1. Mathematics in the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF)
 

2. Babies and children are amazing learners

Jenni Connor and Denise Neal examine the capacity for mathematical learning in early childhood in their Everyday Learning Series (EDL) title ‘Maths and numeracy’. Sometimes, this learning might not be obvious to adults.

‘Babies are learning about numeracy when they move their arms and legs to explore the space around them, follow people’s action with their eyes, or begin to reach out to touch...’ Adults can encourage babies’ disposition to engage with ideas about space and numeracy, such as, ‘two yellow ducks in the bath’, or ‘look up at the big window!’ (p. 6).

3. Using the language of mathematics

In the Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Learning Hub module, Maths is everywhere, Jenni Connor examines the use of ‘maths language’:

‘One of the most important things adults can do to build children’s understandings is to ‘insert’ the language of maths. As we interact with children, we talk about shapes—circle, triangle, square, rectangle, rhombus (diamond). Children can find those shapes all around them. We use the language of measurement and comparison (long, longer, high, higher, holds more, holds less, fast, slow) and the language of position and space (front, back, side, inside, outside).’
 

4. Too much too quickly

Babies and children are always learning, but we should be mindful about expecting children to learn too much too quickly. Children can become too worried about ‘getting the right answer’ rather than having a go at the problem and exploring ways to solve.

Additionally, research indicates that linking maths skills with speed and accuracy debilitates learners, which may lead children to incorrectly assume they’re ‘bad at maths.’ Jenni Connor and Denise Neal note in EDL ‘Maths and numeracy’, ‘it’s the thinking we want to encourage at this stage; accurate ways of recording will come later’ (p. 17).

5. Expand your knowledge

ECA has a wealth of professional learning available to support you in developing mathematical skills, and in turn, support the learning of children. Consider exploring the following resources:

• ECA Learning Hub online learning module Maths is Everywhere by Jenni Connor
• ECA Learning Hub on demand webinar Spatial reasoning and STEM for early years by Dr Kym Simoncini
• ECA Learning Hub online learning module STEM in early childhood by Dr Kate Highfield.
• ‘Maths and Numeracy’, an Everyday Learning Series title by Jenni Connor and Denise Neal