This one day course on ‘Developing Nursery Children’s Awareness and Understanding of Mathematics in the Environment’ took place in Antrim Board Centre on 12th May 2008 and was repeated again on 13th May 2008 due to demand for places.
Delivery was very much a collaborative approach involving CASS Officers from the Early Years Team, the Mathematics & Numeracy Team and the Arts Team.
The aims for the day were:
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To enhance understanding of the skills, knowledge and concepts which could be developed through the ‘Early Mathematical Experiences’ as detailed within the Curricular guidance for Pre-School Education CCEA, 2006.
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To make links between mathematical thinking and the ‘Thinking Skills & Personal Capabilities’ framework (CCEA).
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To stimulate best practice in this area by sharing examples of practical tasks suitable for use in the indoor & outdoor environment.
Sessions were very practical in approach with participants actively engaging in a range of workshops based on routines within a typical Nursery Day (if there is such a thing!), specific areas of play and making connections with other areas of the pre-school curriculum including Thinking Skills and Personal Capabilities.
Further details on the course and possible inspiration within this area can be found at Early Years Section of www.neelb.tv
