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Published in

SAGE Publications, SAGE Open, 2(6), p. 215824401664901, 2016

DOI: 10.1177/2158244016649010

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Play-Based Mathematics Activities as a Resource for Changing Educator Attitudes and Practice

Journal article published in 2016 by Caroline Cohrssen ORCID, Amelia Church, Collette Tayler
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

This multiple case study explored early childhood educators’ implementation of a suite of play-based mathematics activities with children aged 3 to 5 years in six different early childhood education and care programs in Melbourne, Australia. Educators approached the enactment of the activities differently; however, those educators who used the activities reasonably frequently and with attention to the underpinning mathematical concepts reported an increase in their self-confidence in supporting children’s mathematical thinking. For these educators, increasing self-confidence, in conjunction with children’s enthusiasm, led to increased frequency and further gains in self-confidence. Some educators did not implement the activities and no change in attitude was observed. New ways to support early childhood mathematics teaching practice, as a means to challenge entrenched attitudes and beliefs, are needed.