ABSTRACT

If you've ever wished that learning math could be more joyful and playful for young learners, you're not alone. In Joyful Math: Invitations to Play and Explore in the Early Childhood Classroom, kindergarten teacher Deanna Pecaski McLennan opens her classroom doors to share the practical, yet innovative ways she integrates mathematical play throughout the school day. Each chapter of this easy-to-navigate, photo-filled book focuses on specific strategies, activities and examples of mathematical play within literacy, art, and outdoor explorations. Inside Joyful Mathyou'll find:

  • A photo guide, including suggested tools and materials, to setting up a classroom environment and space that fosters mathematical curiosity and joy
  • Dozens of open-ended and teacher-guided mathematical activities that are simple to set up and full of mathematical possibility
  • Practical tips for including mathematical play across the day
  • Suggestions and examples of ways to document and share children's learning experiences with families and communities
Joyful Math will inspire educators to make space for joy and play in early childhood mathematics and give them the tools to make this vision a reality.

chapter Chapter 1|6 pages

Discovering the Joy in Math

chapter Chapter 3|34 pages

Exploring Math Through Art

chapter Chapter 4|28 pages

Playing with Literacy and Math

chapter Chapter 5|32 pages

Bringing Math Learning Outdoors