Mathematics

Amis and Objectives

It is our aim to ensure that our children are ready for their next phase in education.

Children learn to:

• Use and understand mathematical language
• Counting, estimating and measuring
• Finding ways to solve problems
• Using recognising and ordering numbers
• Describing and naming shapes
• Thinking logically
   

Principles

Children start their educational journey to becoming numerate with us at nursery and this has far reaching implications for lifelong confidence and well-being.

The process of becoming numerate is a systematic process and should be given as much attention as children learning to read.  In nursery we offer a systematic approach to mathematics through our focused ‘Little Big Maths’ sessions and focused mathematical activities liked to Shape, Space and Measures or Number. In turn we see the environment as the third teacher therefore we offer children a variety of experiences to promote problem solving, child led inquiry and consolidation.

Growth Mind-set

In nursery we teach the children about Growth Mind-set theory ‘the theory of not yet’ this involves children understanding that new learning is not easy it involves building new connections in their brain.  Below is a link to the work of Carol Dweck and ‘the theory of not yet’. Our aim is that children leave nursery school resilient, inquisitive, active learners with a thirst for learning.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-swZaKN2Ic  Carol Dweck ‘The Power of Yet’.

Practices and Procedures

Mathematics sessions are taught daily as a discrete lesson, in small, family groups.  The children then have a focused ‘Little Big Maths Session’ each day.  Teaching is multi- sensory and is applied throughout the nursery curriculum, to ensure the maximum retention of taught skills.

• appreciating pattern, and relationships in mathematics
• exploring, comparing and describing shapes, quantities, height, etc.
• finding ways to solve mathematical problems e.g. estimating, measuring
• learning to use and understand mathematical language
• understanding and using number
• counting, understanding and using numbers
• calculating simple addition and subtraction problems