Early Mathematical Explorations

Early Mathematical Explorations shows readers how to provide young children with rich mathematical learning environments and experiences. This book presents teachers with a sound theoretical framework to encourage children to become numerate in the twenty-first century. It shows that mathematical learning can occur in a variety of ways, including when children explore ideas through play, problem solving and problem posing; engage in a rich variety of multimodal learning experiences; pursue self-directed activities and cooperate with others; and make connections between ideas and experiences in their everyday worlds.

Chapters 2 and 3 explore the ways in which mathematical understandings can be supported from birth to five years. Chapters 4–9 provide an overview of mathematics in the early primary years. The final chapters illustrate the contexts and connections that can be made in early mathematical learning. Early Mathematical Explorations is an essential resource for pre- and in-service teachers alike.

About the Authors

Nicola Yelland is a Research Professor in the School of Education at Victoria University in Melbourne, Australia. Over the last decade her teaching and research has been related to the use of ICT in school and community contexts. This has involved projects that have investigated the innovative learning of children as well as a broader consideration of the ways in which new technologies can impact on the pedagogies that teachers use and the curriculum in schools.

Dr Carmel Diezmann is a Professor and Head of Education, Queensland, at Australian Catholic University in Brisbane. Previously, she was the Assistant (Dean) Research in the Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology. She is interested in the cognition and creativity of individuals and groups in various educational settings as they build their own intellectual or professional capacities.

Deborah Butler is a primary teacher with over thirty years of classroom experience. During this time she has taught in a variety of settings and held the position of Head of Infants at St Margaret's Anglican Girls School. She has also lectured on programming and planning in literacy and numeracy to preservice early childhood students at Queensland University of Technology.