Early Math
Teachers as Learners, Learners as Teachers
In my previous post, I wrote about the ways teachers might engage with children during play. In particular, I highlighted Brent Davis’ explanation: “The teacher becomes a vital part of the action. Immersed in the play, the teacher too is a learner.” This post continues these ideas, with several specific references to readings that take… Continue Reading
Learning from Others – Nora Newcombe (Part 2)
In my last blog I introduced an expert researcher in the field of spatial reasoning, Dr. Nora Newcombe, and discussed the opportunity I had to interview her. Below are summaries of four of Dr. Newcombe’s articles that directly connect to our work and learning at the preschool level. Building Blocks for Developing Spatial Skills This… Continue Reading
It’s More Than Child’s Play
Two weeks ago, my colleague, Jaclyn and I had the opportunity to attend and present at CAAEYC’s Annual Conference and Expo in Pasadena, CA. I was fortunate to have the honor of being a featured presenter and speak to Learning Mathematics through Play. As the title suggests we talked about the mathematical concepts that can… Continue Reading
CCAEYC 2018 Keynote Speaker Reflection
I just returned from attending and presenting at the California Association for the Education of Young Children (CAAEYC). These three days were filled with learning, meeting new educators, sharing our love for early education, and spreading our knowledge from AIMS regarding early mathematics through play and spatial activities. On Friday I attended the keynote presentation:… Continue Reading
Reaching a Destination Without GPS
The Global Positioning System, more commonly known as GPS, has greatly reduced driving time and increased the confidence of travelers. Using a large unfolded map to determine step-by-step directions to a destination has become an almost entirely extinct method of navigation. I wonder how many children under the age of 12 actually have utilized or… Continue Reading
Participating in Play
One of our primary ways of working with preschool teachers and children has been to consider together the ways children learn through play. “Play” itself is not an easy concept to define – and perhaps attempts to define it limit its potential. What is considered play for one may not be considered play for another.… Continue Reading
Learning from Others – Dr. Nora Newcombe
Spatial reasoning can be described as a skill that helps us move through our physical environment. While this skill seems like one that intuitively develops over time, research indicates that one can improve their spatial skills with practice. Spatial reasoning has also been linked to not only mathematical ability but to success in any of… Continue Reading
Math Awareness Month
Did you know that April is Mathematics and Statistics Awareness Month? If not, you’re not alone. Much to my surprise, when I polled my friends, some of whom are math teachers, they didn’t know either. But they definitely knew about Read Across America Day on March 2nd. Why is that? Why is it that everything… Continue Reading
Families Engaging in Math Beyond the Classroom Walls
The Early Math team at AIMS recently had the opportunity to present at a Head Start site last week. Each Head Start site has monthly parent meetings. At these meetings, site coordinators, facilitators, and teachers present information to the parents/families. At this last meeting our team gave a presentation entitled, “Mathematical Language to Use at… Continue Reading
In Their Voices (Part 6)
“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.” -Dr. Seuss Friday, March 2 marked the 21st anniversary of the National Education Association (NEA) Read Across America Day. How and why did Read Across America begin? According to the NEA’s website, Read… Continue Reading
