Children's mathematical graphics: beginnings in play
The development of written number and quantities
The stunning range of children's mathematical graphics and their ability to make meaning
constantly surprises and delights us. It is important not to overlook these early marks
since they form important stages in children's understanding of the written language of
mathematics.
Exploration with marks
Matt – ‘I spell 80354’
3 yrs 1 month
Early written numerals Molly - ‘Seven, six and number eight’ - 3 yrs 11 months
Numerals as labels – Nikita’s birthday card ‘I am three’
3 yrs 4 months
Representing quantities that are not counted - Charlotte: ‘I’ve got
hundreds and pounds!’ - 4 yrs 2 months
Representing quantities that are counted
Jenna ‘s ‘raindrops’- 3 yrs, 9 months
Development of written number:
Exploration with marks - children of 3 and 4 years of age may begin to refer
to their marks in terms of mathematical content Early written numerals - children refer to some marks as numbers and
begin to explore ways of writing numbers.Some write numbers in individual ways Numerals as labels - when children use numerals for their own specific
purposes, perhaps to label something Representations of quantities that are not counted - showing 'lots'
of something and having a sense of a large amount of something - but without representing
a specific amount Representing quantities that are counted - children begin to count
the marks they have represented, and represent items they have already counted
