Numeracy

Numeracy learning is both a foundation and a process. We have learned that a balanced approach to numeracy is the best way to support learners in an ever-changing world. 

 

Balanced numeracy places equal value on:

 

• Learning as a foundation involving the teaching of foundational numeracy skills
• Learning as a process involving the experiences of inquiry, exploration, and play

 

Effective numeracy instruction integrates research-based practices with adaptive teacher expertise. This might involve making use of aspects of a prescribed program while finding ways to personalize, adjust, and extend in response to individual, group, and whole class dynamics. 

 

Learning as a Foundation

 

Early years numeracy development focuses on number sense to enable children to:

• Connect
• Interpret 
• Analyze
• Apply
• Transfer
• Solve
• Communicate

Foundational number sense skills support students as they develop as numeracy learners.  

Number sequence	Number sequence is a list of numbers linked by a rule. Determining the next numbers in the sequence required figuring out the rule.
One-to-one correspondence	One-to-one correspondence is the ability to count groups of objects one at a time, only counting each object once.
Cardinality	Cardinality is understanding that the last number counted represents how many there are in total.
Conservation	Conservation is the understanding that the quantity stays the same even when rearranged.
Symbolic magnitude understanding	Symbolic magnitude understanding is the ordering and comparing of written numerals and number words.
Subitizing	Subitizing is the ability to look at a small set of objects and automatically know how many there are in total.
Estimating	Estimating is an educated guess about a quantity based on existing knowledge.
Place Value	Place value is the value of each digit in a number based on it's position.
Connecting numeral to quantity	Connecting numeral to quantity is the understanding that numbers represent specific amounts.
Skip counting	Skip counting is a way of counting forward or backward by a number other than 1. The same amount is skipped each time.
Decomposition and composition	Decomposition is the ability to break numbers down into parts. Composition is the ability to put them back together again.
Flexible counting strategies	Flexible counting strategies involve students using different methods to count objects and solve problems in a variety of ways.

 

Learning as a Process

 

Inquiry, exploration, and play are essential social and experiential learning opportunities that enable students to take risks and try new things as they develop their numeracy skills. 

 

Inquiry	Ideas are explored through questions, provocations, investigations, and representations. Inquiry involves solving problems, seeking opportunities, accessing resources, or trying something new. Inquiries have no preset outcomes but emerge organically as children and adults think alongside one another.
Exploration	An intentionally set-up environment and materials provoke interest and curiosity and invite children to engage in hands-on learning, often alongside peers. Rich exploration design affords children opportunities to observe, analyze, experiment, innovate, create, and discover.
Free Play and Play-Based Learning	Free play is a self-chosen and self or peer-directed activity that is focused on the process and not the product. Play-based learning includes child-directed, teacher-guided, and teacher-directed play. Play engages children in active, imaginative opportunities and experiences.

 

Research by Stuart Brown (2009) and Peter Gray (2013) support us in understanding the importance of the connection between play and:

 

• Numeracy learning
• Human brain development
• Social and emotional development
• Overall wellbeing

Assessment