The stepping stones that focus on measurement in the Foundation Stage curriculum highlight the importance of vocabulary in understanding measurement (see Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage, p78-80, and left). Young children need to be given opportunities to discuss their ideas on length, weight, time and capacity with practitioners in various different contexts. Such discussions help children to relate the language of measures to a practical situation and extend their knowledge of measures.
Sharing mathematical conversation is just as relevant when children do not yet talk as when they use recognisable words. Using mathematical vocabulary in a discussion gives children an opportunity to hear the words used in context.
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