Play in the classroom or at home provides opportunities for math explorations. Mathematical concepts that can be covered in the classroom are:
Number: A child could count a small group of children sitting at a table and give them one slice of apple each.
Patterns and algebra: A teacher could ask children to make up steps for a dance of their choice.
Measurements: Engaging in a cooking activity allows children to measure ingredients.
Space: Filling in sand in buckets of different sizes or putting away blocks extends children’s understanding of space.
Chance and data: Making predictions about the weather and giving reasons for the predictions.
In order for children to internalise the concepts, it is important for teachers and parents to encourage them to verbalise their understanding and to help them make meaning of the concept(s) instead of giving them the answers. Engaging in problem solving and reasoning helps children incorporate mathematical concepts naturally and successfully in their daily lives and in their schooling.
For further reading, refer to:
Yelland, N., Diezmann, C., & Butler, D. (2014). Early mathematical explorations. New York, NY: Cambridge University Press.
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