Mathematics Development In Young Children

Mathematics (abbreviated to Maths) is one of the most important subjects that pupils and students in the primary and secondary schools, and universities, study.  The fundamental role of Maths in education cannot be overemphasized. That is why it is a compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools, and in some courses in the universities, and tertiary institutions across the world. Maths development in young children is a critical foundation for future academic success and daily problem-solving skills. Unfortunately, millions of children (pupils and students) do not want to do anything with Maths. Neither do they even want to hear its name. To them, Maths is the kill-joy of education. Once they know that it is period for Maths lesson, they sigh and feel very grieved at the heart as if they do not want complete education! Education cannot be complete without the knowledge of Maths. Man cannot survive without oxygen in his lungs. Man cannot survive without food too. Maths is to education what oxygen is to human life. Therefore, it is a defeated effort trying to shy away from Maths and at the same time wishing to be educated. We cannot do without Maths as long as human existence continues on this Earth. There is no short-cut to lasting success and achievement. If our children want quality education and success in this life, they compulsorily need basic knowledge of Maths.

These are the key Maths concepts for young children:

1. Number sense: 

Understanding numbers (numeracy), counting, and basic number concepts (eg. one-to-one correspondence).

2. Addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication:

Basic understanding of addition, subtraction, division, and multiplication concepts (eg. combining and removing of some objects from the bulk etc).

3. Shapes and geometry: 

Recognizing and identifying basic concepts (eg. longer/ shorter, heavier/ lighter).

4. Patterns: Identifying and creating basic patterns using objects and shapes.

Below are children's Maths developmental milestones: 

1. Infancy (0-12 months old):

The infant begins to understand basic number concepts and objects'  permanence. They know that objects are permanently fixed in their positions even if not seen at night as a result of darkness.

2. Toddlerhood (1-3 years old):

The children develop basic addition and subtraction concepts, recognize shapes, and begin to understand measurements.

3. Preschool age (3-5 years old):

At this developmental stage, they refine number sense, develop basic geometrical skills, and begin to understand and identify patterns.

Find below the tips which parents and caregivers should use to support Maths development in their children:

1. Play-based learning: 

Parents and caregivers should engage children in  play-based activities which incorporate Maths concepts ( eg. block building and puzzles). 

2. Number games:

Parents and caregivers should play simple number games such as "What's Missing?" or "Counting Bingo".)

3. Shape sorting: 

Opportunities should be given to the children for sorting and categorization of mathematical shapes. For example, circle and sphere resemble each other. But, they are not the same. Square and rectangle resemble each other. They are not the same too. There are different types of triangles too. Equilateral triangle is different from isosceles triangle. The children should learn how to identify mathematical shapes. Orange has the shape of a circle. Egg has the shape of a sphere. The Earth is not round as most people think. The Earth has oblate spheroid shape of an egg. It is flattened at the northern and southern poles but enlarged at the middle (the Equator).

4. Measurement activities: 

Parents and caregivers should engage the children in measurement activities such as comparing lengths or weights. 

5. Storytelling and reading: 

Parents and caregivers are required to read Maths-themed books and engage children in story telling activities that incorporate Maths concepts.

6. Use of everyday examples: Show Maths concepts in daily life situations (eg. counting of spoons and plates, and measuring ingredients and cups of flours or rice). This approach is intended to occupy their minds with Maths concepts. If parents and caregivers give up on helping the children understand Maths concepts, it will surely affect their academic careers drastically. If the parents and caregivers are stark illiterates, and they cannot help the children, that is understandable. There is no problem about that at all. A lot of people who rose to the highest pinnacles of the Earth were born and bred by illiterate parents. The whole thing lies on the readiness and commitment of the child to learn and become different from the crowd. If a child or student does not leave the comfort zone to study very hard, he/ she will still end up as an ordinary person in the world. The Earth is strictly for serious-minded people, and not for loafers and comfort seekers! Teach your child to be different from other people in the neighbourhood by working hard. Successful people are not most times found in the midst of people. Like a daring eagle wishing to soar, it retires to the high mountains to beat off its old, weak, and heavy feathers. That is why the eagle flies higher than other birds.

7. Parents and caregivers should be patient and supportive. They are required to give the children needed guidance and support as they develop their Maths skills.

8. Parents and caregivers should provide opportunities for children to explore and discover Maths concepts on their own.

9. The children's efforts should be celebrated no matter how small to encourage them. 

International agencies are actively working to promote Maths education in schools across the world. The United Nations, through its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aims to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education, including Maths literacy by 2030. The World Bank, in collaboration with the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has implemented projects like "School for All" in Niger, which focuses on improving Maths skills through remedial activities and community involvement. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) provides the resources and professional development opportunities for Maths teachers, while the National Council of Supervisors of Mathematics (NCSM) supports teachers in achieving excellence and equity in Maths education. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) conducts assessments, such as the Programme for International Students Assessment (PISA), to evaluate Maths literacy among 15-year old students worldwide. The SDG Number 4, specifically Target 4.1, aims to ensure that boys and girls complete free, equitable, and quality primary and secondary education, leading to relevant and effective learning outcomes in Maths reading.  The OECD's Education 2030 Framework emphasizes the importance of Maths literacy, along with other skills, in preparing students for success in an increasingly competitive world. All these international agencies' efforts demonstrate a commitment to improving Maths education and promoting Maths literacy among children everywhere.

One of the biggest problems that pupils and students are facing globally is Maths anxiety (Maths-aversion). Several, several millions of scholars across the world are Maths-averse. They hate and fear Maths like contagious leprous disease! They are afraid of hearing the name "Maths." They wish that Maths is removed from the school syllabus! Three years ago, one female student told me that Maths is a monster. This is because she does not understand it. The problem of Maths-aversion is as enormous as it is global. Find here some solutions to help reduce Maths aversion and make Maths more enjoyable for children:

1. Parents and caregivers should engage children in playing Maths games, card games, or online games which involve Maths concepts, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

2. Connect Maths to children's interests such as music, sports, or art to make it more meaningful and enjoyable.

3. Parents and caregivers should provide positive reinforcement by praising the children for every bit of progress made in learning Maths, rather than condemning them. Tell them that they can do it.

4.  Parents and caregivers should always ensure that they celebrate children's mistakes when learning Maths. Emphasize that mistakes are integral parts of learning process before success. It is better to try and fail or make mistake than not trying at all. Encourage them to see themselves as successful people, and opportunities for others to grow.

The Governments and regions of the world should do the following to promote Maths literacy:

1. Promulgate proactive policies aimed at prioritizing Maths education and provide resources for teachers, schools, and families,

2. Invest in teachers training programnes because many teachers of Maths do not even know Maths that much. Teachers should be given professional development opportunities to enhance Maths teaching skils.

3. Promotion of Maths literacy is essential. Governments and policies should launch public awareness campaigns to emphasize the role of Maths literacy and the impacts on children's future careers and opportunities. 

4. Governments and policy should undertake Maths education research to investigate effective Maths teaching methods and strategies for reducing the Maths-aversion syndrome. 

5. Engage schools (primary and secondary and universities) in Maths festivals, competitions, quizzes, workshops, seminars, and symposia. Scholarships should awarded to pupils and students with outstanding academic performance in Maths. This approach will surely encourage other pupils and students to be interested in Maths, and to make frantic efforts to learn it.

In summary, Maths development in young children is a critical foundation for future academic success, involving the progression of skills such as number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, shapes, and measurements. Effective Maths development in early childhood can be supported through play-based learning, real-world applications, and positive reinforcement, helping to build a virile foundation for lifelong Maths literacy.