"With freshness, humour and originality, Sue Gifford demonstrates the interactive strategies that are required to teach mathematics to young children. The text is both refreshingly free from conventional wisdom and solidly grounded in recent research on learning and teaching early mathematics.At the same time, it is unfailing in its accuracy in uncovering children's own humour and instinct for subverting 'teacherly' overtures. Given the demonstrated lack of spontaneous mathematics in early childhood setting, this assembled collage of children's own observations, activities and comments is in itself a work of art." Professor Carol Aubrey, Institute of Education, University of Warwick, UK. What are the most important aspects of mathematics for young children to learn? How do children learn mathematics? How can adults best ‘teach’ mathematics to children so young? The book informs practitioners, students and parents about how three– to five-year-olds learn mathematics, and shows them how best to develop enjoyable mathematical learning in early years settings. The book includes a summary of relevant research and considers issues relating to current practice. This book: Establishes principles for teaching mathematics to young children Takes into account the way children learn, including social, emotional, physical and cognitive aspects Helps practitioners find the middle ground between not initiating enough mathematical activity and being too directive Suggests principles and frameworks for planning and assessment. The book places particular emphasis on adult-initiated, number-focused activities and playful, challenging and sensitive teaching strategies to engage younger children. The strategies are based on research and work with practitioners, and are illustrated by children’s own responses, such as making number jokes. It covers key areas of mathematics, including number, shape and space, measures and problem solving, with appropriate expectations and common difficulties as well as suggested activities. Essential reading for those teaching or preparing to teach mathematics to young children, as well as parents interested in the mathematical education of their children.

This edited book promotes thinking, dialogue, research and theorisation on multiple ways of making connections in mathematics teaching and learning in early childhood education. The book addresses some key challenges in research, policy and practice in early childhood mathematics education. It examines diverse ways for learning experiences to connect young children to mathematics, and the importance of forging connections between mathematics and young children’s lives as key elements in their engagement with mathematics. Each chapter provides research or theoretical provocations and pedagogical implications for connecting children’s lived experiences and ways of learning in mathematics teaching. The chapters are drawn from a range of international authors who raise important ideas within the overall context of current research and consider the theoretical and practical implications of their research. As such, the book advances current thinking on mathematics teaching and learning for children in the early years from birth to eight years with an emphasis on children aged birth to 5 years. It considers the purpose and value in connecting mathematics teaching and learning to children’s lives, and provides provocations for both educators and researchers on the many under-researched and under-represented aspects of early years mathematics teaching and learning.

For almost 30 years I was married to the man the rest of the world knew as Gilligan. Almost five decades of reruns have made his television character iconic, but the Bob Denver I knew and loved was legendary to me for his courage, his commitment to his severely autistic son and his love for the wife of his dreams, maybe the reason he called me Dreams. Devoting the last 21 years of his life to our son Colin speaks volumes about Bob Denver, the man. Our love story is one for the ages. Anyone who knew us in our years together will tell you that. Our devotion to each other and to Colin was complete, and the courage of this man during the last six months of his life exemplifies the definition of the word. This is the story of a man and woman who made vows to each other and kept them. This is the story of parents facing the challenge of autism together, never wavering in their love for each other or their son. This is the story of Bob and me, two imperfect people who fit perfectly together. Losing Bob was the hardest thing I've ever faced, but his love left me stronger, more focused and in the end, able to survive even when I thought I couldn't. Being loved by this man was the greatest gift of my life. For every challenge we faced and every minute we spent together, I love you, Bob Denver.