Meaningful Math for Young Learners

Understanding math helps us to recognise patterns in the world. It supports us in making predictions, managing time and money, identifying and solving problems, and explaining our decisions in everyday situations. Math concepts also assist us in using simple and complex technology. By the time children enter a formal school program, they have already started to develop their basic mathematical understanding through environmental exploration, communication with others, logical thinking, symbolic representations and solving problems. 

Early math is about playful and meaningful activities.  Children develop their knowledge of numbers and numeration, measurement, size, shape and spatial awareness, patterning and algebra, data management and probability. Unlike worksheets and questions with one correct answer, open-ended and playful exploration encourages children to solve problems and gain a deeper understanding. Of course, play does not guarantee math development. Still it offers rich possibilities for adults to  help children reflect on and represent their mathematical thinking. 

math-for-young-learners-image-2.png

In the early years the focus is not on the rote memorisation of number facts (like how much 3+4 equals or how to recite the 6 times tables). There is no point in memorising facts without understanding the underlying principles. Relying on rote memorisation without deeper comprehension will result in difficulties at higher grade levels when it is necessary to apply concepts in more advanced mathematical situations. Before introducing abstract symbols and concepts it is important for children to first experience and reflect on real-life situations that will assist them to learn functional mathematical thinking skills. If we examine the development of mathematical thinking in the early years, the level of conceptual understanding children have already acquired before they start school is quite remarkable. 

By age two, children have learned a great deal about objects in their environment and their characteristics. They recognise colour, weight, size and texture, even if they can’t yet clearly describe these attributes. They can recognise when someone has more of a desired object than they have, and may try to take some of the other person’s items.

They can manipulate 2-D and 3-D shapes and put them into a simple puzzle board or shape sorting container. They can pair like objects and sort objects into groups. Mathematically they are learning about the relationships between people and objects, such as same or different, more or less, sorting and classifying, flipping and sliding.Children need to have these experiences with concrete objects as they learn to think and solve problems. 

By age three, children can understand getting one more or taking one away (addition and subtraction). They are starting to repeat number words to count steps or bites of food or other desired items. They can sort objects into small groups, identify which group has more or less and tell what is the same about the items in a group. They can match and name simple shapes and describe object locations using words like “under, behind, beside”.

They can combine shapes to create a picture and use objects to represent something else, and they are beginning to copy simple repeating patterns. They can easily recall routines (which are also patterns) and make note of any changes to common routines. By this age, children are learning to recognise problems and find solutions. This sometimes occurs in game-like situations while they are also practicing the rules of behaviour and communication. 

To support mathematical learning, adults can ask open-ended questions, allow children to work at finding their own solutions (or multiple solutions), offer clarification, provide “math language” and extend children’s thinking. 

Making Math Fun At Home!

Daily activities that involve math learning may include:

math-for-young-learners-at-home-imagery.png

math-for-young-learners-games.png


Family members and educators play a critical role in developing children’s everyday math language and understanding as they support children to be curious about mathematics and enjoy learning. Based on typical daily conversations and activities, adults can offer provocations that require children to use mathematical reasoning and problem solving. Alternatively adults can miss these opportunities to inspire a child’s math learning, or can even discourage them from acquiring the necessary skills and knowledge to seek to understand their word in a mathematical way. 

Enjoy your math time with your child in a relaxed and supportive manner and help them use math thinking skills and language throughout their day. Families matter for children’s math development. 




Related Posts

Stay up to date

Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news, announcements, special info and event information.