Early maths

What is mathematics and why is it so important to early childhood development?

“It is an often overlooked fact that we all, whether children or adults, are constantly using and applying mathematics in our everyday lives.
Research into children’s development and learning in the early years confirms that early experiences have long-lasting outcomes in terms of educational achievement and life chances.”

Di Hatchett, Founding Trustee at National Numeracy

As a childcare professional you can make a real difference to ensure every child has a chance to become a confident learner and user of mathematics. Here you’ll find a handy round-up of key resources, products, blogs and activities to help you support mathematics in the early years.

Free members’ resources

If you’re a member of PACEY you can access these resources for free by logging into the MyPACEY members’ area.

Numbers, shapes and problem solving practice guide

This practice guide, written by PACEY experts, covers:

Learning about numbers, shapes and problem solving
Role of the key person and an enabling environment
Songs and rhyme
Maths outdoors
Numbers and shapes
Problem solving
Supporting the home learning environment

Access your free guide here

Numbers, shapes and problem solving factsheet

This fantastic factsheet gives an introduction into supporting children’s mathematical development in your childcare setting. It gives practical examples and ideas and a reflective task to try.

Access your free factsheet here

Members’ tips

We asked members on our Facebook page to share their top tips for including maths every day.

Blogs

Read more on the subject of mathematics with our blogs provided by experts.

Maths: it’s an attitude – Julia Sudbury, Head Consultant, Cambridge Early Years

We use maths in every aspect of our lives. However, here in the UK we have a long term and increasing issue with low levels of numeracy in the adult population. Early years practitioners can use simple tips to create a positive attitude towards maths, to help make a step in the right direction.

Play by numbers – Dr Amanda Gummer, Fundamentally Children

This blog explores a few examples of the toys and activities you can provide to encourage development in some of the areas of numeracy, for early years and Key Stage 1. Read on to find more about how children can develop their mathematics skills at different ages and stages.

How do you support the development of maths in the early years? – Judith Dancer

Get a taster of what to expect from our book – Mathematics in the Early Years with these fun, practical activities that include “the number robber” and mud kitchens. Sounds like fun right?

Get involved

Support our campaign to inspire children with early maths on social media by tweeting and retweeting using the hashtag #earlymaths.

Here are two suggested tweets:

Inspire our children with #earlymaths in learning and through play
Give every child the chance to become a confident maths learner #earlymaths

Additional resources

Early Childhood Maths Group have a huge range of resources for the early years. Their ‘Building firm foundations’ resources are suitable from birth to key stage 1.

Download them here