EMA1501
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 3 JUNE 2024
,QUESTION 1
Mathematics does not happen in a vacuum but is part of an integrated approach to the
child’s development. Mathematics should be embedded and integrated in all the
activities the children engage in throughout the day, such as feeding time, playtime,
rest/sleep time, routine morning, midday and evening activities, etc.
1.1. Define Emergent Mathematics.
Emergent mathematics refers to the process through which children construct
mathematical concepts and acquire mathematical skills from birth. It encompasses the
understanding of fundamental mathematical ideas such as number, counting, patterns,
shapes, relationships, space, measure, and problem-solving. These concepts are
developed through children's exploration and engagement with their environment,
particularly through play. Emergent mathematics recognizes that children naturally
encounter mathematical problems and challenges as they interact with the world around
them, and they develop mathematical skills and understanding through these experiences.
It highlights the importance of providing young children with opportunities to engage in
purposeful play and exploration to foster their mathematical development.
(Study Guide pg. 18)
1.2. Think of a story or stories you were told as a child. Think about any part of the story
that had mathematical themes, concepts or ideas and in a paragraph of between 8 to 10
lines or 100 words, relate the memories and mathematical concepts you learned
from the story.
One of the stories I remember from my childhood is "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." In
this tale, Goldilocks encounters three bowls of porridge – one too hot, one too cold, and
one just right. This simple scenario introduces the concept of comparison and
measurement. Goldilocks makes decisions based on her preferences for temperature,
demonstrating the idea of relative size and quantity. Additionally, her actions of sampling
the porridge from each bowl involve basic counting and ordinal numbers as she
determines which bowl she prefers. Through this story, I learned about concepts such as
temperature, size, quantity, comparison, and ordinal numbers, all embedded within an
engaging narrative.
, 1.3. Play is often referred to as a child’s work, and that it is very important for learning.
In a paragraph of 5 to 6 lines, examine the relationship between play and emergent
mathematics.
Play is often regarded as a child's work, serving as a vital avenue for learning, especially in the
realm of emergent mathematics. Through play, children naturally engage in problem-solving,
reasoning, and conceptualization, all of which are fundamental to mathematical development.
Whether it's building with blocks, sorting objects, or engaging in pretend play scenarios,
children encounter mathematical concepts such as quantity, measurement, comparison, and
pattern recognition in meaningful contexts. Play provides children with opportunities to explore
and experiment with mathematical ideas, connecting their existing knowledge to new
experiences. And also, play fosters a sense of ownership and autonomy, promoting self-
esteem and confidence in mathematical exploration and learning.
(Study guide pg. 19)
1.3. There are theories that are implicated in the teaching and learning of emergent
mathematics in the early years. Create a three-column table where you discuss how
teaching and learning takes place according to Piaget, Vygotsky and Bruner.
Piaget Vygotsky Bruner
Emphasizes individual Focuses on social Highlights the importance of
child's cognitive interaction and shared active involvement
development experiences
Stages: Sensorimotor, Pre- Learning occurs in the Zone Learning through discovery
operational, Concrete of Proximal Development and interaction with
Operational (ZPD) materials
Children construct Learning is scaffolded by Instruction is structured to
knowledge through more knowledgeable others promote understanding
exploration
Concrete materials are Language plays a crucial Learning is facilitated
essential for learning role in learning and through problem-solving
development
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 3 JUNE 2024
,QUESTION 1
Mathematics does not happen in a vacuum but is part of an integrated approach to the
child’s development. Mathematics should be embedded and integrated in all the
activities the children engage in throughout the day, such as feeding time, playtime,
rest/sleep time, routine morning, midday and evening activities, etc.
1.1. Define Emergent Mathematics.
Emergent mathematics refers to the process through which children construct
mathematical concepts and acquire mathematical skills from birth. It encompasses the
understanding of fundamental mathematical ideas such as number, counting, patterns,
shapes, relationships, space, measure, and problem-solving. These concepts are
developed through children's exploration and engagement with their environment,
particularly through play. Emergent mathematics recognizes that children naturally
encounter mathematical problems and challenges as they interact with the world around
them, and they develop mathematical skills and understanding through these experiences.
It highlights the importance of providing young children with opportunities to engage in
purposeful play and exploration to foster their mathematical development.
(Study Guide pg. 18)
1.2. Think of a story or stories you were told as a child. Think about any part of the story
that had mathematical themes, concepts or ideas and in a paragraph of between 8 to 10
lines or 100 words, relate the memories and mathematical concepts you learned
from the story.
One of the stories I remember from my childhood is "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." In
this tale, Goldilocks encounters three bowls of porridge – one too hot, one too cold, and
one just right. This simple scenario introduces the concept of comparison and
measurement. Goldilocks makes decisions based on her preferences for temperature,
demonstrating the idea of relative size and quantity. Additionally, her actions of sampling
the porridge from each bowl involve basic counting and ordinal numbers as she
determines which bowl she prefers. Through this story, I learned about concepts such as
temperature, size, quantity, comparison, and ordinal numbers, all embedded within an
engaging narrative.
, 1.3. Play is often referred to as a child’s work, and that it is very important for learning.
In a paragraph of 5 to 6 lines, examine the relationship between play and emergent
mathematics.
Play is often regarded as a child's work, serving as a vital avenue for learning, especially in the
realm of emergent mathematics. Through play, children naturally engage in problem-solving,
reasoning, and conceptualization, all of which are fundamental to mathematical development.
Whether it's building with blocks, sorting objects, or engaging in pretend play scenarios,
children encounter mathematical concepts such as quantity, measurement, comparison, and
pattern recognition in meaningful contexts. Play provides children with opportunities to explore
and experiment with mathematical ideas, connecting their existing knowledge to new
experiences. And also, play fosters a sense of ownership and autonomy, promoting self-
esteem and confidence in mathematical exploration and learning.
(Study guide pg. 19)
1.3. There are theories that are implicated in the teaching and learning of emergent
mathematics in the early years. Create a three-column table where you discuss how
teaching and learning takes place according to Piaget, Vygotsky and Bruner.
Piaget Vygotsky Bruner
Emphasizes individual Focuses on social Highlights the importance of
child's cognitive interaction and shared active involvement
development experiences
Stages: Sensorimotor, Pre- Learning occurs in the Zone Learning through discovery
operational, Concrete of Proximal Development and interaction with
Operational (ZPD) materials
Children construct Learning is scaffolded by Instruction is structured to
knowledge through more knowledgeable others promote understanding
exploration
Concrete materials are Language plays a crucial Learning is facilitated
essential for learning role in learning and through problem-solving
development
