Lorna Earle & Sam Parkes 
Strong Foundations in Early Mathematics 

Developing the building blocks for mathematics. This book supports early years teachers and practitioners to enable children to build Strong Foundations in Mathematics. It focuses on children′s learning and development in mathematics in the critical reception year. It supports trainee teachers and early years students to reflect on their own mathematics learning and how this influences their teaching and subject confidence. It acknowledges the uniqueness of the early years and explores the mathematical pedagogies of the EYFS. Importantly, the book challenges the assumption that early years mathematics is ′not proper maths′.

Table of Content

Part I: Mathematical landscapes and foundations

Introduction to Part I

Chapter 1: Introduction – Why does early mathematics matter?

Chapter 2: Maths and me – The importance of your relationship with maths

Chapter 3: Developing subject-matter knowledge – Identifying gaps and misconceptions

Part II: Key principles of effective mathematical pedagogy

Introduction to Part II

Chapter 4: The Subject Knowledge Quartet – Outlining a framework for effective support of maths learning

Chapter 5: What’s the point? – Awareness of purpose in mathematical learning

Chapter 6: Where do I start? – Identifying and developing good starting points and examples

Chapter 7: How do I show the maths? – Modelling, demonstrating and the use of resources

Chapter 8: What’s a good question? – Encouraging mathematical talk and developing reasoning

Chapter 9: How do I develop connections? – Linking content and concepts

Chapter 10: What if they ask…? Responding to the unexpected

Chapter 11: Transitions

About the author

Previously allergic to the subject, Sam Parkes became a primary mathematics subject leader during her fourth year of teaching and has gradually fallen in love with the teaching of maths since that point – a 180-degree turn! She is currently a Senior Lecturer and Primary Maths Specialist working as part of the ITE department at the University of Chichester. She teaches on the primary undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, is Deputy Programme Leader for the PGCE (Primary) and works with a wide range of schools to support improvements in maths, with both the University′s Academy Trust and local school partners. Her research interests include collaborative professional development, leading and managing sustainable change and developing inclusive community cultures, advocating for the empowerment and autonomy of teachers across the profession.