Module overview

Module purpose  单元目的

• Define the terms mathematics and science
  定义数学和科学
• Explain how science and mathematics concepts are integrated into ECE curriculum
  解释如何将科学和数学概念纳入幼儿教育课程
• Describe how technology can be embeded across all curriculum areas as an effective resource
  说明如何将技术作为一种有效资源嵌入所有课程领域

Introduction  导言

1. Hands-On Exploration: 动手探索：
   • Provide hands-on activities that allow children to explore mathematical and scientific concepts through play and discovery.
     提供实践活动，让儿童通过游戏和发现来探索数学和科学概念。
   • Use everyday objects and materials to engage children in activities that promote counting, sorting, measuring, and basic experimentation.
     利用日常物品和材料，让儿童参与促进计数、分类、测量和基本实验的活动。
3. Nature and Outdoor Learning:
   自然与户外学习：
   • Take advantage of outdoor spaces to explore the natural world, fostering an early appreciation for science.
     利用户外空间探索自然世界，培养早期的科学鉴赏力。
   • Encourage activities like observing plants and animals, collecting leaves, and exploring the properties of natural materials.
     鼓励开展观察动植物、收集树叶和探索自然材料特性等活动。
5. Storytelling and Literature:
   讲故事与文学
   • Integrate mathematics and science into storytelling and literature to make these subjects more accessible and enjoyable for young learners.
     将数学和科学融入讲故事和文学作品中，使这些学科更容易为青少年学习者所接受和喜爱。
   • Choose books that introduce mathematical and scientific concepts in a relatable and age-appropriate manner.
     选择以贴近生活、适合年龄的方式介绍数学和科学概念的书籍。
7. Inquiry-Based Learning: 探究式学习：
   • Foster curiosity and critical thinking through inquiry-based learning experiences.
     通过探究式学习体验培养好奇心和批判性思维。
   • Encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, and explore answers through guided investigations.
     鼓励孩子们提出问题、做出预测，并通过指导下的调查探索答案。
9. Mathematics through Play:
   在游戏中学习数学
   • Use games and activities to introduce mathematical concepts, such as number recognition, patterns, and spatial relationships.
     利用游戏和活动介绍数学概念，如数字识别、模式和空间关系。
   • Board games, puzzles, and building activities can provide a fun and interactive way to develop early math skills.
     棋盘游戏、拼图和建筑活动可以提供一种有趣的互动方式来发展早期数学技能。
11. Scientific Exploration: 科学探索：
    • Design age-appropriate experiments that allow children to observe, predict, and draw conclusions.
      设计适合儿童年龄的实验，让他们观察、预测并得出结论。
    • Incorporate simple science concepts like cause and effect, observation, and classification into hands-on experiments.
      在动手实验中融入因果、观察和分类等简单的科学概念。
13. Technology Integration: 技术整合：
    • Introduce age-appropriate technology tools and resources that support mathematical and scientific exploration.
      介绍适龄的技术工具和资源，以支持数学和科学探索。
    • Interactive educational apps, educational videos, and age-appropriate digital tools can complement traditional learning methods.
15. Cross-Curricular Connections:
    • Integrate mathematics and science with other subject areas to create meaningful connections and a holistic learning experience.
    • Incorporate art, music, and language into activities that involve mathematical and scientific concepts.

