ExchangeEveryDay Past Issues

Forward this issue to a friend

In his Exchange article, "Math in Early Childhood," which serves as the basis for the latest Exchange Out of the Box Training Kit, Francis Wardle highlights many problems with the way math is approached in the early years including gender stereotypes and inappropriate curricula. Here are just a few excerpts from this thought-provoking article...

"Studies show that children who play with unit blocks in early childhood do better in algebra in middle school. But it’s important to note that the outcome of playing in the block area is not demonstrated until middle school! Math standards during the early years will automatically focus on low level, rote skills: memorization, repetition, and adult views of math knowledge. What makes this most destructive is that young children are operating within Piaget’s preoperational stage, which means they cannot think logically. Thus, bureaucrats creating standards and assessment often include things that children this age simply cannot even do....

"Math knowledge and dispositions are not created in a vacuum. Math is about manipulating things: objects, shapes, concepts, and relationships; reproducing and documenting the world; and constructing, building, and estimating....Thus, we must provide a myriad of opportunities for young children to have direct, concrete experiences in the real world. What is the value of discussing the speed of light if you don’t understand light? Seeing snow accumulate day after day is a real way to understanding increase in quantity. Carrying a large boulder teaches about mass; swinging on a rope about force, angles, and speed. Field trips, extensive classroom projects, exploration in nature, extensive use of the playground, observing the weather, etc., must all be central to our math curricula."

---

All of our 60+ Out of the Box Training Kits, including the newest kit, "Math in Early Childhood," enable a director or trainer to mount an effective training session with minimal stress and are on sale this week at a 20% discount (online versions only). Kits are available in these curriculum areas:

• Positive Discipline
• Health and Safety
• Curriculum Development and Implementation
• Environments
• Family Partnerships
• Professionalism
• Early Care and Education
• Infants and Toddlers

ExchangeEveryDay

Delivered five days a week containing news, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.