Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy is one of the six areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage. It helps children come to terms with maths, reasoning and problem-solving.
What does 'problem solving, reasoning and numeracy' mean?
This area concentrates on a child's development in:
-
Using numbers as labels and for counting
-
Calculating
-
Understanding shape, space and measures.
The Early Years Foundation Stage says:
"Children must be supported in developing their understanding of problem solving, reasoning and numeracy in a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise and talk about their developing understanding. They must be provided with opportunities to practise these skills and to gain confidence and competence in their use.
Babies' and young children's mathematical development occurs as they seek patterns, make connections and recognize relationships through finding out about and working with numbers and counting, with sorting and matching, and with space, shape and measures."
What does this mean if your child has a sight problem?
This is a good area for children to use their knowledge and skills to solve problems and make connections across the other areas of learning and development.
Much of their number play will use concrete objects or first hand experiences, especially outdoors, in their daily routines.
Helping your child develop their problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
-
Give your child enough time, space and encouragement to discover and use new words and mathematical ideas, concepts and language in their own play.
-
Encourage your child to explore real life problems, to make patterns and to count and match together.
-
Real experiences, such as counting knives and forks for place settings when laying a table, will use numbers for a purpose.
-
Counting objects into a container is helpful, especially if a big sound is made!
-
Talk about how the body works before you do activities which involve moving around. This will help your child develop their body awareness.