Nurturing Young Minds: Teaching Mathematics from a young age
Early childhood is a critical period for cognitive development, and introducing infants to mathematical concepts, such as shapes, can lay a strong foundation for their future learning. Starr et al. (2013) have evidence that preverbal number sense in infancy predicts mathematical abilities in preschool-aged children. This article aims to provide practical strategies for parents and caregivers to engage and stimulate their infants' mathematical thinking, focusing specifically on shapes.
Preverbal number sense in infancy predicts mathematical abilities in preschool-aged children
In recent years, analyses of data from large national longitudinal databases such as the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study, have shown that children’s mathematical knowledge at school entry is the strongest predictor of both later math success as well as success in other academic domains (Duncan et al., 2007)
How to create a mathematically rich environment?
Using fingers to help develop number sense for little ones: Baccaglini-Frank et al. (2020) argue that the appropriate use of fingers can contribute to developing children’s number sense.
Talking about numbers: Earlier research has also shown that talk (including caretakers) influences not only children’s vocabulary but also, for instance, their spatial problem-solving (Pruden et al. 2011). The deeper knowledge that the study by Hundeland et al. (2020) provides regarding the quantity and quality of mathematical talk in which children are involved, offers us better opportunities also to organize supportive and stimulating conditions for knowledge growth.
Using technology for learning: We know that the majority of families are using technology in fun and visual ways to support their child’s early education, but it can be difficult for busy parents to work out what content is best. Apps that are of most educational value to children contain a number of features, such as a design which makes the app easy to use and also offers guidance and support for parents, enabling the content to be adjusted for individual children according to Gov.co.uk. Child-centered apps, e.g. Reading Eggs offer an opportunity to develop strong foundations in learning math as they deliver one-to-one instruction.
Surrounding your infant with a stimulating environment to foster mathematical understanding from the start: Decorate the room with colourful posters displaying shapes like circles, squares, triangles, and rectangles. Use bedding, toys, and accessories that showcase different shapes, encouraging infants to explore and familiarize themselves with these basic geometric forms so they aren’t encountered for the first time in school.
Incorporate Shapes into Daily Routines: Infants learn best through consistent exposure and repetition. Integrate shape recognition into everyday activities to reinforce their understanding. Here are some ideas:
a. Mealtime: Utilize plates, bowls, and utensils in various shapes. Name the shapes as you serve food, making it a fun learning experience.
b. Out and About: Point out shapes in the environment during walks or outings. Show your infant how windows are rectangular, wheels are circular, and signs can have triangular shapes.
Point out shapes in the environment during walks or outings
c. Puzzles and Games: As your child grows, introduce shape-focused puzzles and matching games to challenge their problem-solving abilities while reinforcing shape recognition.
d. Block Play: Use blocks of different shapes to build simple structures with your infant. Discuss the shapes used and compare their characteristics.
Remember that each child develops at their own pace. Be patient and provide a supportive environment. Celebrate even small milestones and achievements, such as correctly identifying a shape or fitting a shape into a corresponding slot. Positive reinforcement will motivate and encourage their mathematical growth.
Starting early to introduce infants to mathematical concepts, specifically shapes, can nurture their cognitive development and lay a strong foundation for future learning. By creating a mathematically rich environment, engaging in shape-focused activities, incorporating shapes into daily routines, and encouraging hands-on learning, parents and caregivers can foster a love for mathematics from the very beginning.
