COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the course on Numeracy Skills Development in Early Childhood, a course designed to equip educators with the knowledge and techniques to foster early numeracy skills in young children. This course will cover essential aspects of numeracy development, providing practical strategies to create engaging and effective learning environments.
We begin with an introduction to numeracy in early childhood, highlighting the importance of early numeracy skills and their impact on lifelong learning. You will gain an overview of the developmental stages of numeracy and understand the crucial role educators play in nurturing these foundational skills.
Understanding early numeracy concepts is fundamental. This section covers basic numeracy skills such as counting and sorting, recognising numbers and symbols, and understanding quantities and relationships. These concepts are essential building blocks for young learners.
Creating a numeracy-rich environment is key to encouraging numeracy development. You will learn how to set up numeracy corners, incorporate numeracy into daily routines, and use visual aids and resources to make numeracy an integral part of the learning environment.
Play-based learning is a powerful approach to teaching numeracy. This module explores the importance of play in learning, different types of play that support numeracy development, and how to integrate numeracy into various play activities to make learning enjoyable and effective.
Structured numeracy activities provide a balanced approach to learning. You will learn how to plan and design activities, balance free play with structured learning, and assess the effectiveness of these activities to ensure they meet the learning needs of children.
Using stories and books for numeracy development is an engaging way to teach. This section covers selecting numeracy-focused books, interactive storytelling techniques, and follow-up activities that reinforce numeracy concepts learned through stories.
Numeracy through art and craft combines creativity with learning. You will explore how to incorporate counting and measuring in art projects, recognise and create patterns, and include shapes and geometry in artistic activities to enhance numeracy skills.
Outdoor numeracy activities leverage natural environments for learning. Learn how to conduct nature walks and number hunts, use outdoor spaces for counting and measuring, and incorporate games and sports with numeracy elements to make learning dynamic and active.
Technology and digital tools offer innovative ways to teach numeracy. This module covers educational apps and games, the use of interactive whiteboards and tablets, and how to balance screen time with hands-on activities to provide a well-rounded learning experience.
Differentiated instruction in numeracy addresses the diverse needs of learners. You will learn to recognise individual learning styles, adapt activities to suit different needs, and support children with learning difficulties to ensure all children have the opportunity to succeed.
Integrating numeracy with other subjects creates a holistic learning experience. This section covers combining literacy and numeracy, incorporating numeracy into science and nature studies, and developing cross-curricular projects and themes to make learning interconnected and relevant.
Monitoring and assessing numeracy development is essential for guiding instruction. You will explore observation and documentation techniques, use assessments to inform your teaching strategies, and provide feedback and encouragement to support children's progress in numeracy.
By the end of this course, you will be equipped with a wide range of strategies and techniques to effectively develop numeracy skills in early childhood, creating a strong foundation for your students' future learning and success.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Numeracy in Early Childhood
- Importance of Early Numeracy Skills
- Overview of Developmental Stages
- Role of Educators in Numeracy Development
2. Understanding Early Numeracy Concepts
- Basic Numeracy Skills (Counting, Sorting)
- Recognising Numbers and Symbols
- Understanding Quantities and Relationships
3. Creating a Numeracy-Rich Environment
- Setting Up Numeracy Corners
- Incorporating Numeracy into Daily Routines
- Using Visual Aids and Resources
4. Play-Based Learning for Numeracy
- Importance of Play in Learning
- Types of Play for Numeracy Development
- Integrating Numeracy into Play Activities
5. Structured Numeracy Activities
- Planning and Designing Activities
- Balancing Free Play and Structured Learning
- Assessing the Effectiveness of Activities
6. Using Stories and Books for Numeracy
- Selecting Numeracy-Focused Books
- Interactive Storytelling Techniques
- Follow-Up Activities for Reinforcement
7. Numeracy Through Art and Craft
- Counting and Measuring in Art Projects
- Pattern Recognition and Creation
- Incorporating Shapes and Geometry
8. Outdoor Numeracy Activities
- Nature Walks and Number Hunts
- Using Outdoor Spaces for Counting and Measuring
- Games and Sports with Numeracy Elements
9. Technology and Digital Tools for Numeracy
- Educational Apps and Games
- Interactive Whiteboards and Tablets
- Balancing Screen Time with Hands-On Activities
10. Differentiated Instruction in Numeracy
- Recognising Individual Learning Styles
- Adapting Activities for Diverse Needs
- Supporting Children with Learning Difficulties
11. Integrating Numeracy with Other Subjects
- Combining Literacy and Numeracy
- Numeracy in Science and Nature
- Cross-Curricular Projects and Themes
12. Monitoring and Assessing Numeracy Development
- Observation and Documentation Techniques
- Using Assessments to Inform Instruction
- Providing Feedback and Encouragement
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.