The four math processes (addition, subtraction, multiplication, and
division) are introduced in the first year, at around age 7. The emphasis is on the quality of a number,
rather than mere computation.
What does it mean to have seven of something?
What does seven look like?
While still clearly academic at the core, Mathematics in the early
years (especially ages 7 to around 9) continues to be processed in an artistic way, including the use of movement
(such as clapping and marching to learn the multiplication tables), stories, verses, and songs. When our children were much
younger, we used items from nature (acorns or pebbles which were easily
collected on a nature walk) for our math manipulatives for simple math problems.
During these blocks in the younger years, we also:
- worked with wooden blocks and rods for a pictorial image of the four processes
- played math games with beanbags
- created watercolored "flash cards"
- created our own math game (The Black Knight Math Game)
- visited a clock museum with an exhibit on the history of clock-making
- created an ancient sundial
- attended a workshop on the history of money
- opened a savings account
- visited a mathematics exhibit at a museum of science
Now that both of our children are beyond the nine-year change, mathematics involves much more written work
(problems and computations), as well as mental arithmetic, and not so much learning through expressions such as movement
or song any longer. Artistic expressions in mathematics may still be part of an older child's life, however, being brought
forth through clay modeling and other media.
More examples of Mathematics are coming soon!