1. Educational Apps:
   • Utilise age-appropriate educational apps that focus on math and science concepts. Choose apps that offer interactive, hands-on activities to make learning engaging and enjoyable.
     使用适龄的教育应用程序，重点关注数学和科学概念。选择能提供互动和动手活动的应用程序，让学习充满吸引力和乐趣。
   • Ensure that the apps align with educational goals and provide opportunities for exploration and discovery.
     确保应用程序符合教育目标，并提供探索和发现的机会。
3. Interactive Whiteboards and Smart Tables:
   交互式白板和智能桌：
   • Use interactive whiteboards or smart tables to facilitate collaborative learning experiences. These tools can be particularly effective for group activities that involve problem-solving, data representation, or virtual experiments.
     使用交互式白板或智能桌来促进协作学习体验。这些工具对于涉及解决问题、数据表示或虚拟实验的小组活动尤为有效。
5. Digital Storytelling:
   • Integrate digital storytelling tools to create interactive stories that incorporate mathematical and scientific concepts. This approach can enhance literacy skills while reinforcing content knowledge.
   • Encourage children to use digital tools to illustrate and narrate their own stories related to math and science themes.
6. Virtual Excursions:
   • Go on virtual excursions using online resources that allow children to explore places related to science, such as museums, aquariums, or nature reserves. Virtual tours can provide rich, immersive experiences even when physical trips are not feasible.
8. Interactive Simulations and Games:
   • Incorporate interactive simulations and games that simulate real-world scientific phenomena or present math challenges in a playful way.
   • Look for platforms that offer age-appropriate simulations, allowing children to experiment with concepts like gravity, weather, or basic arithmetic.
10. Digital Manipulatives:
    • Explore digital manipulatives that mimic traditional math tools like counters, pattern blocks, or number lines. Digital versions can provide a dynamic and interactive way for children to explore mathematical concepts.
    • Apps and online platforms offering virtual manipulatives can be used to enhance hands-on learning experiences.
12. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR):
    • Integrate AR and VR experiences to bring abstract concepts to life. Virtual reality, in particular, can provide immersive environments for exploring scientific phenomena or mathematical concepts in three dimensions.
    • Ensure that AR and VR experiences are developmentally appropriate and considerate of potential sensory issues.
14. Online Collaborative Platforms:
    • Use secure and age-appropriate online platforms for collaborative projects and discussions. These platforms can encourage communication, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas among young learners.
    • Teachers can create digital spaces where children can work together on projects, share observations, and discuss scientific concepts.
16. Digital Documentation:
    • Implement digital documentation tools to capture and share children's learning experiences. Use photos, videos, and digital portfolios to showcase their engagement with math and science activities.
    • Involving parents by sharing digital documentation can create a bridge between home and school learning.

Mathematics in early childhood

 

🔗🔎  Theoretical and philosophical perspectives

The Reggio Emilia approach to numeracy emphasises active exploration, inquiry-based learning, and the integration of mathematical concepts into meaningful contexts. By creating environments that fosters children's curiosity, creativity, and diverse ways of thinking, Reggio Emilia-inspired educators support children in developing a deep and meaningful understanding of numeracy that extends beyond rote memorisation and procedural knowledge. In Reggio Emilia-inspired environments, numeracy is integrated into daily experiences and activities, fostering a holistic approach to mathematical learning. Materials and resources related to numeracy, such as counting materials, measurement tools, and geometric shapes, are thoughtfully arranged to encourage exploration and inquiry. Children are encouraged to interact with these materials in open-ended ways, promoting mathematical thinking and problem-solving 

 

 
 

0-5 Numeracy learning

🔗Infants and Toddler numeracy

1. Counting and Quantity: Infants gradually develop a sense of quantity through experiences like recognising the number of fingers or toes, observing a caregiver counting during play, or engaging in activities that involve repetition.
2. Patterns: Infants are sensitive to visual and auditory patterns. They may recognise familiar sequences, rhythms, or repeated actions, laying the groundwork for understanding basic patterns and sequences.
3. Spatial Awareness: Infants begin to grasp spatial relationships by exploring their surroundings. For example, they learn about the concept of "in" and "out" through activities like placing objects into containers or taking them out.
4. Comparisons: Infants can distinguish between different sizes, colours, and shapes. Simple activities such as playing with blocks or toys of various sizes contribute to their understanding of comparisons.
5. Cause and Effect: Understanding cause and effect is a fundamental mathematical concept. Infants learn about relationships between actions and outcomes through interactions like dropping objects and observing reactions.
6. Number Recognition: While infants may not comprehend numerical symbols, they can recognise and differentiate between small quantities. For instance, they may show a preference for a group of objects with more items.

