This guide will help you answer 3.1 Describe how to create an environment which supports children’s emergent mathematical development in relation to current frameworks for children from birth to 7 years.
Creating a learning environment that supports emergent mathematical development in young children is essential. This approach ensures that children from birth to 7 years develop mathematical understanding in a natural and engaging way. Aligning this with the current frameworks in the UK, such as the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and National Curriculum for primary education, will provide a structured yet flexible framework for practitioners. Here is how to achieve this.
Understanding the Frameworks
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): EYFS focuses on the seven areas of learning and development. Mathematics is one of these areas. It includes numbers and shape, space, and measures. The focus is on providing children with opportunities to count, understand and use numbers, calculate simple addition and subtraction problems, and describe shapes, spaces, and measures.
National Curriculum for Key Stage 1: For children aged 5-7, the National Curriculum outlines clear goals. Mathematical development focuses on number, measurement, geometry (properties of shapes), and statistics. It continues to build on the foundations laid in the early years.
Key Principles of a Mathematically Rich Environment
A mathematically rich environment caters to children’s inquisitive nature. It boosts their confidence and competence in handling mathematical concepts. This environment includes:
- Engaging Materials: Providing a variety of materials enables children to explore mathematical concepts through play. These can include blocks, counters, measuring tapes, balance scales, and number games.
- Real-Life Contexts: Incorporating real-life scenarios helps children see the practical applications of mathematics. These contexts can involve shopping, cooking, or gardening.
- Interactive Displays: Creating interactive displays with numbers, shapes, patterns, and mathematical vocabulary enables children to engage visually and tactilely.
Practical Steps to Create the Right Environment
Create Mathematical Zones
Designate specific areas in your setting where children can engage with mathematical concepts. Some effective zones include:
- Number Area: This area could have number charts, counting activities, number puzzles, and bead strings.
- Shape and Space Area: Include shape sorters, building blocks, and 3D models. Encourage children to explore and discuss properties of shapes and their spatial relationships.
- Measurement Zone: Supply rulers, measuring tapes, scales, and various containers for sand and water play. Children can measure objects, compare lengths, weights, and volumes.
Use Mathematical Language
Mathematical language is vital in developing children’s understanding. Regularly use terms like more, less, few, many, most, least, first, last, equal, add, subtract, big, small, heavy, and light. Encourage children to describe their actions and thought processes using this vocabulary.
Integrate Maths into Daily Routines
Seize daily routines as opportunities to explore mathematics:
- Snack Time: Ask children to help distribute snacks equally, count pieces of fruit, or compare quantities.
- Tidy-Up Time: Categorise toys by type or size, count items, and use spatial terms like “next to” and “under”.
Plan Focused Activities
Have planned activities that focus on specific areas of mathematical development:
- Sorting and Classifying: Provide mixed collections of objects for children to sort by size, shape, or colour.
- Pattern Recognition: Encourage making patterns using beads, blocks, or drawings.
- Counting Games: Use songs and rhymes that involve counting forwards and backwards.
Enabling Environments Based on Age
From Birth to Two Years
For the youngest children, provide sensory-rich materials. Babies enjoy handling different textures and shapes. Simple games like rolling a ball back and forth or stacking cups introduce them to early concepts of cause and effect, size, and quantity. Sing songs with numbers to familiarise them with mathematical language.
Two to Four Years
Preschool children benefit from more structured play. Use more complex toys like shape sorters, puzzles, and counting games. Engage them in activities where they can compare quantities, measure ingredients during cooking sessions, or categorise objects. Create story times involving counting and shapes. Encourage drawing shapes or number tracing to develop fine motor skills.
Five to Seven Years
At this stage, children become capable of more abstract thinking. Introduce simple addition and subtraction problems through practical activities. Use board games that involve counting, turn-taking, and strategy. Incorporate technology, such as maths apps or interactive whiteboards, to enhance learning. Encourage problem-solving tasks that require logical thinking and application of mathematical concepts.
Role of the Practitioner
Practitioners play a critical role in guiding children through their mathematical journey. They should:
- Observe: Regularly observe children to identify their level of mathematical understanding.
- Interact: Engage with children during play, asking open-ended questions that prompt mathematical thinking.
- Assess: Use observations to assess children’s progress against the EYFS or National Curriculum standards.
- Reflect: Reflect on the effectiveness of the provided environment. Make necessary adjustments to meet the children’s developmental needs.
Conclusion
Creating an environment that supports children’s emergent mathematical development involves thoughtful planning and consistent interaction. By leveraging engaging materials, integrating mathematical concepts into daily routines, and using age-appropriate strategies, practitioners can cultivate an enriching learning atmosphere. This approach, aligned with current frameworks such as EYFS and the National Curriculum, ensures children from birth to 7 years develop solid mathematical foundations, setting them up for future success in their educational journey.
