During the 2023-2024 school year, we began a collaboration with George Mason University on a research study to enhance our preschool mathematics program. We are the first preschool to participate in “Mathematizing the World” to engage early childhood educators, students, and families in mathematics activities that align with our Creative Curriculum.
During class meeting times, teachers use photos and/or objects to promote the children’s observation and questioning skills through prompts that help children begin to make connections to mathematics. Using the photos and/or objects, teachers ask “What do you notice?” and “What do you wonder?” and eventually begin to make connections to questions that use mathematics such as “How many …?” or “How long…?” How do these things compare?’ Students’ thoughts are displayed outside the classroom and shared with families for further discussion.
