Mention the word mathematics and many adults shudder with memories of uncomfortable lessons
at school, when they struggled to understand equations and symbols. Some people might equate
mathematics with a different language that they don’t understand. For young children it is important to
develop an enjoyment and awareness of the mathematical experiences around them in their everyday
interactions.
Children learn best when they are interested and focused. They learn best in meaningful situations where
they can try out their ideas in a safe and non-threatening way. Play allows children to test out the ideas
they have and make connections with what they already know. Mathematics consists of understanding
patterns and relationships. For a young child there are many chances to discover the patterns around
them if they are introduced in a meaningful way. Mathematical development is about numbers but also
about shapes and sizes, volumes and measures and all of these can be developed in a fun way in every
nursery classroom, even with the youngest children, and developing mathematical language underpins
all of the concepts.
Nursery rhymes are a great way to engage and interest a young child. Counting rhymes combine singing,
movement and visual clues that help children to understand the relationship of more and less. As they
sing and act out a song like 5 Little Monkeys or One Currant Bun in the Bakers Shop, children can see how
a number gets smaller or bigger.
As well as rhymes, numbers stories are a lovely way of sharing number experiences with a young child as
they can join in with repeated refrains and counting the pictures together. There are numerus books that
are focused on counting or size and shape and these should be a integral part of the nursery library.
By using everyday routines adults can involve children in helping to get activities in the classroom ready.
For example, you could ask a child to help you get the paint table ready and get out the correct number
of paint pots. Ask, ‘How many brushes do we need if we put one in each pot?’ and as they choose the
brushes ask them to count and say “How many have you got now?” “Do we need any more?”. In the role
play area, the opportunities for mathematics are endless; roleplay shopping is a good introduction to
money, as young children love to give the money and receive change, even if they are not able to yet
understand the larger numbers involved, while numbers on telephones to call the vet, doctor or garage
can support lots of mathematical discussion. Asking children to problem solve is as simple as asking
‘How many are allowed to play here?” and “How many more can play here now?”, simple everyday
questions that get children to think mathematically.
Getting dressed is a great way to talk about numbers with even the youngest child. Matching two socks
and two shoes to two feet, counting buttons as they are done up and talking about size, relating clothes
to whom they fit, all help children understand maths in a meaningful situation.
Young children will not be ready to use standard measurements such as centimetres or kilograms, but
through play they will be able to appreciate concepts like longer, shorter, fatter or thinner. Sorting out
pencils and toys or tidying up can lead to fascinating conversations if the adult asks questions such as
“Please can you find me one smaller/ shorter/ taller?”
Water play is also a great opportunity for young children to discover volume. Through play they can find
out what happens when they pour water from one container to another and what a certain level of water
looks like when it is transferred from a tall, thin container to a wider, shallower one.