Play-Based Mathematics in Early Childhood Education

According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, play promotes joyful learning of content area knowledge. In play-based math instruction, children acquire math knowledge and skills while strengthening their dispositions to engage in mathematical thinking. The purpose of this study was to describe the implementation of play-based teaching strategies. I explored the question: How can teachers make math meaningful for young children through play or math games? This study was conducted in a state-funded pre-kindergarten classroom. Data sources included anecdotal records and transcripts created from video/audio-recordings of children\u27s engagement in play-based math instruction, photographs of children engaged in play-based math learning, and student work samples. I expect to find the integration of play-based math experiences engaged children and increased the complexity of their mathematical thinking. As early childhood educators, it is crucial that we make math learning meaningful and engaging for young learners