Page 3 - Newsletter Vol. 7 Issue 2

It is important to give meaning to numbers and mathematics by building on
children’s experiences. We reinforce this through play-based and hands-on
activities: manipulating objects such as counters, 3D shapes, songs and actions to
build on their visual and kinesthetic learning styles so they better understand
mathematical ideas and relationships. It is also important for parents to help
children see numbers and mathematical patterns in the world around them: the
number and colour of cars on the street or the shapes of windows and doors, for
instance in their home.

These approaches may provide a stronger foundation for future learning than
focusing on using written digits or learning mathematical facts such as 2 + 3 = 5,
too early.

Giving children better mathematical foundations through engaging and meaningful
activities can set them up for success throughout school and beyond. This would
not only positively affect children’s achievement but could also change attitudes to
mathematics for the better.

This will help children feel con dent and engaged with the subject and see its value
in their life, leading to more wanting to study the subject.

This year and again next year, our Math teachers are being trained in math using
a respected UK program called EY Maths -“Impact Math”.
Here children learn how to “subitize”. This can help children to build images for
numbers, to visualise and to learn number facts. Subitizing is the ability to
instantly recognize the number of objects in a small group without the need to
count them. They are exposed to different visual arrangements of objects ( ngers,
dots, etc.) and are taught how to quickly recognize the number of objects without
counting them one by one. Subitizing helps students develop a strong sense of
numbers, which is essential for later math concepts.

We hope you will help your child have a love of the mathematical world as you

share books, look at their environment and play games to build number sense,
patterns and problem solve everyday events where their ideas are valued and all
answers are accepted and encouraged. Remember there is always more than one
way to show “5”! (1+4/2+3/5+0 and ….?10-5 and …)

Warm regards,

Deborah Lalonde
Early Years Director

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