PRESCHOOL CHILDREN'S INTEREST, SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL SKILLS, AND EMERGENT MATHEMATICS SKILLS

This cross‐sectional study examined the relationship between interest, social–emotional skills, and early math skills in preschool children. Math‐specific interest and global interest in learning were measured using teacher report and a play‐based observation task. Math skills were assessed with a test of math achievement, and social–emotional skills were assessed using a teacher‐report measure. Children with higher global interest in learning, math‐specific interest, and observed goal‐directed play demonstrated higher math skills. Furthermore, social‐emotional skills were associated with global interest in learning and math skills, but not with math‐specific interest. Overall, findings support the relevance of interest and social‐emotional skills for school readiness in young children.