How Children Learn Number Concepts

This book was written to help Pre-K through 4th educators recognize the complexities of the mathematics young children are expected to learn, and to identify what is required for children to develop an understanding of number concepts.

Developing number concepts (grades prep-2) :DS21882.

For some time now, the study of cognitive development has been far and away the most active discipline within developmental psychology. Although there would be much disagreement as to the exact proportion of papers published in developmental journals that could be considered cognitive, 50% seems like a conservative estimate. Hence, a series of scholary books to be devoted to work in cognitive development is especially appropriate at this time. The Springer Series in Cognitive Development contains two basic types of books, namely, edited collections of original chapters by several authors, and original volumes written by one author or a small group of authors. The flagship for the Springer Series is a serial publication of the "advances" type, carrying the subtitle Progress in Cognitive Development Research. Volumes in the Progress sequence are strongly thematic, in that each is limited to some well-defined domain of cognitive developmental research (e. g. , logical and mathematical development, semantic development). All Progress volumes are edited collections. Editors of such books, upon consultation with the Series Editor, may elect to have their works published either as contributions to the Progress sequence or as separate volumes. All books written by one author or a small group of authors will be published as separate volumes within the series. is being used in the selec A fairly broad definition of cognitive development tion of books for this series.

"The Planning Guide for Developing Number Concepts accompanies the series. The guide was written for kindergarten through grade three teachers and teachers of multi-grade classes. It includes comprehensive year-long teaching plans along with classroom management ideas."--Publisher's website.

This groundbreaking book looks at the development of mathematical thinking in infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on the earliest stage, from zero to three, when mathematical thinking and problem solving first emerge as natural instincts. The text explores the four precursor math concepts--Attribute, Comparison, Change, and Pattern--with an emphasis on how development occurs when it is nurtured by loving knowledgeable others. The authors call this the CAIR principle: Closely Attend & Intentionally Respond. Sharing their stories of working with a wide range of zero to three caregivers and educators, the authors stress the difference between arithmetic skills and their definition of mathematics as "a logical way of thinking that allows for increasing precision." Each user-friendly chapter includes suggestions for highly effective practices that are embedded into everyday interactions and routines. Early care providers can use this resource to develop young children's interest in mathematics, ensuring that they are ready for the big ideas they will encounter in preschool. Book Features: Combines the most current research on infant and toddler cognitive development in relation to mathematical thinking. Offers concrete ways to help caregivers and professionals draw out the math that is all around us. Blends three domains of human development--social-emotional, physical, and cognitive. Examines the What, Who, and How of each precursor concept, with authentic anecdotes and "What the Research Says" sections.

A unique blend of age-appropriate tracing and writing activities are combined with puzzles to make learning fun while helping kindergarteners build early math skills and develop lifelong learning confidence. Identifying numbers, skip counting, and understanding basic addition and subtraction are important steps toward math readiness, and Highlights (TM) infuses Fun with a Purpose® into these essential learning activities. With vibrant art and engaging prompts, Math Concepts exposes kindergarteners to math through numbers practice and the fun of puzzles and other activities.

Early childhood mathematics is vitally important for young children's present and future educational success. Research demonstrates that virtually all young children have the capability to learn and become competent in mathematics. Furthermore, young children enjoy their early informal experiences with mathematics. Unfortunately, many children's potential in mathematics is not fully realized, especially those children who are economically disadvantaged. This is due, in part, to a lack of opportunities to learn mathematics in early childhood settings or through everyday experiences in the home and in their communities. Improvements in early childhood mathematics education can provide young children with the foundation for school success. Relying on a comprehensive review of the research, Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood lays out the critical areas that should be the focus of young children's early mathematics education, explores the extent to which they are currently being incorporated in early childhood settings, and identifies the changes needed to improve the quality of mathematics experiences for young children. This book serves as a call to action to improve the state of early childhood mathematics. It will be especially useful for policy makers and practitioners-those who work directly with children and their families in shaping the policies that affect the education of young children.