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CM Network 2007 |
The Williams
Maths Review (Early Years and Primary): Interim Report (DCSF, March,
2008). The Report's interim
findings relating to early written mathematics:
88. Preliminary analysis indicates the
possibility that not enough attention is given to the use of the
Foundation Stage Profile (FSP) at scale point level. Relatively few
children attain point 8, ‘uses developing mathematical ideas and methods
to solve practical problems’, in any of the three mathematical
assessment scales. The review will investigate this further during
consultation, including the question of weaknesses in the development of
an understanding of mathematical language, particularly related to
calculating. The final report will consider these matters further.
89. The EYFS guidance stresses the value
of children’s own graphic explorations, and it is common to see children
from an early age making their own marks in role-play to communicate or
act out activities they observe in adults, such as writing letters or
making lists. It is comparatively rare, however, to find adults
supporting children in making mathematical marks as part of developing
their abilities to record their mathematical thinking. While ‘emergent
writing’ is a recognised term, that is not the case for ‘emergent
mathematical mark-making’. This seems to miss a valuable opportunity to
encourage this early experimentation. The review will continue to look
into evidence submitted on these matters (Carruthers and Worthington,
2005), and will comment further in the final report.
90. The EYFS also provides guidance on
developing ‘mathematical understanding through … imaginative play’.
However, it is not clear whether there is sufficient time allocated for
‘mathematical’ discussion around practical activities such as play with
vehicles outside, cooking, shopping and constructing. There is a huge
range of opportunities in this area, which are too often underexploited.
To be effective, mathematical learning for children in this age group
needs to be predominantly social in nature and rooted in these play
activities.
To contribute your comments to the final phase of the Consultation
process (especially anything you'd like to say about early written
mathematics / children's mathematical graphics and calculations)
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