🔗Pre-school numeracy

1. Counting and Numeral Recognition:
   • Introduction to counting, recognising numbers, and understanding the concept of quantity.
   • Engaging activities such as counting objects, fingers, or toes to develop basic numeracy skills.
     
     
2. Basic Operations:
   • Introduction to simple mathematical operations such as addition and subtraction in a playful and hands-on manner.
   • Using manipulatives and visual aids to illustrate basic arithmetic concepts.
     
     
3. Shapes and Patterns:
   • Exploring basic shapes and patterns through activities like sorting and arranging objects.
   • Encouraging creativity through art activities that involve geometric shapes and patterns.
     
     
4. Measurement Concepts:
   • Introduction to basic measurement concepts such as big and small, long and short.
   • Incorporating measurement into everyday activities, such as comparing the sizes of objects.
     
     
5. Spatial Awareness:
   • Developing spatial awareness through activities that involve positioning and orientation.
   • Playing games that enhance understanding of spatial relationships, such as inside and outside.
     
     
6. Math in Daily Routines:
   • Integrating numeracy into daily routines, such as counting during snack time or discussing the concept of time during scheduled activities.
   • Providing real-world contexts for mathematical concepts.
     
     
7. Play-Based Learning:
   • Emphasising play-based learning to make numeracy enjoyable and engaging.
   • Incorporating games and activities that involve mathematical concepts, fostering a positive attitude toward learning.
     
     
8. Social Interaction and Communication:
   • Encouraging children to communicate and express mathematical ideas verbally.
   • Facilitating group activities that involve collaboration and communication.
     
     
9. Assessment through Observation:
   • Informal assessment through observations to understand each child's progress and tailor instruction accordingly.
   • Identifying individual interests and preferences to customize numeracy experiences.
     
     
10. Parental Involvement:
    • Promoting parental engagement by providing resources and suggestions for reinforcing numeracy skills at home.
    • Collaborating with parents to ensure continuity between home and pre-school learning experiences.

🔗💭Consider the photos below and the links to numeracy/mathematic concepts:

🎧Podcast:

Numeracy and the EYLF Learning Outcomes

❗The following activity provides you with the opportunity to test your understanding regarding how the EYLF Learning Outcomes link to numeracy learning in ECE.

NQS links to numeracy

Science within children's lives and the EYLF

Technologies in early childhood

🎬View the Tedx Talk here which considers the power of screens, how children understand screens, and what they can learn from screens:

How the iPad affects young children, and what we can do about it: Lisa Guernsey at TEDxMidAtlantic
 

1. Interactive Learning Apps:
   • Educational apps designed for young children can provide interactive and engaging activities that promote early literacy, numeracy, and problem-solving skills.
2. Digital Storytelling:
   • Digital platforms, interactive e-books, and storytelling apps can be used to enhance language development and storytelling skills. Children may also create their own digital stories.
3. Educational Websites:
   • Safe and age-appropriate websites offer games and activities that reinforce educational concepts. These may cover a range of subjects, including science, math, and literacy.
4. Smartboards and Interactive Whiteboards:
   • Interactive whiteboards in classrooms allow teachers to present lessons in an engaging manner, incorporating interactive elements that encourage student participation.
5. Educational Software:
   • Educational software applications tailored for early childhood education can offer a variety of activities to support learning objectives, from phonics games to math challenges.
6. Coding and Robotics:
   • Simple coding apps and age-appropriate robotics kits can introduce young children to foundational concepts of coding and problem-solving in a playful way.
7. Digital Art and Creativity Tools:
   • Digital art tools and creative apps allow children to explore their artistic expression and develop fine motor skills through activities like drawing, painting, and designing.
8. Virtual Excursions:
   • Virtual reality (VR) or online platforms can provide virtual field trips, allowing children to explore different places and cultures without leaving the classroom.
9. Communication Platforms:
   • Digital communication tools can facilitate collaboration and communication between teachers, parents, and students, keeping everyone informed about a child's progress and activities.
10. Adaptive Learning Platforms:
    • Adaptive learning platforms can tailor content to each child's individual needs, providing targeted practice and support in areas where they may need additional help.
11. Tablets and Touchscreen Devices:
    • Tablets with educational apps and touchscreen devices can be used for interactive learning experiences that promote fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.
12. Digital Music and Audio Resources:
    • Digital music apps and audio resources can introduce children to different genres of music, help with rhythm development, and support language acquisition.

