Fostering a love for mathematics from an early age has become an important goal within the Australian early childhood education system.
As parents and educators aim to prepare children for future academic success, introducing mathematics in positive and engaging ways during the preschool years can greatly influence how children feel about the subject and how well they understand it as they grow.
Let's Count, a free online professional development program, supports early years professionals to work in partnership with parents to develop the mathematics skills of children in their care by exploring and talking about mathematics in everyday life.
The program is run by The Smith Family and funded by the department. It includes three self-paced modules, a 4 to 6-week practical application of the program content, and a two-hour facilitated online forum. It is also aligned with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF).
In Australia, the EYLF emphasizes the importance of early childhood education as a foundation for lifelong education. Mathematics, as a part of this framework, is not just about numbers and counting; it includes patterns, shapes, measurements, and spatial awareness. By including these ideas as part of everyday play and activities, educators can help children see maths as a fun and normal part of life, not something difficult and intimidating.
When preschoolers engage with maths, they start developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are useful in all areas of learning and life. When children are encouraged to explore mathematical concepts through play, they learn to observe, hypothesize, and test their ideas. These foundational skills are crucial for later academic success, not just in mathematics but in other subjects as well.
Early childhood educators will be able to build on what they already know of children's mathematics learning. To find out more and register for the program, visit Let's Count.