Project

Kindergarten and Primary school children experiencing Mathematics together

The connectivity of Kindergarten and Primary school, and the development of new forms of cooperation are common themes in today’s educational policies. The discussion about international comparisons of school performance and the below average achievements of the German school system has, for several years, been increasing the focus on the benefits of pre-school education. Especially in the area of Mathematics there is a need to be active as learning Mathematics and equally learning a language begins well before starting school.

The MATHElino-Project takes early Mathematical education in a whole new direction. The “crystallisation” of the joint venture between Kindergarten and Primary school is the “mathematical material” which can be used equally well in either context or which serves as a “bridge” between the two. In order for the material to be relevant to the different age groups it is necessary to follow the methodical concepts which focus on the specific situations. For this to be developed it is necessary to have close cooperation between those working on the subject matter and representatives from the school itself. It is therefore a goal of the „MATHElino“ Project to see teachers from Kindergartens and Primary schools being trained together in such a way that they are able to excite and encourage their children’s mathematical awareness.

Developmental steps within MATHElino:

A variety of mathematical materials are used in order to encourage the cooperation of Kindergarten and Primary school children, and their teachers.
Additional didactic material is developed to support the work with the new material.
The additional didactic material is examined and developed on the basis of specific knowledge from experience.
Primary School and Kindergarten teachers receive joint further training.
The joint further training is the basis for the establishment of a common language to describe children’s thinking and behaviour.