Future Success in Mathematics Sparked in our Mamie House

After reading Mouse Shapes by Ellen Stoll Walsh, the Mamie girls were inspired to create their own shape pictures. Not only was this a fun, creative task that involved counting and identifying shapes, but this learning has the potential to make a significant contribution to the girls’ future success in mathematics. Research has demonstrated that teaching children about shape and space can improve their overall mathematical ability (not just in the subject area of Mathematics) and their thinking skills. Dr Sue Gifford reports that one research group claims that, ‘Improving spatial experiences prior to school entry is likely to increase children's readiness for school... Optimizing spatial performance may be an underutilized route to improving mathematics achievement’ (Verdine et al,2017: 93,102 cited in University of Cambridge, Nrich Mathematics – The Importance of Shape and Space in the Early Years).

Given the capability of our girls now, one can only imagine what they might be able to create in the future and what impact continuing to develop these skills will have on their overall mathematics learning.

Mathematics is Everywhere!

Mathematics, of course, is everywhere, but drawing it into the world of our youngest students and making it relevant, meaningful and accessible is a special skill that our teachers excel in. Recently, the Mamie girls have been seeking out all opportunities to develop their mathematical learning through the ‘Number Fairy’ morning counting tasks and counting down the days until their birthday on the class calendar. Understanding the concept of time is incredibly challenging for young children, but relevant when it is related to their birthdays! Even on the way to PE, I overhear the girls and their teachers pointing out shapes and counting their steps—never a missed moment!

Exploration of Shapes Through the Use of Technology

The Annie girls have also continued their learning about shapes, by combining it with the programming of BeeBots. BeeBots are interactive, child-centred robots designed for early education. While engaging with the BeeBots, our girls have been fostering early learning in areas such as coding, problem-solving and critical thinking. As they experiment with sequencing commands to make BeeBots move and navigate through obstacles, they are developing their logical reasoning and cognitive abilities.

They have also been inspired by Square by Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen, which provoked their thinking about the question, ‘What do we know about squares?’ Naturally, this evolved into a conversation that will keep unfolding over time.

Overall, fostering spatial awareness in children not only enriches their mathematical abilities, but also nurtures a deeper understanding and appreciation of the beauty of mathematics, paving the way for future success in STEM fields and beyond.

Sparking the Girls’ Interest for Science Week

Have you ever wondered how moisturiser is created?

If you are a student in the Annie House, you would not be pondering this question anymore as they were lucky enough to create their very own moisturiser with the support of two of our clever mummy pharmacists. We are incredibly grateful that Lisa Fong and Thao Duong visited the Annie House on Thursday 27 July to talk about what it means to be a pharmacist and to teach them how to make moisturiser. This is exceptionally inspiring learning. Thank you, Thao and Lisa, for your time.

Given the Annie girls were so successful in creating their own moisturiser, I cannot help but wonder whether I might just be paying too much for the little tub I have at home…

Finally, this leads us beautifully into Week 4, which is Science Week! Have you got any special talents that you would like to share with our girls next week, or a career in science that you have time to speak about? If so, we would be incredibly grateful for your time. As Marian Wright Edelman states, ‘You can’t be what you can’t see’, and we want our girls to see it all!