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Welcome to the international Children's Mathematics Network

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CMG Glossary

Lexicon                                                           

A lexicon is a collection of 'all the words used in a particular

language or subject' (Cambridge dictionary).

     In the context of Children’s Mathematical Graphics, we use this term to refer to the collection of graphical signs that young children intuitively (and mentally) build from adults' modelling and from peers' graphics. This can be likened to a mental 'toolbox' that they can dip into to locate a sign appropriate to their needs, in order to communicate their mathematical meaning.    

     Since children's graphical sign-use is enveloped in their personal meanings, their signs make very real sense to them, and understanding is likely to be deep and lasting.

 

Mathematical literacy                                                                      

From the perspective of Children’s Mathematical Graphics, we relate the term 'mathematical literacy' to being literate in mathematics, (especially in relation to children from approximately 2 - 8 years). Mathematical literacy is 'the second key step for all students, beyond language literacy; the ability to use numbers to help solve real-world problems [and] also the ability to understand the “language” of math’ (Oxford Learning).

 

Semiotics

Semiotics is the study of symbolic communication. It can include signs, logos, gestures and other linguistic and non-linguistic communication methods. In the context of Children's Mathematical Graphics, semiotics is concerned with children making and communicating personal mathematical meanings, through choosing to use their own graphical marks, signs and symbols.

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