Williams Review  “To be effective, mathematical learning for children of this age group needs to be predominantly social in nature and rooted in play activities. In their play young children learn at the highest level” Williams Review

Developing Mathematical Thinking  “For young children to become mathematicians requires creative critical thinking, an element of risk taking, imagination and invention- dispositions that are impossible to develop within the confines of a work- sheet or teacher led written mathematics.”  Carruthers, E. And Worthington

Williams Review  Opportunities missed in schools for developing maths through imaginative play  Practical activities should available through small group focussed activities and through the play environment  Mathematical concepts and vocabulary introduced through meaningful activities

What makes a good mathematician?  Resilience  Can do attitude  Thinking outside of the box

Albert Einstein  It’s not that I’m smart, it’s just that I stay with the problems for longer.” – Albert Enstein

The Role of the Adult  Encourage children to have a go  Challenge them to try out new ideas  Give children the time to explore and develop their ideas  Use / Model mathematical language  Offer strategies and extend thinking

The Role Of Continuous Provision  Balance of teacher led and child initiated activities  Effective questioning  High quality interactions  High quality observations  Open ended resources  Opportunity to persevere and problem solve

Maths Opportunities in the Environment  Mathematical opportunities are everywhere in our learning environment  Mathematical opportunities are not be limited to a purpose built maths area  Maths observations are used to provide next steps and extend the children’s thinking

Your role as a parent  Children of parents who take an active interest in their schooling make greater progress than other children  Family influences have a more powerful effect on children’s achievements than either school or neighbourhood factors

Maths at Home  Singing songs – counting  Counting steps – 1-1- correspondence  Setting the table – counting and sorting  Pairing socks and shoes – sorting and matching  Filling and emptying containers in the bath  Cooking – weighing and measuring  Looking for shapes and patterns – space, shape and measure  Playing with coins – money  Board Games – See next slide

Importance of Playing Games

Maths Challenges At Home  Practical activities  Easy and cheap  Making maths fun  Not about writing sums  Spending time with your child