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/71396

Abstract

This study investigated bidirectional links between the quality of teacher-child relationships and children’s interest and pre‐academic skills in literacy and math. Furthermore, differences in the patterns of bidirectionality between boys and girls were explored. Participants were 461 Finnish kindergarteners (6‐year‐olds) and their teachers (n = 48). Teachers reported their closeness and conflict with each child twice throughout the kindergarten year. Children rated their interest in literacy and math, and were tested on their pre‐academic skills. Cross‐lagged path models indicated that teacher‐perceived conflict predicted lower interest and pre‐academic skills in both literacy and math. Results were similar for boys and girls. Implications for reducing conflictual patterns of relationships, together with promoting other factors, are discussed.

Keywords: early childhood education and care; preschool; teacher-pupil relationship; preschool pupils; literacy; mathematical skills

Free keywords: teacher-child relationships; literacy; math

Fields of science: