REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT

The Mathematics Knowledge Network and The Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario are pleased to co-host a forum on Early Mathematics Development where educators from Faculties of Education, Community Colleges and School Districts will be brought together to share evidence, research, policies, and questions to advance learning for Kindergarten children. 

On behalf of the members of The Critical Transitions in Mathematical Development Community of Practice (CoP), you are invited to attend. Our CoP is one of four areas of focus for the Mathematics Knowledge Network, which is hosted by The Fields Institute for Research in the Mathematical Sciences and funded by The Ministry of Education. The Mathematics Knowledge Network is a KNAER Tier 2 Project.

You are being invited because of your important role as a (a) Faculty member at an Ontario university who has responsibility for instruction and/or research in elementary mathematics curriculum or Kindergarten specialization or (b) an instructor at an Ontario community college who has responsibility for teaching in the Early Childhood Education stream.

The focus of our Community of Practice is directed at two critical transition periods in mathematics learning. The first occurs between birth and Kindergarten. Over the past thirty years, numerous studies have identified associations between a family’s economic, educational, social, emotional, and parenting resources and practices; and increased likelihood of cognitive delay, behavioural problems, and undesirable life-course outcomes for children. There are, however, early childhood intervention projects that have shown an ability to influence family risk factors in a way that improves children’s outcomes specific to mathematics development and learning. At our event, Dr. Jean Clinton will emphasize how important it is to understand and respect how preschool students naturally explore and experiment with mathematics concepts, and how, with this insight, we can employ effective strategies and tailor experiences and instruction that will propel them towards success.

The second critical transition occurs between preschool and Kindergarten. During the Kindergarten program in Ontario, children experience play-based learning. Young learners' future understanding of mathematics requires an early foundation based on a high-quality, challenging, and accessible mathematics education. Kindergarten students should experience mathematics through effective, research-based curricula and teaching practices. Such practices require that teachers and early childhood educators have the support of policies, organizational structures, and resources that enable them to succeed in this challenging and important work. At our event, members of the CoP will present the findings of a recent scoping survey that provides important data about the educational preparation, beliefs and attitudes of Ontario Kindergarten and Grade 1 teachers and ECES with respect to children’s early mathematical development.

This forum is an initiative of the Math Knowledge Network and is intended specifically for faculty members of community colleges or university programs offering pre-service education on teaching math in Kindergarten.

There is no charge for the program and you will be reimbursed for travel according to Ministry of Education guidelines. Please see attached guidelines for more information.

Refreshments and lunch are provided.

Program flyer attached

Final Agenda attached

This forum is an initiative of the Math Knowledge Network and is intended specifically for faculty members of community colleges or university programs offering pre-service education on teaching math in Kindergarten.

REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED FOR THIS EVENT