Mathematical concepts
Mathematical concepts involve:
Size
Weight
Capacity
Position
Distance
Height and length
Comparison
Problem solving
mathematical language
Conversation
Development of concepts
early years settings must provide opportunities for the children to explore new materials and resources for the development of mathematical concepts and language. The importance is explained by Piaget's theories of cognitive development
Theories
Schematic development
Stages of cognitive development
Early years practice
Links to Piaget's theories
Provide resources that are changed frequently fro hands-on experiences to include: 2D and 3D shapes, sand and water play with different-shaped containers, playdough and balance scales
Use assessment to understand the stage of development children have reached. Provide concrete materials or physical activity to help children to develop their understanding, such as handling 3D solids, and striding across a room to measure its length
Children are active learners. They need to interact with their environment and resources t develop ideas. As they play, they develop schemas which they build on when provided with new activities
Babies use their senses to construct meaning about shape, space and measures up until the age of 2 (sensorimotor stage). From the age of 2, children use objects and symbols in their play to help them to construct ideas about mathematics. At the age of 7, they think logically about mathematical concepts. This means they can conserve. For example, they will understand that when a piece of dough changes shape, it will still weigh the same
Views
Unlike Piaget, Vygotsky and Bruner believed that children can be supported by an adult or more bale to progress to a higher stage of development.
In practice, this means interacting with children as they play,asking open-ended questions, encouraging,praising and modelling.
Bruner refers to this as scaffolding
Scaffolding children involves a process of sustained shared thinking. Children need to be helped to make comparisons and conduct hypotheses - 'What would happen if....?' - and solve problems about shape, space and measures
An understanding of theories helps practitioners to plan for supporting children's mathematical concepts, language and problem-solving skills