The Value of Play in Supporting a Child’s Mathematical Development
Part 1: Mathematics and Numeracy in the World Around Us
Nature: Symmetry in Nature
Example: The patterns found in the wings of butterflies. Explanation: Symmetry is a mathematical concept that refers to the balance and similarity of an object or shape when divided into equal parts. In nature, we often observe bilateral symmetry, where one half of an object is the mirror image of the other. Butterflies exhibit this symmetry in their wing patterns. Understanding symmetry helps children develop spatial awareness and visual discrimination skills. If the mathematical concept of symmetry were lacking, children might struggle with pattern recognition and visual perception.
Society: Engineers and Stable Bridges
Example: Engineers using mathematics to construct stable bridges. Explanation: In society, mathematics is applied in various fields, such as engineering. Engineers use mathematical concepts like geometry, trigonometry, and physics to design and construct stable bridges. Without a solid understanding of mathematics, engineers would not be able to ensure the structural integrity of bridges, leading to potential collapse or safety hazards. This example highlights the practical importance of mathematics in real-world applications.
Personal: Administering Medicine to Children
Example: Numeracy skills used in everyday life, such as administering medicine to children. Explanation: Numeracy skills are essential for tasks like measuring and administering medicine to children. Parents or caregivers need to accurately measure the correct dosage based on the child’s weight or age. Incorrect measurement could lead to under or overdosing, potentially causing harm to the child’s health. Numeracy skills ensure accurate measurement and promote safe medication administration.
Part 2: Mathematics and Numeracy in Play
Play is crucial for children’s development as it provides opportunities for them to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them. Through play, children can develop their mathematical thinking and numeracy processes. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) in Australia emphasizes the importance of play-based learning for young children’s mathematical development.
Research suggests that play-based activities can enhance children’s mathematical understanding (Fleer & Hardy, 2019). By engaging in purposeful play experiences, children can develop key mathematical concepts such as number sense, measurement, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.
Example Play-based Activity:
Activity: Building with Blocks Age Range: Suitable for preschool-aged children (3-5 years) Explanation: In this activity, children are provided with a variety of blocks and are encouraged to build structures using their imagination and creativity. They can stack, balance, and arrange the blocks to create different shapes and structures.
Mathematics and Numeracy Explored:
Spatial Awareness: Children develop an understanding of spatial relationships as they manipulate blocks to create structures.
Measurement: Children can compare the size and length of different blocks, exploring concepts like bigger/smaller, longer/shorter.
Problem-Solving: Building with blocks requires problem-solving skills as children determine how to balance blocks and create stable structures.
Justification: Contemporary Perspective 1: Constructivist Theory Constructivist theory suggests that children actively construct their knowledge through hands-on experiences and interactions with their environment (Piaget, 1952). Building with blocks allows children to engage in constructive play, where they manipulate materials and explore mathematical concepts through their actions.
Contemporary Perspective 2: Socio-cultural Theory Socio-cultural theory emphasizes the role of social interactions and cultural context in children’s learning (Vygotsky, 1978). Through block play, children can collaborate with peers, share ideas, and negotiate problem-solving strategies. This social interaction supports their mathematical development by providing opportunities for language development, reasoning, and cognitive growth.
By incorporating play-based activities like building with blocks into early childhood settings, educators can foster children’s mathematical thinking and numeracy skills while promoting a love for learning.
