Mathematics
Resources for mathematics in the Early Years Foundation Stage.
Training
The government is providing a package of workforce training, support and guidance for the early years sector to aid staff and settings.
You can access free online training from the DfE (Department of Education). There are currently 4 modules available with further modules being released in the near future.
Also available is the Help for Early Years Providers pages. There is a section on mathematics, with videos and ideas to support play and development.
Key sites
NRICH based at the University of Cambridge has useful resources including a section specifically focused on the 3 to 5 age range to support you in developing the initial building blocks for mathematical thinking, reasoning and problem-solving with your children. Their website includes lots of free activities and articles to inspire.
National Numeracy is an independent charity aiming to raise levels of numeracy among adults and children and to promote the importance of everyday maths skills. Their website includes excellent resources and useful links to other sites full of advice on numeracy learning, activity ideas and games for children and families via the family maths toolkit.
Lively and accessible resources for families to support children’s mathematical learning are available from CBeebies.
Further ideas and advice for families are available from Oxford Owl.
The DfE Archive of National Strategy materials hosts a useful mathematical vocabulary book.
Maths through Stories based at the University of Reading has an excellent collection of recommended stories to support exploring mathematical concepts with children.
Articles and other resources
Numbers
- a thought-provoking article on ‘Open Mathematics’, published by Community Playthings
- a useful list of number rhymes, songs and books from the National Numeracy organisation
- mathematical learning opportunities for children to create their own maths games from Inspired by Play
Shape, space and measure
- practical and hands-on ways to extend children’s spatial awareness from Inspired by Play
- free resources to extend children’s mathematical vocabulary from Teachwire
- a useful article on the development of spatial awareness using blocks published by Community Playthings