Components of Mathematics for Children Under 3 Years Old
Keywords:
Mathematics, Children Under 3 Years Old, Concept Components, Operation ComponentsAbstract
Recent research in developmental psychology and early education has shown that children under 3 years old can recognize and learn fundamental mathematical concepts and operations such as quantity, shape, pattern, counting, classification, and patterning.
In addition, it has shown that mathematical skills acquired at this age lead to success in mathematics and science learning later in school. As a result, child development centers as well as families should organize activities, play, and daily routines to promote mathematics learning for the children. With reference to the mathematical development milestones of children under 3 years old, this paper proposes important components of mathematics for children under 3 years old that consist of 2 types: concepts and operations. The concept components include quantity and number, attribute, spatial relationship, size and volume, pattern, and change; whereas the operation ones counting, observation, classification, comparison, patterning, and problem-solving. Child development institutions and families can use these components as a foundation for planning and developing activities, play, daily routines, and curricula of mathematics for the children.
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