Written by Navreen Dosanjh
When people think of mathematics, they often think of complex calculations and formulae. In reality, we often forget about how often we use math in everyday life. Mathematics, the universal language, is used when we count money, tell time, shop, bake, etc. Even if we do not know it, math, an essential component of our lives, helps us make sense of everything around us.
As such, it is important for children to have mathematics in their early education as it builds a foundation for success and helps to gain the necessary skills. Let’s figure out why this universal language is so helpful in early childhood education and how to incorporate it into a child’s life.
Why is Mathematics So Important In Early Childhood Education?
When children are exposed to mathematics in their early education, doors open to many opportunities and ways of thinking. This essential helps children understand the world around them a lot better.
Math is everywhere, all the time. Which means that children need to grasp a solid foundation of mathematics, as it expands on previous knowledge with every progressive year. When a child is not able to create a valid basis, it may result in math anxiety.
Math anxiety is an excessive feeling of stress and nervousness when faced with mathematics. Many people think that math anxiety is a result of not liking the subject, although it more so comes from having inadequate math skills. This can easily be avoided by introducing primary concepts. Once a proper foundation is built, children will gain confidence and strength while doing mathematics, and they can gain the confidence to make connections to mathematics in everyday life!
We communicate and explain concepts constantly, and we can do so because of some of the language that mathematics has taught us. When learning this universal language, we were taught to be precise with our words and to follow all of our answers up with explanations. This meticulousness has taught us to be more clear with our communication skills as well as to understand the reasoning behind concepts. Words like “height”, “length”, and “weight” also allows children to see and understand situations differently.
Many occupations today involve mathematics, such as teaching, accounting, engineering, and banking. When a person has mathematical skills, career opportunities open up. During a child’s early years, it is very important to take their future into account. They must start building skills that will help them in the future, so that throughout time, those skills can be strengthened.
There is more to mathematics than just numerical and communication skills; for example, when playing with shapes and counting, spatial awareness is gained. When making connections, logical skills are obtained. When a child is learning new concepts and makes errors, a positive growth mindset is acquired as they learn that it is okay to make mistakes and to try again. In such ways, mathematics allows people to gain many skills which we utilize everyday.
Introducing Mathematics In Early Childhood Education
Since mathematics is wide-ranging and extensive, it may be challenging to figure out where and when to introduce it. Many believe that simple, introductory math concepts can be introduced during the toddler years, which are between 1 to 3 years old. During this time, introductory forward counting can be started. In order to do this, it is important to represent the number as an object that is familiar to a child, such as “how many apples are there?”. This will also allow children to start making connections. Size perception is also very important for toddlers, such as knowing what is considered bigger and smaller.
Introducing math in the form of games is encouraging and inviting. Games allow children to perceive mathematics as fun and entertaining, which can motivate them to play more and learn more. Games are known to get children participating in active learning. Active learning is seen as the best way to learn, it engages students in problem solving and discussions, using a variety of comprehension strategies.
Mathematics is extremely important in early childhood education. It allows for children to become confident learners, gain clear communication and reasoning skills, obtain a positive mindset, and most importantly: mathematics allows children to understand the world around them. Let’s continue to motivate children for a better and propitious future.
Works Cited
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