An Evidence informed Approach to EY mathematics
"The best classroom and richest stockroom is only roofed by the sky” Margaret McMillan
The Nursery is set in the woodland grounds of Burntwood Rugby club on the edge of Chasewater Country Park.
We travelled down a winding footpath, where we discovered a magical, make-believe world under a canopy of nature. Deer and their young were visible in the distance along with scurrying squirrels and birds. The Nursery provides a unique learning opportunity for 2-4 year olds to join a nursery driven by passionate outdoor teaching experts Sarah, Anna, Gabbie and the Nursery Team. No elements of the early year’s curriculum will be left unturned; it is creatively delivered to all children within a natural outdoor environment.
It was wonderful to observe the children’s resourcefulness and confidence flourish as they worked as a team to make decisions and watch as they allowed themselves creativity of thought without barriers. From problem solving inquisitiveness, to sharing moments of complete stillness just listening to nature, Little Owl’s Woodland Pre-school, provides a platform to nurture children’s natural curiosity and thirst to learn.
From mud-sliding and pond-dipping, to grass-sledging and Den-building, the children enjoy an abundance of rich meaningful experiences. Mathematical learning is visible throughout the environment.
The team have recently completed an EEF research programme through the Stronger Practice hub, linked to Numicon. Children use Numicon resources alongside loose parts and small world resources, to represent their number knowledge and thinking.
For further information on Numicon, please download the information sheet below.
The skilled staff deliberately plan for maths throughout the Pre-school routine. At tidy-up time children recite repeated patterns and actions together. There is a strong counting culture, with children demonstrating deep roots in the EEF Evidence store approach of promoting fluency with numbers and sequences.
The Team uses a range of techniques to promote fluency with numbers and sequences. They do this during daily routines and moments throughout the day by using song, recognition, and repetition. The children use this knowledge during other learning and mathematical experiences, including ordering cable reels and counting the number of jumps to cross a crate obstacle course.
The team uses commentary, and thinking out-loud to scaffold and promote problem solving and radiate rich mathematical vocabulary . The children make ramps and time the cars as they travel into the different sized tyres below.
The EEF Evidence Store approach of teaching problem-solving skills and facilitating mathematical language is embedded in the daily routine.
For further information about EEF Approaches and practices to supporting early mathematics
Evidence please visit the Evidence Store https://educationendowmentfoundation.org.uk/early-years-evidence-store/early-mathematics
And Download the Summary Poster below:
https://d2tic4wvo1iusb.cloudfront.net/production/documents/ey-evidence-store/early-mathematics/supporting_early_mathematics_in_the_early_years.pdf?v=1711047456