Children\'s Mathematics

Figure 2.4The baby clinic

On one piece of paper this spontaneous example combines marks and symbols

from several children in the role-play area. During their play the children integrated

their recent experiences with their growing knowledge of symbols. Their marks show

that:

• they recognise that adults use marks in specific contexts (e.g. when weighing
  babies) and for specific purposes – in this instance to record babies’ weights


• they are drawing on their knowledge of symbols, including some approximations
  of letters and numerals


• some children used the initial letter of their names or their age number to stand
  for what they are saying.

The children’s interest arose from a visit to a local baby-weighing clinic.The

children had watched babies being weighed, and listened as health visitors talked

with parents.The health visitors discussed the babies’ progress and recorded

current weights on charts and in record books. On their return to school, some

rich symbolic play developed spontaneously and the children were very

enthusiastic when, a few days later, we were able to borrow a real set of baby-

weighing scales.

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