Our school-wide inquiry focus is based around Mathematics.In my class of five year olds, I have observed some children looking somewhat
confused and anxious when it comes to Maths. And yet people suggest that all children have a natural ‘bent’ towards mathematics, and that mathematical thinking comes naturally. They say that all children like to sort, group and notice things and that this natural inquisitiveness should result in the learning of Maths being somewhat natural - without worry or concern, and requiring no coercion at all.
My initial investigation will be to see if this is true. To answer that question I intend to have a variety of materials available to observe if students will indeed sort, group and notice.
Once I’ve established that all children do (or do not) in fact have a natural Mathematics bent, I'll be able to investigate my real question around Maths, which is....
What place does 'play' have in encouraging mathematical thinking and a greater enjoyment and participation in the learning of Maths?
My hunch is that children who are adverse to Mathematics will become more engaged in the Maths we do as a class or group, as they begin to realise that Maths isn't that scary after all, and that it can actually be fun.
I look forward to the investigation and hope the results are very clear, as they will add another dimension to my teaching practise throughout this year (and years to come!).
What place does 'play' have in encouraging mathematical thinking and a greater enjoyment and participation in the learning of Maths?
My hunch is that children who are adverse to Mathematics will become more engaged in the Maths we do as a class or group, as they begin to realise that Maths isn't that scary after all, and that it can actually be fun.
I look forward to the investigation and hope the results are very clear, as they will add another dimension to my teaching practise throughout this year (and years to come!).
Wow Tris! What an interesting inquiry focus.
ReplyDeleteI think that play and imagination are so important. It is so wonderful to see you thinking about how these childhood qualities can be used to build passion and confidence in maths.
I was wondering how is your investigation going. Have you found any evidence this to suggest there is a natural Mathematics bent? I also wondered how you plan to share the childrens' maths learning? (Mainly because I can't wait to see what play based maths looks like and how your lovely learners react to it).
All the best for your inquiry. I think it is a fantastic focus and can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
From Clarelle
Hi Clarelle. I can't wait to see how it all unfolds, myself.
DeleteMy investigation has started out slowly - videoing went a bit awry (it pays to check you're actually recording!!).
I let the kids 'play' with the materials, and play they did - though while the boys made planes, the girls naturally grouped the items into colours. "I'm making a rainbow' one of them explained.
I eventually suggested they all try and group the items and, after looking at what other children were doing - they all began to sort the sticks into coloured groups. Tomorrow I intend to give the group some different materials to explore with and it'll be interesting to see what they do with those. (I'll make sure I'm videoing correctly this time).