• Age-Appropriateness: Ensure that technology tools and content are developmentally appropriate for the age of the child.
• Balanced Use: Use technology as a supplement to, not a replacement for, hands-on and interactive learning experiences.
• Teacher Guidance: Teachers play a vital role in guiding and facilitating children's interactions with technology, providing support and context for their activities.
• Safeguarding: Prioritize children's online safety and ensure that they use age-appropriate and secure digital platforms.

Early Childhood Australia (ECA) Statement on young children and digital technologies

Integrating technology across learning areas in EC

1. Assess Educational Goals:
   • Identify the learning outcomes and goals for each learning area (e.g., literacy, numeracy, science, and social skills) to determine how technology can support and enhance these objectives.
2. Choose Age-Appropriate Tools:
   • Select technology tools that are developmentally appropriate for young children. This may include interactive apps, educational games, e-books, and digital storytelling platforms designed for early learners.
3. Integrate Technology into Literacy:
   • Use e-books, interactive storytelling apps, and digital resources to support early literacy skills. Encourage children to use technology tools to create their own digital stories or engage in literacy-based games.
4. Enhance Numeracy with Technology:
   • Integrate math apps, interactive games, and educational software that focus on numeracy skills. For example, use digital tools for counting, sorting, pattern recognition, and basic math concepts.
5. Explore Science and Discovery Apps:
   • Use science apps and digital resources to explore concepts like the natural world, weather, animals, and simple experiments. Virtual field trips and interactive simulations can enhance science learning.
6. Promote Creativity and Art:
   • Introduce digital art tools that allow children to express their creativity. Digital drawing apps, storytelling apps, and multimedia tools can be used to create and share artistic creations.
7. Incorporate Technology into Physical Activities:
   • Use technology to support physical development by integrating movement-based apps, dance or yoga videos, or interactive games that promote gross and fine motor skills.
8. Support Social and Emotional Learning (SEL):
   • Utilise technology tools that promote social and emotional development. Video conferencing for virtual playdates, interactive social stories, and emotion recognition apps can support SEL skills.
9. Facilitate Collaborative Learning:
   • Use technology to facilitate collaboration and communication among children. Interactive whiteboards, video conferencing, and collaborative project-based apps can enhance teamwork and communication skills.
10. Encourage Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:
    • Integrate puzzle apps, coding games, and problem-solving activities that challenge children's thinking and enhance their cognitive skills.
11. Provide Opportunities for Exploration:
    • Use technology tools to extend learning beyond the classroom. Virtual field trips, online resources, and educational videos can provide children with opportunities to explore a variety of topics.
12. Foster Family Involvement:
    • Encourage families to use technology at home to reinforce learning. Share recommendations for educational apps, provide digital resources, and communicate how technology can support continued learning outside the classroom.
13. Professional Development for Educators:
    • Offer ongoing professional development opportunities for educators to stay informed about the latest educational technology trends and effective ways to integrate technology into the curriculum.
14. Balance Screen Time:
    • Ensure a balanced approach to screen time by incorporating a variety of learning experiences, including hands-on activities, outdoor play, and social interactions.

Summary