Calculators are one of the technologies which are used in early childhood settings to enhance children’s mathematical skills. Using calculators in the centre supports children to learn mathematical concepts as well as it provides children a prosperous environment to explore and learn. According to Te Whāriki (1996) “children experience and environment where they learn strategies for active exploration, thinking, and reasoning” (p.88).
Today I observed a group of children playing with colourful buttons. They were counting the number of buttons they had so to extend this activity I got some calculators out and handed it to children. MacNaughton and Williams (2009) explains that facilitating is a technique which teachers use to make children’s learning more meaningful by providing correct materials which are appropriate for children’s learning and development. Children started adding and subtracting their buttons using the calculator and checked if their answer was correct.
As an early childhood teacher I was amazed to see how children from today’s generation are able to recognise symbols and are confident with using technology. To make this learning meaningful for children, I took a step back and allowed children to explore the buttons in the calculator. Some children needed my assistance so I joined along, allowing them to have a go them self first and then scaffolding their learning process. According to Arthur, Beecher, Death, Docket, & Farmer (2008) “Educators can support children’s learning by being available to give assistance when needed and to provide physical or verbal support” (p. 329). I believe that children should be given a chance to explore things themselves as they are learning through doing that and we as educators just take a step back and allow them to do it. As an educator I supported children to recall the symbols they knew and I believe I was allowing children to problem solve as well. One of the challenges I found was that children more children wanted to join in and there was not enough calculators for everyone so I encouraged them to work in pairs.
Through this experience children were able to recognise the symbols on the calculator and to recall children’s memory, we talked about the symbol used to add (+), subtract (-) and the equal symbol (=). Through this activity children were able to press numbers on the calculator and see the number appearing on the calculator screen. Looking at the numbers on the calculator screen was a positive way for children to remember numbers as they could see what numbers they had pressed on the screen. Children used buttons to count and this was helping children to enhance their mathematical skill as well as using a technology like a calculator to experience learning in a different way.
Doing a calculator activity allowed children to solve problems as they helped each other through the activity. This activity encouraged children in counting using technology and real materials as well. The calculator has number set out in order so children were also learning the correct way numbers are placed. For example 1234567890. The New Zealand curriculum (2007) states that adults should provide “education and care in meaningful, positive interactions to enhance children’s learning and nurture reciprocal relationships” (p.9). This means that teachers should provide opportunities and a rich environment for children where they can learn and build and maintain warm relationships with other children in the setting.
References
Arthur, L., Beecher, B., Death, E., Dockett, S., &
Farmer, S. (2008). Programming and planning in early childhood settings (4th
ed.). Victoria, Australia: Thompson.
Images: Retrieved 20/03/12 from Google Images www.google.co.nz
MacNaughton, G., & Williams, G. (2009). Techniques for teaching young children: Choices in theory and practise (3rd ed.). Frenchs Forrest, NSW, Australia: Pearson Prentice Hall.
Ministry of Education. (1996). Te Whāriki, He whāriki matauranga mo nga mokopuna o Āotearoa: Early childhood curriculum. Wellington, New Zealand: Learning Media.
Ministry of Education. (2007). The New Zealand curriculum. New Zealand: Learning Media.
Monita while reading your reflection I will also agree that calculators in the early childhood setting allows children to develop mathematical concepts such as counting. It was good to see you providing resources based on children‘s interest and it was good to read that you allowed them to explore that piece of technology on their own. It was good to read that you did scaffolding towards children who needed your support. It was also good to read that you gave children an opportunity to problem solve by making them recall the symbols on the calculator which states that they are gaining confidence towards using the calculator. Good to read that you came up with a strategy when other children joined in by making them work in pairs as this might have helped children to work together and share their knowledge with each other. It was nice to see you reflecting on children’s learning outcomes through calculator activity and reflecting on your experience throughout the reflection and good use of quotes. Ka pai.
ReplyDeleteHi Monita
ReplyDeleteGreat to see how you have enhanced and extended children' learning with calculators. You have also used some beautifully fitting links of literature in your reflection kapai for that.
It is amazing to us when we see how children respond to their learning so easily. It is good that you provided them the resources and allowed them to explore their curiosity and learning. Making yourself available for their learning was a great strategy because if they need you to answer questions you are within their reach. The provision of technology is beneficial for children especially with the age group you are working with, because it is preparing them for the big world that is waiting for them. The National Standard requirements are also going to challenge us as teachers to prepare the children to be confident learners and by doing these reflections is going to help us achieve these needs. Reflecting on your practice is a valuable tool for our personal learning as teachers because when we qualify we will have to be constantly reflecting on our teaching and methods of approach.
Kapai.
Monita, it was good to read your reflection and your journey in the setting promoting children to learn about technologies that will help them in future. It was great to see that you as an early childhood educator provided materials based on children’s interest and how you enhanced and extended their learning with calculators. You gave children a chance to explore through this technology and also allowed them to discover their interest. It was great to see that you spent time with children when you provided this learning experience for them so if they needed help you were available to support them. It was high quality to see that when you faced challenges you overcame by using some teaching techniques. Through this experience children gained mathematical skills whereas they also learnt to use and explore a digital technology. It is great that you as an educator reflect on your practices, this is how we can make changes and make things better in our centres. Overall an excellent reflection. Ka Pai!
ReplyDeleteHi Monita
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to reading your reflection on calculator. I am very grateful for the privilege having technology in the form of calculator. Calculator is a powerful tool in our everyday life style. As an early childhood educator, you provide to children calculator to explore their mathematic skills. Teachers needs to encourage children to use technology because we driven by the technological world. You provide opportunity for children to explore ICT skills. It absolutely will help them to build up their confident of using ICT skills in their real life. Even though there is many advantages by using technology but some extend technology is effecting children ability in thinking and improving memory. Overall your reflection is great and you have used good reference list.
Hi Monita
ReplyDeleteI found your blog was interesting because you provide opportunities for children to enhance their mathematical skills through technology. I also think teaching early mathematics concepts to young children can help them as lifelong learners. I appreciate that you provide calculator to the children based on their interests. The children enjoyed playing with colourful buttons and they learnt numbers. I like the way you gave them freedom to use the calculator and support them how to use it. I believe that high quality mathematical experiences in early childhood education can enhance children’s natural interest in mathematics and make a sense of their world. Children explore mathematical skill through technology. I agree with you as an early childhood educator we should actively introduce mathematic concepts, approaches and language through a range of appropriate experiences and teaching strategies. Well done