Number in the early years – helping children to develop a positive maths mindset

Mathematics is part of children’s lives, from the everyday struggle to find a matching pair of socks in the morning to the sense of wonder a child might feel when looking at the hexagonal patterned arrangement of honeycomb.

Remarkably, we even know from research that babies are hard-wired with a sense of quantity and pattern in the world.

From a young age, children can approximate quantities without needing to count. This early mathematical understanding is independent from language: toddlers can recognise three things, although they may not know how to say the word.

Despite this natural ease and sense of wonder, many of us don’t find maths easy or fun as adults, but it is important for all of us to develop a positive, confident mindset about maths and make sure that children get off to the best possible start in this area of learning.

Fortunately, there is plenty of robust research evidence for us to act on, so we can support every child to reach their potential. 

Here are three key principles to consider.

Read on: Teach Early Years