Mathematics in Nursery Education

This book has been a firm favourite with practitioners since it was first published five years ago. A host of valuable features of the first edition -helpful illustrations and diagrams, ideas for developing aspects of mathematical understanding at home, and a glossary of mathematical terms - have been retained in this new edition. In addition, there have been a number of improvements.

The first five chapters still relate to a specific area of mathematics - counting, number, pattern, shape and space, and measures. The concept map offered in table form in each chapter has been extended to include some excellent key questions. These open-ended questions will be helpful to all practitioners, but especially those who lack confidence in this area of the curriculum. They include good starting points for engaging in the all-important mathematical conversations which we need to have with children.

The author places an important emphasis on pattern - which many regard as being at the heart of mathematics. The ideas for developing pattern make you want to go and try them right away and will help practitioners to identify opportunities to develop children's understanding of this crucial area in a wide range of contexts, especially music.

The final chapter is on planning, organisation and assessment. It has been extended and now includes a table giving comprehensive help in identifying key areas for assessment and some relevant questions which, like those identified in the concept maps, make it easy for even insecure practitioners to get to the heart of children's understanding.

Whether or not you have the first edition of this important book, you should buy this one - the improvements make it even more of a must for practitioners in all settings.