Mathematics

We use Development Matters to plan for the different ages and stages:

30-50 months:

Numbers

• Uses some number names and number language spontaneously.
• Uses some number names accurately in play.
• Recites numbers in order to 10.
• Knows that numbers identify how many objects are in a set.
• Beginning to represent numbers using fingers, marks on paper or pictures.
• Sometimes matches numeral and quantity correctly.
• Shows curiosity about numbers by offering comments or asking questions.
• Compares two groups of objects, saying when they have the same number.
• Shows an interest in number problems.
• Separates a group of three or four objects in different ways, beginning to recognise that the total is still the same.
• Shows an interest in numerals in the environment.
• Shows an interest in representing numbers.
• Realises not only objects, but anything can be counted, including steps, claps or jumps

Shape, Space and Measures

• Shows an interest in shape and space by playing with shapes or making arrangements with objects.
• Shows awareness of similarities of shapes in the environment.
• Uses positional language.
• Shows interest in shape by sustained construction activity or by talking about shapes or arrangements.
• Shows interest in shapes in the environment.
• Uses shapes appropriately for tasks.
• Beginning to talk about the shapes of everyday objects, e.g. ‘round’ and ‘tall’.

In Nursery we provide children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, introducing and practising simple calculating  and problem solving. We also make provision to support the describing of Shapes, Space and Measures.

During the Autumn term we encourage the children’s interest in numbers and counting. This is done through giving children a reason to count through day to day activities, e.g. by asking them to select the correct number of straws for a given number of children during milk time, counting children that are here today, through songs, rhymes and stories e.g 5 little ducks, 1,2,3,4,5 and 5 little leaves and role play situations e.g taking enough sandwiches on a picnic, helping mummy duck find al her ducklings and counting candles on cakes. We teach the children the key skills to support counting e.g saying the number names in order and pointing at the items they are counting.  We provide real situations through role play and problem solving that give children opportunities to develop and improve their skills and understanding of counting and use of numbers.

We also explore and play with shapes and objects introducing language relating to shapes, measures and sizes through activities such as cooking, junk modelling, sand and water play and free access to a variety of construction play. In these areas language of shape, space and measure can be modelled, rehearsed and extended through adult and child interactions.

40-60 months:

Number:

•Recognise some numerals of personal significance.

•Recognises numerals 1 to 5.

•Counts up to three or four objects by saying one number name for each item.

•Counts actions or objects which cannot be moved.

•Counts objects to 10, and beginning to count beyond 10.

•Counts out up to six objects from a larger group.

•Selects the correct numeral to represent 1 to 5, then 1 to 10 objects.

•Counts an irregular arrangement of up to ten objects.

•Estimates how many objects they can see and checks by counting them.

•Uses the language of ‘more’ and ‘fewer’ to compare two sets of objects.

•Finds the total number of items in two groups by counting all of them.

•Says the number that is one more than a given number.

•Finds one more or one less from a group of up to five objects, then ten objects.

• In practical activities and discussion, beginning to use the vocabulary involved in adding and subtracting.

•Records, using marks that they can interpret and explain.

•Begins to identify own mathematical problems based on own interests and fascinations.

Early Learning Goal (the aim for most children by the end of Reception):

Children count reliably with numbers from one to 20, place them in order and say which number is one more or one less than a given number. Using quantities and objects, they add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer. They solve problems, including doubling, halving and sharing.

Exceeding (the aim for some children by the end of Reception):

Children estimate a number of objects and check quantities by counting up to 20. They solve practical problems that involve combining groups of 2, 5 or 10, or sharing into equal groups.

Shape, space and measures:

Beginning to use mathematical names for ‘solid’ 3D shapes and ‘flat’ 2D shapes, and mathematical terms to describe shapes.

•Selects a particular named shape.

•Can describe their relative position such as ‘behind’ or ‘next to’.

•Orders two or three items by length or height.

•Orders two items by weight or capacity.

•Uses familiar objects and common shapes to create and recreate patterns and build models.

•Uses everyday language related to time.

•Beginning to use everyday language related to money.

•Orders and sequences familiar events.

•Measures short periods of time in simple ways.

Early Learning Goal (the aim for most children by the end of Reception):

Children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems. They recognise, create and describe patterns. They explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes and use mathematical language to describe them.

Exceeding (the aim for some children by the end of Reception):

Children estimate, measure, weigh and compare and order objects and talk about properties, position and time.