Numeracy Leaves

Oxford Greens Early Education Centre has incorporated the Numeracy Program in the 4 - 6 Leaves Room by meticulously designing it to be in alignment with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF). This has been done by providing a rich, engaging learning environment for children to foster their early mathematical understanding through play-based learning. The main aim of this program is to build foundational numeracy skills in an enjoyable and meaningful way. So, we have integrated mathematical concepts into daily activities and interactions.

To keep up with the EYLF outcomes, our numeracy program is focused on making mathematical learning natural and enjoyable to the children's daily experiences. The 4 - 6 Leaves Room stores a variety of resources like counting, shape sorters, as well as measuring tools to encourage the kids to explore and experiment with numbers and shapes. Incorporating these materials into diverse activities, like games, building projects and sensory play - the educators help the children develop a solid grasp of key numeracy concepts such as counting, pattern recognition and spatial awareness.

The program emphasizes hands-on, experiential learning to promote a deep understanding of mathematical ideas. For example, children might engage in sorting and classifying objects by size, color, or shape, which helps them develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Through activities like cooking projects or outdoor counting games, children learn to apply mathematical concepts in real-world contexts, making learning relevant and practical. Educators support this by asking open-ended questions and providing guidance that encourages children to think critically about their observations and findings.

Emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning, the program promotes a deep understanding of mathematical ideas. For instance, the children could get engaged in sorting and classifying objects by size, shape or colour which helps in their critical thinking development and enhances problem-solving skills. Through different activities such as cooling projects or outdoor counting games, the children learn to apply mathematical concepts in real-world contexts, which makes learning relevant and practical. To support this, the educators ask open-minded questions and provide guidance encouraging the children to think critically about their observations and findings.

Keeping in line with the EYLF's focus on holistic development, we have integrated social interaction into the numeracy program and communication skills into mathematical learning. Group activities like collaborative building or group counting games give scope to children for working together, share ideas and discuss mathematical concepts. Through this collaborative approach, the children enhance their numeracy skills and even foster important social skills such as cooperation and negotiation. Educators have a crucial role to play in facilitating these interactions, guiding discussions and providing positive reinforcement for building confidence and enthusiasm to learn mathematics.

On the whole, the numeracy program in the 4 - 6 Leaves Room at Oxford Greens Early Education Centre has been set up to provide a comprehensive and engaging approach to early mathematical learning. With numeracy being integrated into play-based activities, we encourage hands-on exploration to foster collaborative learning. The program aligns with the EYLF requirements that support each child's development of foundational numeracy skills in a stimulating and supportive environment.