The Building Blocks of Early Maths

Young children need to develop and understand the core basic concepts in mathematics before they can move forward in their mathematical learning. Without these solid foundations, they are more likely to have gaps in their knowledge and require intervention in their primary years. This new book provides guidance and resources to help you develop children’s key skills and understanding in mathematics.

Written by experienced teachers, the book outlines key mathematical concepts and provides a wide range of exciting, mathematically rich activities that support the development of these concepts. It exposes some of the common misconceptions and errors that practitioners may observe children showing in their settings and offers simple practical strategies to help move children forward in their thinking and understanding.

Covering all areas of mathematics learning – counting and number, calculation, shape and space, pattern, measuring and handling data – the book features:

• practical ideas for supporting assessment, observation, mathematical vocabulary and building links with home
• activities that promote a child-led approach, linked to children‘s everyday lives and experiences
• guidance on how to extend and challenge children’s learning through adult-led, quality teaching and effective practice
• a clear sense of progression based on children’s understanding rather than age.

Written by experienced practitioners, The Building Blocks of Early Maths will help you to ensure that the children in your care have the strong foundations they need to become confident successful mathematician in the future.

Elaine Bennett is an Early Years and Maths Specialist currently based at Friars Primary School and Nursery in Southend. She also works as Early Years Advisor at Southend Local Authority supporting settings across the borough and advising on best practice.
Jenny Weidner is a Senior Teacher at Earls Hall Infant School. She has also advised on best practice within Southend Local Authority as an Advanced Skills Teacher, specialising in Mathematics and Foundation Stage/Key Stage 1.