We believe that all children are capable mathematicians and that numeracy, like literacy, is a civil right. Numeracy begins when children stack their first block tower and is further explored when they line up for their first day at school. In this institute, early childhood educators will build an understanding of what it means to be numerate and how to cultivate a numerate community in their classrooms. Using the Common Core Standards for Mathematical Practice and the thinking strategies as an anchor, teachers will reflect on the structure of their day in order to find intentional opportunities to introduce, reinforce and reteach mathematical thinking. Classroom success hinges on daily rituals and routines like attendance, morning meeting, lining up, transitions and movement breaks.

At Foundations of Numeracy, we will look at these rituals and routines with new eyes and envision ways to maximize them in order to build number sense, identity, community, and language. After attending Foundations in Numeracy, children will notice that math is everywhere and that they are powerful mathematicians.