Psychometric work with young children faces the particular challenge that children's attention spans are relatively short, and therefore, shorter assessments are required while retaining comprehensive coverage. This article reports on three empirical studies that encompass the development and validation of the research-based early mathematics…

Research Findings: Educators declare their commitment to high-quality education for all children. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has been increasingly included as critical topics, even for young children. However, there are exceptions, especially the provision of developmentally appropriate STEM experiences to children…

The teacher displayed counting cards that included both dots and numerals in order from one to five, as she counted them with her students. She then turned the cards facedown, keeping them in order, and began an identify-a-hidden-card activity with the class. This class was engaged in the third of three card activities that develop number sense…

Preparing children to be successful in mathematics begins with what they learn before they reach 1st grade. Math knowledge in prekindergarten and kindergarten predicts school achievement in math and in other topics, such as reading. Indeed, early math knowledge is one of the strongest predictors of math grades in high school, high school…

In recent years, there has been increased interest in improving early mathematics curricula and instruction. Subsequently, there has also been a rise in demand for better early mathematics assessments, as most current measures are limited in their content and/or their sensitivity to detect differences in early mathematics development among young…

This study investigated the development of length measurement ideas in students from prekindergarten through 2nd grade. The main purpose was to evaluate and elaborate the developmental progression, or levels of thinking, of a hypothesized learning trajectory for length measurement to ensure that the sequence of levels of thinking is consistent…

For early childhood, the domain of geometry and spatial reasoning is an important area of mathematics learning. Unfortunately, geometry and spatial thinking are often ignored or minimized in early education. We build a case for the importance of geometry and spatial thinking, review research on professional development for these teachers, and…

The authors' goal is twofold. First, they wished to produce a theoretically-based approach to this synthesis. Child-centered programs have a long history. However, concerns about children's achievement, and the pressure of content-specific standards, have set up a perceived conflict, in which educators believe they are being asked to abandon…

The authors explore how children's play can support the development of the foundations of mathematics learning and how adults can support children's representation of--and thus the "mathematization" of--their play. The authors review research about the amount and nature of mathematics found in the free play of children. They briefly…

This article presents some wonderful books that reinforce math concepts with young children. In "I Spy Two Eyes: Numbers in Art," children see reproductions of the work of famous artists and count elements in the pictures. A list of math books that reinforce math concepts is included.

This article features the Agam program, developed by Yaacov Agam and education researchers, who worked with him to further develop and test the program that teaches visual literacy. Visual literacy is the study of shapes and how they combine to make everything from alphabetic letters to great art. Although the Agam program is long and involved,…

Examined the applicability of Sternberg's componential theory of intellectual functioning to young children's thinking and the validity of an observational approach to the measurement of metacomponential processing using elementary school children subjects (N=40). Results indicated that both reliability and construct validity of the observational…

This article focuses on how young children build math skills in everyday play and activities. Children focus on six categories of mathematical content including classifying, exploring magnitude, enumerating, investigating dynamics, studying patterns, and exploring spatial relations. The article gives advice to both teachers and parents on how they…

The purpose of this research is to chart the mathematical actions-on-objects young children use to compose geometric shapes. The ultimate goal is the creation of a hypothetical learning trajectory based on previous research, as well as instrumentation to assess levels of learning along the developmental progression underlying the trajectory. We…

Desirable characteristics of beginning learning experiences and materials for migrant children in day care or early childhood programs are indicated, and a model for planning, constructing, and implementing helpful learning experiences is presented. Specific activities illustrating the application of the model are additionally described.…