Mathematics is a Specific area within the EYFS curriculum. Maths has changed since we were at school - it’s more practical, a wider variety of skills are taught for individual needs and its more fun!

There are 2 Areas of Learning Numbers Shape, Space & Measures

Number Early Learning Goal Children count reliably with numbers from 1 to 20, place them in order and say which number is one more or one less than a given number. Using quantities and objects, they add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer. They solve problems, including doubling, halving and sharing. Number names – To say numbers in order but not necessarily counting. Counting ten objects – Using 1 – 1 correspondence. Recognise numerals – Seeing a 4 or 5 and knowing that’s how old they are or seeing house numbers. Problem solving – looking at groups of objects and identify which has more, Sharing out fruit at snack time if we don’t have enough seeing how many more we need.

Shape, Space & Measures Early Learning Goal Children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and solve problems. They recognise, create and describe patterns. They explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes and use Mathematical language to describe them.

What does Maths include? Numbers Symbols Shape Measure: capacity, length etc Charts, graphs and data Time

Teaching Maths Daily basis. Small group focus activities. Practical activities. Use of Numicon to support learning. Variety of strategies introduced to solve mathematical problems.

What can your child use to help them? Counters (or objects) Number lines Fingers Making marks Talking All of the above are acceptable when solving mathematical problems.

Everyday experiences are essential for using and applying Maths. Time Talk about what time we wake up, have dinner, go to bed. How long will an activity take? How many more minutes until lunch time etc. Money We often use cards to pay in shops, however, when buying small items try to use money and encourage your child to count out the money, look at the price etc. Young children are naturally very interested in money, exploit this by using money to recognise numerals (on the money), use money as counters, play shops with your child. Problem solving Children are natural problem solvers, however they do need some support to encourage logical thinking and being systematic. How many bricks have you used to build that model? How many more forks do we need? How many steps to the car?

At home Encourage your child to play with puzzles, this builds logic and reasoning skills. Make maths fun! Children at this stage do not need to record their Maths unless they want to. If they are writing numerals have a number line handy so they can check what the numeral looks like and its position within the number system. The ‘Practical Ideas for Early Mathematical Development’ document in your pack gives you a variety of ideas and games that you can do at home to help your child.