The Early Years Learning Framework: Mathematics Teaching and Learning Experience

Running head: THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK
THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK 1
Contents
Introduction:...............................................................................................................................2
Part 1:.........................................................................................................................................2
Discussion Topic 1: Observations of Learning......................................................................2
Discussion Topic 2: Fostering Numeracy Video...................................................................3
Part 2:.........................................................................................................................................5
Task 1: Rational and instrumental learning:..........................................................................5
Task 2: Mathematical reasoning and problem solving:.........................................................8
Conclusion:................................................................................................................................9
Reference list:...........................................................................................................................10

THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK 2
Introduction:
The aim of the discussion is to understand the early childhood learning and teaching
experience. The discussion is based on both personal experience as well as the way
mathematics is taught to the children in the early childhood phase.
Part 1:
Discussion Topic 1: Observations of Learning
Answer 1: An experience of teaching mathematics
Once I got the chance of teaching maths to 5 children together who were at second
standard. The addition and subtraction were very new to 3 of them whereas 2 of them knew
how to do it. Although I was determined to teach afresh to each individual, there was some
kind of confusion among the 2 children who already new the method because I did not start
with direct calculation but I preferred using story sums to explain them the process in more
details. According to the Burns’ article, if we add words to mathematics, it becomes easier for
the children to understand the situation (Burns, 2003). This was indeed true, there was a clear
indication that all the children were finding it very interesting to work on numbers when they
were made understand in terms of a story. Thus, the class contained more talk and writing
was a part of the learning.
Answer 2: Linking the experience with The Australian Curriculum Mathematics
As mentioned that the children were in the second standard and they were in between
5 and 7 years old. As per The Australian Curriculum Mathematics, the children of this level
developed the understanding, fluency along with reasoning and problem solving. In fact,
these are the part of the mathematics curriculum that teaches about the number and algebra,
along with geometry and probability. It was made clear that the concept of addition and

THE EARLY YEARS LEARNING FRAMEWORK 3
subtraction was made clear only when texts or story was involved in the learning process. At
this level, the children showed the four proficiencies and those were understanding, fluency,
problem solving ability and at the same time reasoning. It was clear that by the means of
working on the numbers by reading and understanding the text, the level of problem solving
and reason can be easily interpreted among the learning children.
Discussion Topic 2: Fostering Numeracy Video
The video talks about numeracy and its importance in learning among the children.
According to Bragg, numeracy is the process of communicating, understanding and applying
the mathematical concepts and information. Numeracy gives the ability to make connection
and to understand the mathematics in the world that can be a demand of any moment at
school, home or any other broader community. It is largely related to the logical reasoning
and the idea of mathematics. Children have been found to show much interest when it comes
to numbers and mathematics and numeracy can be used to solve major issues related to
measurement, counting and also to compare between two objects.
The key idea shared in the video is that we should focus on teaching numeracy to the
students rather than forcing them to work on mathematics. In this way, we shall be able to
make the students understand the basic concepts of calculation and counting. Our day to day
life activities involve measurements and geometry and thus, numeracy ill help in creating
understanding among the students. We can either explain the students by the means of
numbers or pictures and numeracy can help the children to understand the mathematics
around them.
The similar approach can be used for teaching students in future and shall
incorporate the same while teaching students in future. It might happen that there arise few
instances where I might face challenges in teaching the student. For example, students from