Investigating Mathematics with Young Children

Since it is a ubiquitous metalanguage that can be used to describe our environment, mathematics can be found everywhere. It simply requires an act of creative energy to make the proper connections. It is clear that the author of this work must be creatively hyperactive. So many of the activities described here are so ordinary, yet properly presented, become items of mathematical curiosity. Take the simple act of putting clothes on a doll. If the number of shirts matches the number of dolls, the problem becomes one of 1-1 correspondence. If the number of one exceeds the number of the other, it is an example of the pigeonhole principle. If the pants do not fit, grab a ruler and explain why, an exercise in measurement. All of the activities are designed for children under eight and the only materials used are common or inexpensive and safe. Each activity is explained in detail. Starting with the mathematical processes to be used and a list of the necessary materials, the next step is to show where to begin. Since children are so unpredictable, the rest is up to the user. Life, school and even learning mathematics should be fun, and this book shows many ways to do it. Valuable as a learning resource for parents as well as elementary teachers, there is much of value here. This reviewer, the parent of a three-year old, has begun to use some of these activities while "playing" with his child. Published in School Science and Mathematics, reprinted with permission