2nd Edition
Supporting Early Mathematical Development Practical Approaches to Play-Based Learning
Foreword
Anne D. Cockburn
Introduction
1. Mediators of Mathematical thinking: Models and Minds
2. Mathematical Thinking and Problem Solving
3. Fear, anxiety and other emotions
4. General Principles and Practical Implications for Early Years Mathematics
5. Specific Principles and Practical Implications for Early Years Mathematics
6. Early Years Mathematics
7. Understanding Pattern, Pre-algebraic and Algebraic thinking
8. Naming, Renaming and Processing Numbers
9. Understanding Addition and Subtraction: Mental Strategies
10. Understanding Addition and Subtraction: Formal Algorithms
11. Multiplication and Division: Mental Strategies
12. Understanding Multiplication and Division: Formal Algorithms
13. Statistics, Statistical diagrams and Probability
14. Measure
15. Geometry
References
Biography
Caroline McGrath began her studies in Dublin on an analytical science degree. After qualifying with a Post Graduate Certificate in Education she worked as an early years teacher and lectured in early childhood studies. She achieved the Postgraduate Diploma in Professional Studies in Education (Specific Learning Difficulties/Dyslexia) and was awarded the Hornsby Certificate of Professional Practice. She completed a master’s and a doctorate and writes from first-hand experience teaching.
"This is a detailed, thorough and comprehensive guide to teaching mathematics to young children. It is reflective and philosophical, yet also full of practical advice and examples from someone who works with young children.
McGrath sees teaching as a professional thinking craft, backed by pertinent theories and principles, which are freely quoted throughout this book.
She encourages teachers to use thoughtful, and thought-provoking questioning in their classes. That implies using the important, if not crucial, skill of listening to your pupils.
There are some delightful nuggets in this book. I particularly liked the comparison of emotions to a spectrum of colours from sage green satisfaction to mid-red fear to dark black dread.
McGrath advocates teaching a range of methods and perceptions to her learners, encouraging metacognition and reflection. Reading about this makes us, the readers also reflect on our own practices. She also emphasises the developmental nature of mathematics and illustrates this with a comprehensive explanation of all the components of a typical maths curriculum as used by children up to the age of around 12 years."
Steve Chinn, Visiting Professor, University of Derby, UK, Author of The Trouble with Maths and More Trouble with Maths
