Early Math Counts

I know Abby through Alison.  Remember that little preschool I wrote about where everyone’s needs were met in thoughtful and meaningful ways? Abby worked there when she was a young teacher, prior to having her own children.  She was one of those teachers that people in Chicago talk about like this.

” Ooooh, do you have Abby this year?  You are so lucky.  She’s so great.”

Of course she went on to great things and is now the Head of a wonderful independent school in Chicago.  She brings her love of early childhood education to her role as an administrator.  The families at that school are lucky to have her.

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1. Please describe how you are involved in the field of education

I am currently the Head of Lower School at an independent school in Chicago

2. How many children do you have and how old are they?I have twins who are 16

3. Describe your children’s early childhood experiences. Did they stay at home with a family member? Did they attend preschool or childcare? Did they attend a home-based childcare program, or a combination of the above? (If your children have not yet entered a childcare setting, please answer these questions for the future, i.e., What do you hope your children’s math experiences will be? What are your plans for introducing math to your children at home?)

My children went to half-day preschool beginning at age three and then to a full day kindergarten. I stayed home full-time for the first year of their lives, then worked part-time until they were four, and then back to full time after that.

4. Describe your children’s exposure to math in their prekindergarten years both at home and at school..

I tried to introduce math concepts to my kids at an early age – singing songs, reading books, sorting, sequencing, counting, matching, pointing out mathematical concepts in everyday life etc. These things were mirrored at their pre-school.

5. Knowing what you now know about raising and educating children, what worked well in your children’s early math experiences?

Always encouraging problem-solving…asking “what do you think” or “how did you figure that out”. I think children always benefit from having dialogue, self-talk, and a strong foundational skill set. Developing a deep conceptual understanding of foundational mathematical concepts allows for greater success with more complex mathematical thinking.