Have you ever wondered what early years mathematics actually looks like? If you asked one of our early years children what they did at school or what they learnt in maths today, they might answer “we built a giant porridge bowl!”, “we made playdough!” or “I played in the water area!”
In early childhood, maths isn’t about worksheets or memorizing facts. It focuses on exploration, curiosity and play. Before children are able to write down numbers, they build a deep mathematical understanding by touching, moving, comparing and testing ideas in the world around them. In the early stages, play is learning. Whether children are balancing blocks, pouring water into different sized containers, or sharing snacks, they are actively investigating concepts like volume, balance, capacity, and quantity.
This is how maths is unfolding across Early Years in Britannica:
In Pre-Nursery, maths is woven into rich storytelling through traditional tales such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears or The Three Little Pigs. Reading these stories allows children to explore sizes as they match bowls, beds and houses to each of the bear characters. They develop early counting skills through rhymes, songs and physical objects. Children are exploring a range of curriculum goals during continuous provision, where they can independently explore the activities and resources provided both indoors and outdoors.
In Nursery, the children have short, focused maths sessions to begin building attention and group listening skills. Children are learning to look closely at amounts, comparing two groups of objects to determine whether they have more, fewer or the same amount. They are also being introduced to shape names by spotting circles, squares and triangles hidden around the classroom. As in Pre-Nursery, children in Nursery are also learning counting skills through rhymes and songs such as 5 little ducks went swimming one day. Children then have the opportunity to practice their new skills during continuous provision, exploring resources both independently and with adults.
Children in Reception build strong mathematical foundations through a structured weekly focus that balances whole class carpet sessions, adult-led learning activities and child-led independent play. The week begins with an interactive carpet session to introduce a new concept such as one more and one less, followed by adult-led learning where children practice the new skills in small groups. Children then deepen their understanding through child-led exploration during continuous provision, applying the new learning at their own pace.
Hands-on exploration is where mathematical understanding takes place. By grounding early concepts in play, conversation and real-world exploration, we ensure that our youngest learners here at Britannica experience, understand and develop a genuine love for learning maths that they can carry with them throughout their entire school journey.
Miss Lauren Olsen
Nursery Teacher
Head of EYFS
