Project launched to show value of written numbers to kids
Published:Saturday | May 11, 2024 | 12:06 AMAsha Wilks/Gleaner Writer
THE WRITTEN Numbers in Everyday Life Project was officially launched on May 2, established to support the early childhood education sector by helping to ensure that kids retain the fundamentals of mathematics.
This project is made possible through the joint efforts of The University of the West Indies, Mona, and the University of Southampton who partnered to bring preschool educators from England and Jamaica together.
Speaking at the launch, Dr Lois George, project coordinator, described how the programme acts as an intervention for children age three to six years old.
She went on to say that the project also made sure that parents and teachers were involved, as they engage students in a variety of numeracy activities related to mathematics being present in everyday life, such as number spotting challenges.
The programme implementation also includes families utilising the discussion prompts provided in an activity booklet to initiate conversation about numbers with their children.
Local implementation of the project began in February and involved three schools – the National Water Commission Co-Operative Credit Union Basic School, where one infant grade participated; the Jamaica House Basic School, where the entire school participated; and the Bloom Experimental School, where one class participated. Additionally, over 100 parents took part in the project.
Dr George said that phase two, which would involve basic schools from every parish, was currently being explored by the organisers. She further mentioned that colleagues from the Caribbean region have also indicated interest in helping to facilitate the project.
In her presentation, Dr Charis Voutsina, one of the project researchers from the University of Southampton, discussed the advantages of this project for young children, such as increased awareness and comprehension of written numbers and the various meanings and messages they convey; symbols associated with everyday numbers, like currency or units of measurement; an increase in children’s confidence in recognising and naming numbers; and the ability to connect maths lessons with real-world.
Simone Williams, national mathematics coordinator in the Ministry of Education and Youth commended the development of the project, acknowledging that it was a step in the right direction towards guaranteeing that “the future of our nation is looking bright and promising”.
“Some of us might find aspects of math to be challenging, some may say boring, or some may even become anxious when the name is called. The features of this project, however, speak volumes as it aims to change those outlooks from an early stage,” she said.
Williams added that the measures included in the project will not only help children develop a positive attitude towards understanding mathematics, but it will also make learning an enjoyable experience.
“We at the Ministry of Education and Youth are pleased with the features and functions of this programme as we believe it is in line with our mission of fostering a deep appreciation for mathematics in classrooms across Jamaica,” she continued, further stating that the project showcased the critical connection between home and school as well.
Nicole Morgan, training manager of the Early Childhood Commission, expressed the belief that this “pivotal move” will change the trajectory of numeracy level outcomes for this and the future generation in Jamaica.
“Numeracy is relevant to everyday life, and it can and should always be fun,” she added.