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The numbers game

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All about numbers, shapes, patterns, measuring, time, money, data and technology.

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An introduction to mathematical development in the early years
Mathematics are a hugely important part of everyday life for everyone.  As practitioners we need to support children to develop not just their mathematical knowledge, understanding and skills, but also a positive attitude towards maths. We can do this by planning for and providing relevant mathematical experiences for the children in our setting. 

Strategies to support and promote mathematical development in the early years
The early years are important for mathematical development as this is where children start to develop the attitudes towards maths that can influence them throughout their life. Mathematical development is supported by the provision of a mathematically rich environment and there are many ways we, as practitioners, can support this through our provision and practice. 

Focus on problem solving
Problem solving is an important skill because we need to be able to work out how to do things and remember it so we can do it again. Problem solving helps to develop creative thinking skills and is important for all areas of maths - number, space, shape, and measure. In this course we will look at some strategies used by problem solvers and consider the role of the practitioner in supporting children's problem solving in the setting.

Focus on number and numerical patterns
A knowledge and understanding of numbers and numerical patterns and acquiring the skills involved in using them is vital for everyone. Once we have this, we use it every day, often without thinking about it. It is important that we support children in our settings to develop a secure knowledge and understanding of number and numerical patterns and to have the skills, confidence and competence to use them effectively.  Explore this here.

Focus on shape, space and measure
Shape, space and measure are integral parts of mathematics. Research has indicated that young children's spatial, rather than numerical, abilities enrich their overall mathematical development: the key skills are visualising what shapes will look like when they are combined or rotated. It is important that settings ensure that children have meaningful practical experiences to help them develop the knowledge, understanding and skills for shape, space and measure. Children also need time and space to practice and embed these. Explore this here. 

Introducing mathematical development and the natural world
Exploring nature is a great way for children to learn about maths and numeracy in a hands on, experiential way. Playing and learning in natural spaces provides a range of resources and loose parts to support mathematical understanding, along with the benefits of being close to nature. Learn more here. This course was developed in association with Natural Resources Wales.

Supporting mathematical development in the natural world
Exploring nature is a great way for children to learn about maths and numeracy in a hands on, experiential way. There are lots of ways that you can explore mathematical concepts and support mathematical understanding through nature. Find ideas and inspiration here. This course was developed in association with Natural Resources Wales.

An introduction to financial education in the early years
Financial education is about ensuring people have the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviours to manage and control their money, so they can make the most of it. The aim of financial education is to create financially capable young people who are able to make informed, confident, and positive money decisions throughout their lives. It is important as practitioners that we support children to begin to develop the skills that will form the foundation of good money management. Explore this here. This course was developed in association with The Money Charity.

Stories and mathematical concepts
Stories play an important part in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). They support all the areas of learning and development. However, some areas may seem less obvious, for example, mathematics. This can be a missed opportunity when we share books or tell stories with children. 

Water play and the characteristics of effective learning
Water play can take place indoors or out and presents many opportunities for learning and development, including exploring size, weight and volume. In this course we take a look at some outdoor water play with a particular focus on how this supports the characteristics of effective learning.  

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