Embracing Math

Deanna Pecaski McLennan , PhD, is a passionate early childhood educator, researcher, and writer from Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, who has spent over 20 years working with young children. She is the recipient of the 2020 Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Teaching STEM, highest award in Canadian education.As a teacher in Ontario’s full-day kindergarten program (equivalent to US prekindergarten) and a university instructor, she devotes her research and practice to exploring the potential for rich mathematics learning through playful inquiry and exploration. She appreciates looking at life through a mathematical lens and recognizes opportunities for authentic, complex engagement in all experiences children have. She is a passionate advocate who feels deeply that the investments we make in the lives of young children benefit our society tremendously over time.Deanna is also a mom to three children and knows firsthand the importance of supporting and improving their confidence, fluency, and accuracy in mathematics. She considers herself a lifelong learner and has spent the last several years transforming her classroom into a safe, supportive space where children can take risks without the use of rigid programming, rote practice, or worksheets. Deanna believes that educators benefit from sharing their journeys with one another and actively uses reflective writing, technology, and social media to connect with others from around the world. Part of her journey has involved writing extensively for NAEYC and publishing articles in the organization’s magazine, Teaching Young Children, and peer-reviewed journal, Young Children. Deanna uses her writing and large social media following to provoke conversations about the role math plays in emergent programs and how educators can cultivate children’s mathematical mindset while still honoring their interests, strengths, and needs. You can learn more by visiting her website at www.mrsmclennan.blogspot.com or following her on Twitter and Instagram @McLennan1977.

• Table of Contents: Introduction Part 1: Exploring Math with Open-Ended Materials and StrategiesChapter 1: Unexpected Treasure: How Real and Recycled Objects Inspire Thinking and LearningChapter 2: Ten Fun Activities to Engage Children in SubitizingChapter 3: Using Children’s Names to Build Number SenseChapter 4: Playing with Shapes Using PentominoesChapter 5: Creating Coding Stories and GamesPart 2: Embedding Math in All Areas of the ClassroomChapter 6: Making Math Meaningful for Young ChildrenChapter 7: Integrated Math in Learning CentersChapter 8: Connecting Math Concepts with Literacy Experiences Coauthored by Erin Keith Chapter 9: Math Learning—and a Touch of Science—in the Outdoor WorldChapter 10: Mathematical Masterpieces: Exploring Math Through Art Chapter 11: Easy Ways to Integrate Math in the Gym and BeyondPart 3: Scaffolding Mathematical InquiryChapter 12: Classroom Bird Feeding: Giving Flight to Children’s Imaginations Chapter 13: “Paper Shoes Aren’t for Dancing!” Children’s Explorations of Music and Movement Through Inquiry Coauthored by Jennifer Bombardier Chapter 14: Mitten Measurement: Inspiring Rich Math Inquiry Through Children’s BooksChapter 15: Counting Kindness: How a Food Drive Inspired Rich Mathematical ThinkingAppendix: Reproducible Resources for Families ReferencesResourcesAcknowledgmentsAbout the Author

Embracing Math is a valuable resource to help teachers find and use the math that is all around us in their early childhood classrooms. Not only does it include many specific examples, it also provides a strong conceptual framework about exploring and embedding math through questions, conversations, and inquiries.— Mary Hynes-Berry, Coauthor of Where’s the Math? and Faculty, Erikson Institute and Early Math Collaborative