The Process of Learning Mathematics

The Process of Learning Mathematics

Teaching mathematics for children requires careful planning . This entails consideration of principles in learning mathematics to help guide teachers formulate strategies to achieve key objectives for children in different stages of learning . These objectives are to set to serve as templates on how children should appropriately progress from the foundation and reception stage onwards . Aside from rearing pupils to become properly numerate , planning mathematics learning for children should also include steps in making the process a satisfying experience for them . This involves an understanding of the

rapid physical and mental development of children and the age-related adaptive changes that accompany them . The main goal is to provide a holistic approach in planning mathematics learning for children through a process that is suited for them

Principles for Mathematics Learning for the Early Years

The Curriculum Guidance for the Foundation Stage have provided several principles for early years education which are drawn from good and effective planning and teaching in the early years setting (Curriculum Guidance 2000 ,

.11 . The guidance is intended to help practitioners in the planning and teaching of an appropriate curriculum for areas of learning during the foundation which includes mathematical development It also provides examples on how to put those principles into practice and sets out common features that will result from good practice based on those principles . It aims to serve as a reference for teachers as they plan for teaching children progress towards achieving the appropriate early learning goals including those related to mathematics (Curriculum Guidance 2000 ,

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The Foundation Stage

The foundation stage begins in children with three years of age (Curriculum Guidance 2000 ,

.6 . At this stage , most children will have attended some form of pre-school or nursery either part-time or full-time while a few may have stayed at home before entering primary schools . This presents a marked variation in skills which teachers should consider when teaching mathematics in children at the foundation stage . It is expected that through the curriculum guidance , teachers will be able to adapt a good practice of teaching

Among the first few principles of effective education requires a relevant curriculum and practitioners who not only understand it but are also able to implement its requirements . Effective education also requires practitioners to understand the rapid developmental growth of children during the early years - physically , intellectually emotionally and socially . This necessitates a clear understanding by the practitioner of the developmental milestones of children from birth to age six and an awareness of their capacity for knowledge and skills (Curriculum Guidance 2000 ,

.13 . This will enable them to identify which areas require specific attention and encouragement as well as recognize the most effective approach in attaining early learning goals by the end of the foundation stage . For early year education to be effective , the curriculum should also be carefully structured wherein the starting points of learning are build on what the children already know and are able to do . This is achieved by...