Nursery World - Maths in sand and water: In addition

<P> Young children will be naturally drawn to a nursery's ideal resource for mathematical learning, says Denise Bailey </P>

Young children will be naturally drawn to a nursery's ideal resource for mathematical learning, says Denise Bailey

Most children enjoy sand and water play throughout their early years, and purposeful, self-directed play in this area can make an enormous contribution to developing children's understanding of mathematical concepts.

Exploring materials in sand and water enables children to try out mathematical ideas, develop problem-solving skills, pose questions and use mathematical language independently or with others in activities where a specific result or answer is not expected.

Child-led activities empower children to set challenges for themselves, and develop their understanding by experimenting with materials in different ways which will enable them to deepen their understanding of a wide range of concepts and build their self-confidence as mathematicians.

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