A head for numbers

From buying a DVD to paying for a school trip to following a recipe, mathematics and science are essential life skills. According to professional educators, the way that mathematics and science are taught to young learners can make a significant difference to the way children engage with the topics and relate them to their surroundings.

Citing the Early Years phase of the National Curriculum of England and Wales that the school uses as a framework, Anfield International Kindergarten principal Denise Jarrett says creativity and critical thinking are integral to embracing the concepts of mathematics and science.

"Although skills, language and concepts in mathematics and science must often be taught explicitly, we strive to design our curriculum to integrate these subjects into other areas of learning to create exciting cross-curricular opportunities," Jarrett says.

She believes that simply telling children what to do inhibits understanding. "At Anfield, our success in teaching mathematics and science to our kindergarten students lies in our teachers' ability to ensure there are regular practical opportunities within the continuous provision of the learning centres, along with regular and timely enhancements," Jarrett says.

She points out that parents and teachers need to find ways to constantly ensure there are opportunities for children to explore, talk, enjoy, learn and practise their developing concepts and understanding. 

For example, children are fascinated with the numbers in their lives, particularly those that have personal meaning. This can be their age, which - like their name - becomes part of their identity. Parents and Anfield staff also make Maths Rhyme Bags and Maths Rhyme Boxes to support children's mathematical development.