Episode sponsor

This episode is part of my Research in Action mini-series, where I interview a researcher from the Mathematics Education Centre at Loughborough University about their chosen area of interest, and the implications for maths teaching and learning. You can check out all the previous conversations in the series here.

Did you know that some children in your class may be at particular risk of difficulties learning mathematics? Premature birth can affect lifelong development and learning. Children born premature are more likely to have additional support needs, and maths is the subject they may have most difficulty with. To find out more about the impact of premature birth and how you can support children’s maths learning take a look at the PRISM training, that is highly recommended by parents and professionals. It’s available completely free at www.pretermbirth.info

Episode details

In this episode of the Mr Barton Maths podcast, Professor Victoria Simms discusses her research on children’s mathematical thinking and the importance of family involvement in early education. She emphasises the role of the home environment in shaping children’s mathematical experiences and the need for supportive resources for parents. The discussion also covers the challenges of early education, the impact of sibling interactions, and the long-term effects of early mathematical experiences. Vic shares insights on data-collection methodologies in educational research and highlights the importance of fostering positive mathematical experiences at home.

Takeaways

1. Vic Simms is a developmental psychologist focused on children’s mathematical thinking.
2. Family involvement is crucial in supporting children’s early mathematical learning.
3. Children’s mathematical experiences at home can significantly influence their school readiness.
4. The transition from nursery to preschool can affect children’s learning experiences.
5. Engaging parents in home mathematics activities can enhance children’s mathematical skills.
6. Positive interactions around mathematics can foster a love for the subject in children.
7. Long-term effects of early mathematical experiences can persist into later schooling.
8. Data collection in educational research requires careful consideration of reliability.
9. Resources for parents should balance guidance with flexibility to encourage engagement.
10. Sibling interactions can have both positive and negative impacts on younger children’s learning.

Video:

Resources from Vic:

1. Is there a phonics for maths: Evidence briefing: https://ceml.ac.uk/outputs/evidence-briefings/
2. The resources from our home maths study will be linked in here once the final report is published: https://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/project/improving-early-mathematical-skills-by-supporting-home-learning

New stuff I have been working on:

1. My Tips for Teachers Guides to… series
2. Our Eedi RCT and paper with Google
3. My updated mrbartonmnaths website.

My usual plugs

• You can help support the podcast (and get an interactive transcript of this episode) via my Patreon page at patreon.com/mrbartonmaths
• If you are interested in sponsoring an episode of the show, then please visit this page
• You can sign up for my free Tips for Teachers newsletter and my free Eedi newsletter
• My online courses are here: craigbarton.podia.com
• My books are “Tips for Teachers“, “Reflect, Expect, Check, Explain” and “How I wish I’d taught maths”

Written summary:

Title: Unlocking the Secrets of Early Mathematical Development: Insights from Professor Victoria Sims

Introduction: In the latest episode of our podcast, we had the pleasure of welcoming back Professor Victoria Sims, a developmental psychologist specializing in children’s mathematical cognition. With her rich background in research and personal experience as a mother, Professor Sims sheds light on the critical role families play in fostering mathematical skills in young children.

Main Content:

Understanding Early Mathematical Development
Professor Sims kicks off the discussion by sharing her expertise in developmental psychology, particularly focusing on how children develop mathematical thinking. She emphasizes the importance of early experiences in shaping a child’s understanding of mathematics. From her research, she has observed that children often exhibit mathematical thinking during everyday activities, such as folding towels, which can be a spontaneous yet rich learning moment.

The Role of Family in Mathematical Learning
One of the key areas of Professor Sims’ research is family mathematics. She draws from her personal experience as a mother to illustrate the concerns many parents have about their children’s mathematical confidence. Parents often strive to support their children’s learning but may feel unsure about how to best engage with them in mathematical discussions. Professor Sims emphasizes that parents can leverage everyday activities to create teachable moments, thereby enhancing their child’s mathematical skills without the pressure of formal instruction.

The Impact of Home Environment and Education Settings
During the conversation, Professor Sims discusses the significant influence of the home environment on a child’s mathematical development. She notes that while children spend substantial time in nursery or preschool settings, the experiences they have at home remain crucial. Studies indicate that disparities in mathematical skills at school entry can often be traced back to the quality of early home interactions. Professor Sims underlines the need for alignment between home and educational settings to provide a consistent learning experience for children.

Navigating the Challenges of Time and Engagement
Craig, the podcast host, shares his personal challenges as a parent with a busy preschooler. The discussion touches on the delicate balance parents must find between providing enriching mathematical experiences and respecting their child’s need for downtime after a long day at preschool. Professor Sims suggests that short, engaging activities that fit seamlessly into daily routines can be an effective way to integrate learning without overwhelming children.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways
In this enlightening episode, Professor Victoria Sims offers valuable insights for both parents and educators on fostering early mathematical development. The key takeaways include:

• Recognizing everyday moments as opportunities for mathematical learning.
• Understanding the profound impact of the home environment on a child’s confidence in mathematics.
• Emphasizing collaboration between parents and educational settings to create a cohesive learning experience.
• Finding balance in engaging children without overwhelming them, especially after structured learning environments.

Tags: Early Childhood Education, Mathematical Development, Parenting Tips, Family Engagement, Child Psychology, Educational Psychology, Teaching Mathematics, Home Learning Environment.