, EMA 1501 ASSIGNMENT 02
Question 1
1.1 Emergent mathematics is the term we use to describe how children construct
mathematical concepts and acquire mathematical skills from birth.
With the above statement in mind, differentiate between mathematical concepts and
mathematical skills, and provide an example for each. Please do not use the
examples from the guide, come up with your own. (6)
Mathematical concepts are the big ideas or meanings behind maths. They help children understand
what something is.
Example of a concept:
A child learns that "more" means a bigger amount. For example, if there are 5 apples and 2 apples, the
child knows 5 is more than 2.
Mathematical skills are the actions or things children do using maths. It is how they use what they know.
Example of a skill:
A child can count 5 apples by pointing to each apple and saying “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”
Difference:
A concept is what the child understands (like “more”), and a skill is what the child can do (like counting).
1.2 DEFINE the following terms and GIVE TWO EXAMPLES for each.
1.2.1 Number sense
Definition:
Number sense means understanding what numbers are, how they work, and how to use them. It helps
children know things like which number is bigger, how to add or take away, and how numbers relate to
each other.
Two examples:
1. A child knows that 6 is more than 4.
2. A child understands that 3 and 2 make 5 when added together.
1.2.2 Patterns
Definition:
Patterns are things that repeat in a certain order. Children learn to see and predict what comes next by
looking at how things repeat.
Two examples:
Question 1
1.1 Emergent mathematics is the term we use to describe how children construct
mathematical concepts and acquire mathematical skills from birth.
With the above statement in mind, differentiate between mathematical concepts and
mathematical skills, and provide an example for each. Please do not use the
examples from the guide, come up with your own. (6)
Mathematical concepts are the big ideas or meanings behind maths. They help children understand
what something is.
Example of a concept:
A child learns that "more" means a bigger amount. For example, if there are 5 apples and 2 apples, the
child knows 5 is more than 2.
Mathematical skills are the actions or things children do using maths. It is how they use what they know.
Example of a skill:
A child can count 5 apples by pointing to each apple and saying “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.”
Difference:
A concept is what the child understands (like “more”), and a skill is what the child can do (like counting).
1.2 DEFINE the following terms and GIVE TWO EXAMPLES for each.
1.2.1 Number sense
Definition:
Number sense means understanding what numbers are, how they work, and how to use them. It helps
children know things like which number is bigger, how to add or take away, and how numbers relate to
each other.
Two examples:
1. A child knows that 6 is more than 4.
2. A child understands that 3 and 2 make 5 when added together.
1.2.2 Patterns
Definition:
Patterns are things that repeat in a certain order. Children learn to see and predict what comes next by
looking at how things repeat.
Two examples:
