Date of Award

6-3-2026

Document Type

Thesis

Publisher

Santa Clara : Santa Clara University, 2026

Department

Computer Science and Engineering

First Advisor

Silvia Figueira

Abstract

For many children from bilingual households, kindergarten represents a critical, learning benchmark where the introduction of fundamental math concepts coincides with their first significant exposure to the English language. Traditional educational methods often fail to support English language learners, leading to a disconnect between their understanding of math in the home and its application in the classroom. This linguistic barrier frequently results in reduced engagement, diminished confidence, and an unstable educational foundation that can discourage students from pursuing STEM careers later in life. While existing platforms like Khan Academy and Duolingo address either language acquisition or mathematical proficiency independently, they often struggle to bridge the gap between a student’s native language and classroom-based English instruction.

To combat these challenges, this research project proposes the development of a mobile educational application specifically tailored for kindergarteners who are English learners. By prioritizing visual and auditory aids, the app provides essential support for students in the early stages of reading development, effectively emulating classroom structures within the home environment. The application serves as a linguistic bridge, allowing students to solidify key mathematical concepts in both their native language and English, inside the home and outside the classroom. Ultimately, this tool aims to mitigate miscommunication, increase student confidence, and establish an academic foundation that supports long-term habits and professional aspirations in technical fields.

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