• Question: Do you have any useful tips for the primary classroom?

    Asked by tyrrellt to Daniel on 15 Apr 2015.
    • Photo: Daniel Ansari

      Daniel Ansari answered on 15 Apr 2015:


      Since my research is focussed on children’s development of numerical and mathematical abilities, I would recommend spending time helping children understand the meaning of numbers and their relationships. We should not assume that all children who are in the early grades have a good understanding of number and numerical relations. Many children need help to build an understanding of number. This understanding is critical for them to be able to learn arithmetic. It is important to work with children to help them understand that numerical symbols, such as numerals, represent quantities and that they are part of an ordered sequence. Activities in which children have to match numerical symbols to sets of items, place numerical symbols in order or use number lines have been found to be benefit children who may be struggling with numeracy.
      My recommendation would be to spend just as much classroom time on numeracy as you do on literacy, as both have been found to be critical predictors of later school and life success.

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