One of the ten principles underpinning Birth to Three Matters is that 'Children learn by doing rather than being told'. This reminder is invaluable when practitioners take time to reflect on developmentally sensible ways to approach very early numeracy. And another principle is particularly relevant here: 'Caring adults count for more than resources and equipment.'
Hands-on experiences
Manufacturers of plastic toys with moulded numbers attached may claim that such features promote babies' and toddlers' learning. But written numbers are abstract concepts and make no sense whatsoever to under-threes. Such toys are, therefore, a waste of money and storage space.
If babies and very young children are to start to grasp basic mathematical ideas, their learning needs to be supported by a range of suitable and flexible materials and plenty of hands-on experiences.
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