CHILD FILE 1:
Research shows that focusing on mathematics, particularly in the early years, has major benefits throughout a child’s life, helping them not only in their later education but also all the way through life. The Curriculum Guidance states that effective teaching within this area of learning:
“requires practitioners who help children to see themselves as mathematicians and develop positive attitudes and dispositions towards their learning. Children have a natural interest in numbers, measuring and shapes, aroused by interaction with their environment and with other people.” (Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage, p. 71).
It is evident that children use mathematics and numeracy from a very young age – they have a need to learn about mathematics for them to be able to make sense of their world. As you read through the following observations in three early years’ settings (one of which was a nursery and infants school), consider how you help children to develop as mathematicians and how you could do it better.
Key learning