Mathematical development: Star qualities

Traditional Christmas images can help reinforce children's understanding of shape and pattern, as Lena Engel demonstrates with these seasonal activities Early learning goal Children should talk about and recognise simple mathematical patterns and use the correct language to describe shape. Christmas celebrations create an overwhelming visual experience for children. Christmas displays are visible in shops long before schools and nurseries choose to introduce the event in their classrooms. Consequently, many early years practitioners feel that Christmas has become far too...