Thinking and Learning About Mathematics in the Early Years - Practical

In this review of Thinking and Learning About Mathematics in the Early Years, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, classroom-focused guide for early years practitioners who want to make mathematics playful and meaningful. Linda Pound draws on contemporary thinking about children's mathematical development to suggest everyday, cross-curricular activities that help children become confident with numbers, shapes and comparisons. The book is best for teachers and nursery staff seeking classroom-ready approaches rather than purely theoretical texts.

Key Features

• Playful approach: Links mathematics to everyday play and routines so young children experience maths as a natural part of their world.
• Developmental focus: Draws on current thinking about how children develop numeracy skills so practitioners can plan appropriate next steps.
• Practical activities: Offers ideas that can be used across the Foundation Stage to make maths inclusive and engaging.
• Cross-curricular links: Shows how mathematical learning can be integrated with other areas of early years practice to reinforce concepts.
• Classroom-friendly guidance: Emphasises ways to help children who find maths challenging so practitioners can support diverse learners.

Who It's For

This book is aimed at early years practitioners, nursery teachers and reception staff who plan day-to-day activities and want concrete strategies for developing numeracy through play. It is especially useful for those adapting practice to the Foundation Stage and seeking ways to make mathematics less intimidating for young children.

Those looking for a highly technical or research-heavy textbook on child cognition may want a more academic volume; this guide favours practical application and classroom examples over dense theory, so specialist researchers may find it limited.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Practical, easy-to-adapt activities that make mathematical ideas accessible to young children.
• Emphasis on play and everyday contexts helps children see maths as relevant rather than abstract.
• Clear focus on developmental stages gives practitioners a framework for planning progression.

Cons

• Not a deep academic treatise, so it may lack the detailed research citations some readers expect.

Specifications

Title	Thinking and Learning About Mathematics in the Early Years
Series	Essential Guides for Early Years Practitioners
Author	Linda Pound
Focus	Early years numeracy, play-based learning and Foundation Stage practice
Audience	Early years practitioners, nursery and reception teachers
Approach	Practical classroom activities linked to everyday life

Our Verdict

Thinking and Learning About Mathematics in the Early Years is a valuable, practical resource for practitioners who want to build children's confidence with numbers through play and cross-curricular activities. It is good value for teachers who need classroom-ready ideas tied to developmental understanding, though readers seeking in-depth academic theory might prefer a more research-centred title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book suitable for reception teachers?
Yes. The guide targets the Foundation Stage and offers practical activities appropriate for reception settings.

Does it cover assessment or progression?
It focuses on developmental stages and planning next steps rather than formal assessment systems, so it supports progression planning in practice.

Will it help children who struggle with maths?
The book emphasises inclusive, playful approaches designed to reduce anxiety and help practitioners support children who find maths difficult.