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CURRICULUM AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT    * 1 HOUR * LEVEL 2

Page 6

The Math Learning Center

Math Friendly Environment

​Math concepts are all around us, but that doesn’t mean that we should take this for granted. Early childhood professionals should strive to bring math concepts into the classroom.  One common but engaging way to provide more math exposure to young children is to provide a math center along with other centers.

​The key to making a math center engaging and capable of holding a child’s attention is to make the activities more about exploration and play than academics. Young children learn through play and they have the desire to interact with peers and explore new concepts as well as build upon prior knowledge. Math centers can easily present this opportunity.
Picture
Pipe Cleaners with Bead Counters
The math center is the prime area for number practice, color exploration, pattern making, and comparing items. It is helpful to have an area of the classroom that is devoted to math items that children can access independently. Often, this is the most difficult part of designing a math center. One of the best benefits of including a math center area is that it allows children to learn math in a developmentally appropriate manner. 
Support math education for young children by:
  • Allowing children to learn at their own pace.
  • Engaging them in math activities.
  • Providing a variety of activities for them to participate in.
  • Allowing them freedom of the choice of math activity which makes them invested in their learning.
  • Not forcing them to participate.
Another important aspect of a math friendly early childhood program is in the way teachers interact with math concepts. A teacher who asks guiding questions as opposed to yes or no questions will likely encourage further math exploration and enjoyment from their students. Teachers who encourage playing with math friendly materials will also find that their students will be more willing to explore mathematical concepts. According to Arthur Baroody, Professor at the University of Illinois for NAEYC “The best way to teach preschool children (or students of any age) is in a purposeful manner—in a context that has a purpose to the child."