Mary Hynes-Berry

This groundbreaking book looks at the development of mathematical thinking in infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on the earliest stage, from zero to three, when mathematical thinking and problem solving first emerge as natural instincts. The text explores the four precursor math concepts—Attribute, Comparison, Change, and Pattern—with an emphasis on how development occurs when it is nurtured by loving knowledgeable others. The authors call this the CAIR principle: Closely Attend & Intentionally Respond. Sharing their stories of working with a wide range of zero to three caregivers and educators, the authors stress the difference between arithmetic skills and their definition of mathematics as "a logical way of thinking that allows for increasing precision." Each user-friendly chapter includes suggestions for highly effective practices that are embedded into everyday interactions and routines. Early care providers can use this resource to develop young children's interest in mathematics, ensuring that they are ready for the big ideas they will encounter in preschool.Book Features:Combines the most current research on infant and toddler cognitive development in relation to mathematical thinking.Offers concrete ways to help caregivers and professionals draw out the math that is all around us.Blends three domains of human development—social-emotional, physical, and cognitive.Examines the What, Who, and How of each precursor concept, with authentic anecdotes and "What the Research Says" sections.

This groundbreaking book looks at the development of mathematical thinking in infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on the earliest stage, from zero to three, when mathematical thinking and problem solving first emerge as natural instincts. The text explores the four precursor math concepts—Attribute, Comparison, Change, and Pattern—with an emphasis on how development occurs when it is nurtured by loving knowledgeable others. The authors call this the CAIR principle: Closely Attend & Intentionally Respond. Sharing their stories of working with a wide range of zero to three caregivers and educators, the authors stress the difference between arithmetic skills and their definition of mathematics as "a logical way of thinking that allows for increasing precision." Each user-friendly chapter includes suggestions for highly effective practices that are embedded into everyday interactions and routines. Early care providers can use this resource to develop young children's interest in mathematics, ensuring that they are ready for the big ideas they will encounter in preschool.Book Features:Combines the most current research on infant and toddler cognitive development in relation to mathematical thinking.Offers concrete ways to help caregivers and professionals draw out the math that is all around us.Blends three domains of human development—social-emotional, physical, and cognitive.Examines the What, Who, and How of each precursor concept, with authentic anecdotes and "What the Research Says" sections.

Use the powerful strategies of play and storytelling to help young children develop their “math brains.” This easy-to-use resource includes fun activities, routines, and games inspired by children’s books that challenge children to recognize and think more logically about the math all around them.

Drawing from 30 years of teaching and professional development experience, this book offers a roadmap for using children's literature to provide authentic learning. Featuring a ''storyteller's voice,'' each chapter includes a case study about how a particular fiction or nonfiction work can be used in an early childhood classroom; a series of open-ended questions to help readers construct their own inquiry units; and a bibliography of children's literature. This book provides a unique synthesis of ideas based on constructivist approaches to learning, including the importance of positive dispositions and learning communities, the nature of higher-order thinking, and the relationship between methods such as guided inquiry in the sciences and balanced literacy.