Maths in the EYFS

Research on children’s learning in the first six years of life demonstrates the importance of early experiences in mathematics. An engaging and encouraging climate for children’s early encounters with mathematics develops their confidence in their ability to understand and use mathematics. These positive experiences help children to develop dispositions such as curiosity, imagination, flexibility, inventiveness, and persistence, which contribute to their future success in and out of school (Clements & Conference Working Group, 2004).

The NCTM (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics) states:

“Young learners’ future understanding of mathematics requires an early foundation based on a high-quality, challenging, and accessible mathematics education. Young children in every setting should experience mathematics through effective, research-based curricula and teaching practices. Such practices in turn require that teachers have the support of policies and resources that enable them to succeed in this challenging and important work.”

They go on to highlight how early maths can support the aims of the new Curriculum 2014:

“Early childhood educators should actively introduce mathematical concepts, methods, and language through a variety of appropriate experiences. Teachers should guide children in seeing connections of ideas within mathematics as well as with other subjects, developing their mathematical knowledge throughout the day and across the curriculum. They must encourage children to communicate, explaining their thinking as they interact with important mathematics in deep and sustained ways.”

THE EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures. (Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage, DfE: 2012)

Addition

Subtraction 

Multiplication

Division