Mathematics in Early Childhood - More than just counting!

The foundations of mathematical thinking occur in the early childhood years. Young children have access to a number of powerful mathematical ideas including argumentation, number sense, spatial and geometric thinking and algebraic reasoning. This workshop explores some of these powerful mathematical ideas and provides participants with pratical ideas for exploring mathematics with young children. Teaching and learning strategies to meet the needs of Indigenous children will be central to this workshop.

The workshop is delivered by Dr Marina Papic - Institute of Early Childhood, Australian Centre for Educational Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney.

Workshop duration: 3 hours

Introducing Science to under 5's

A very hands on, practical and interactive workshop be prepared to get your hands dirty.

This professional development workshop focuses on an Earth and Space science curriculum designed to engage young children in activities that support them in developing scientifically accurate understandings of the world around them. This workshop provides a foundation of science learning which is deemed essential for all young children and especially for Indigenous children whose heritage is the land. The science activities seek to develop understanding about Planet Earth and the part we play in keeping it a home for plants and animals and us. Every time we pick up a rock, we are touching something that is thousands, millions, even billions of years old. If we can help our children discover the beauty and majesty of the Earth, they should grow up aware of the fragile balance that allows life to exist here. By studying how rocks form and change, scientists have built a solid understanding of the Earth we live on and its long history.

Delivered by Camila Gordon - Institute of Early Childhood, Australian Centre for Educational Studies, Macquarie University, Sydney.

Workshop duration : 3 hours