early childhood mathematics

The article substantiates the potential and pedagogical conditions for using loose parts to develop mathematical competence in preschool and primary school children. Loose parts are defined as natural, household, manufactured, or recycled materials with which children can engage in a variety of practical activities, including those involving mathematical content. These may include stones, sand, water, branches, leaves, seeds, shells, pieces of fabric, threads, cardboard boxes, bottle caps, containers, sticks, and other materials. It has been established that, at preschool age, the use of loose parts provides a sensory basis for developing concepts of quantity, number, shape, size, space, and patterns. In primary school, in addition to deepening this knowledge, the same materials can be used to support modeling, solving problems in several ways, testing assumptions, justifying strategies, and working with data. This enables continuity between preschool and primary education in the development of children’s mathematical competence. The potential of loose parts for developing mathematical competence in preschool and primary school children lies in the fact that they enable the practical acquisition of concepts related to number, shape, size, spatial relationships, and patterns, while stimulating the development of skills in counting, comparing, classifying, measuring, modeling, and problem-solving. Their use encourages learners’ independence, investigative activity, and the development of mathematical language. The following pedagogical conditions for using loose parts to develop mathematical competence in preschool and primary school children have been identified: ensuring the purposeful selection and diversification of materials; combining support for children’s initiative with the implementation of pedagogical intentions; and organizing mathematical reflection among preschool and primary school learners.

Integrating mathematics with children's literature has emerged as a promising approach in early mathematics education. This study explores the use of the picture book Just a Little Bit (Tompert, 1997) as a pedagogical tool for introducing the concept of mass measurement to preschool children. The aim of the study was to design and implement story-based mathematical activities inspired by the narrative and to examine children's engagement and emerging understanding of mass comparison. The study involved 24 children aged 4–5 years attending a kindergarten in Slovenia. Six structured activities were conducted over a three-week period. Data were collected through systematic observation and analysis of children's drawings representing balance scales.The results indicate that the story stimulated children's interest and supported their engagement in measurement-related activities. Most children were able to distinguish between heavier and lighter objects and recognize the basic function of a balance scale, although only a small proportion accurately represented the direction of imbalance in their drawings. The findings suggest that children's literature can provide a meaningful context for introducing early mathematical concepts when combined with hands-on activities and guided discussion.

This paper explores the critical role of early childhood education in Mathematics and Computer Science as foundational pillars for national development. In the 21st century, the global demand for technologically literate and analytically competent citizens underscores the need to begin STEM education at an early stage. The study highlights how cognitive development in young learners can be enhanced through early exposure to problem-solving, logical reasoning, and computational thinking. Drawing upon existing literature, educational theories, and policy frameworks, this paper presents evidence-based arguments for integrating structured Mathematics and Computer Science curricula at the foundational level. It examines the challenges faced in implementing these programs, particularly in developing nations, and proposes strategic solutions involving teacher training, curriculum redesign, and stakeholder collaboration. The paper concludes that effective early childhood Mathematics and Computer Science education not only fosters individual cognitive growth but also catalyzes innovation, economic empowerment, and sustainable national development.

این مقاله به بررسی نقش حیاتی آموزش دوران کودکی در حوزه ریاضیات و علوم کامپیوتر به‌عنوان ارکان بنیادین توسعه ملی می‌پردازد. در قرن بیست‌ویکم، نیاز جهانی به شهروندانی با سواد فناورانه و توانمند از نظر تحلیلی، ضرورت آغاز آموزش STEM از سنین پایین را برجسته می‌کند. این مطالعه نشان می‌دهد که چگونه رشد شناختی در یادگیرندگان خردسال از طریق مواجهه زودهنگام با حل مسئله، استدلال منطقی و تفکر محاسباتی تقویت می‌شود. با بهره‌گیری از ادبیات موجود، نظریه‌های آموزشی و چارچوب‌های سیاست‌گذاری، این مقاله استدلال‌هایی مبتنی بر شواهد برای ادغام برنامه‌های درسی ساختارمند ریاضیات و علوم کامپیوتر در سطح پایه ارائه می‌دهد. همچنین چالش‌های پیش‌روی اجرای این برنامه‌ها، به‌ویژه در کشورهای در حال توسعه، را بررسی کرده و راهکارهای راهبردی شامل آموزش معلمان، بازطراحی برنامه درسی و همکاری ذینفعان را پیشنهاد می‌کند. مقاله نتیجه می‌گیرد که آموزش مؤثر ریاضیات و علوم کامپیوتر در دوران کودکی نه‌تنها رشد شناختی فردی را تقویت می‌کند، بلکه موجب نوآوری، توانمندسازی اقتصادی و توسعه پایدار ملی می‌شود.