Toddlers exploring structural elements in play

• The focus of this paper is on possibilities for children to discern elements of structure and to develop structural awareness through play. In Sweden, preschool is part of the education system why teaching is to be conducted. At the same time, play is to be promoted and consciously used. In this paper, we explore possibilities for the youngest preschool children (2-3-yearolds) to discern structural elements in a rule-based play. In the example, discerning structural elements becomes of importance for being able to participate proficiently in the play. As such, the example shows that a conscious use of play may promote toddlers’ development of structural awareness which in turn is of importance for further mathematical learning and for their participating in the play.

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Utbildningsvetenskap -- Didaktik (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Educational Sciences -- Didactics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

toddler

structural awareness

early mathematics

play

playresponsive teaching

Mathematical Education

Matematikdidaktik

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

kon (subject category)