The Early Years Foundations Stage says:
Developing a strong grounding in number is essential so that all children develop the necessary building blocks to excel mathematically. Children should be able to count confidently, develop a deep understanding of the numbers to 10, the relationships between them and the patterns within those numbers.
By providing frequent and varied opportunities to build and apply this understanding – such as using manipulatives, including small pebbles and tens frames for organising counting – children will develop a secure base of knowledge and vocabulary from which mastery of mathematics is built.
In addition, it is important that the curriculum includes rich opportunities for children to develop their spatial reasoning skills across all areas of mathematics including shape, space and measures.
It is important that children develop positive attitudes and interests in mathematics, look for patterns and relationships, spot connections, ‘have a go’, talk to adults and peers about what they notice and not be afraid to make mistakes.
Numeracy
We will ensure that all team members understand that mathematics is all around us in our environment and that we can use this to teach the children about counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction, and to describe shape, space and measure.
We introduce children to all things mathematical through a ‘mastery approach’ in a fun and playful way so that children can develop a deep level of numerical and spatial understanding. Children are taught to count using resources around them, supported by songs and rhymes.
Team members will use activities such as sand, water and cooking to teach children about quantity and volume. The team will pass on ideas to parents about how they can do these things at home too. Nurseries will be equipped with a range of games, which teach simple number skills as well as making patterns, sorting and matching.
In recognising that the outdoor area provides many rich opportunities for learning, we ensure that team members deliver teaching and learning in mathematics when children are outside.
