Supporting Early Mathematical Development: Practical Approaches to Play-Based Learning

Supporting Early Mathematical Development is an essential text, combining theory and practice to enable successful mathematical education for children from birth to 12 years. This text considers how students, academics, parents and professionals can develop their mathematical thinking practice whilst acknowledging there will always be a road yet to travel; we will always be practising the craft of teaching mathematics. Charting the delivery of mathematical development in playgroups, children’s centres, nurseries and primary schools, the book promotes an effective pedagogy for mathematics.

This new edition provides a conceptualisation of mathematics and places a fresh emphasis on mathematical literacy to empower children. New chapters include the following:

■ Mediators of Mathematical Thinking

■ Understanding Pattern, Pre-Algebraic and Algebraic Thinking

■ Naming, Renaming and Processing Numbers

■ Statistics, Statistical Diagrams and Probability

■ Measure

■ Geometry

Throughout the book, Caroline McGrath navigates the complexity of teaching and learning mathematics, through careful thought and consideration of mediators of mathematical thinking. This supportive book is designed for educators who want to know how to reconstruct mathematical ideas with children and respond in the moment. Returning to the root of understanding, using the adaptive pedagogical style recommended in this text, you can create satisfying mathematical experiences for children.

Caroline McGrath began her studies in Dublin on an analytical science degree. After qualifying with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education she worked as an early years teacher and lectured in early childhood studies. She achieved the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education (Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia) and was awarded the Hornsby Certificate of Professional Practice. She completed a master’s and a doctorate and writes from first-hand experience teaching.