Math for Early Childhood Teachers
Course Description:
This online course is designed to help early childhood teachers learn the fundamentals of teaching math to young children (3-5 years old). Through a combination of lectures, videos, and interactive activities, participants will gain an understanding of mathematical concepts such as math literacy, number sense, patterns, geometry, and more. By the end of the course, participants will have the knowledge and skills necessary to create engaging lessons that foster a love of mathematics in their students.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Teaching Math to Young Children Practice Guide published in 2013 by the U.S.
- Learn how to use mathematical concepts such as math literacy, number sense, patterns, and geometry in early childhood education settings
- Develop strategies for making math easy-to-learn for students
- Explore ways to engage students in mathematics learning through interactive activities and games
- Recognize gender differences in mathematical learning theories and how they can be addressed in the classroom setting
- Utilize resources to supplement traditional teaching methods with technology-based approaches
- Implement best practices for teaching mathematics remotely during public health crises or other times when instruction must take place outside of a physical classroom setting
- Understand how to assess student performance on mathematical tasks using appropriate assessment tools and techniques
- Create lesson plans that incorporate multiple learning styles and levels of ability among students in order to maximize engagement with mathematics content material across all learners in a class setting
- Develop an understanding of how mathematics can be used as a tool for problem-solving across various disciplines including science, engineering, finance, and economics
