The Surprising Importance of Early Math

“Over a lifetime, positive effects of early math compound, and we all benefit from investing in children’s early math learning–birth through grade 3.”

– Douglas Clements, Ph.D., University of Denver

 In this session, the second in the Early Math + Early Literacy special webinar series, Douglas Clements, Ph.D., and Julie Sarama, Ph.D., of Marsico Institute at the University of Denver, led participants through an interactive exploration of the five surprising reasons early math is critical. In a conversation moderated by Nicki Newton, Ed.D., President of Newton Education Solutions, they reviewed a plethora of research studies that reinforce the idea that early math makes a huge impact on a child’s cognitive ability and affects school success.

The Five Early Math Surprises shared by Clements & Sarama are:

1. Early math has surprising predictive power.
2. Young children have the potential to learn powerful math.
3. #2 is a surprise to most educators.
4. Most children need better mathematics.
5. We know a lot about how children think and learn about math and teaching with learning trajectories.

Participants received a virtual handout with resources and heard a lively discussion about the implications of early mathematics.

Panel

INTRODUCTIONS Jessica Lauer Tilli Math Specialist Philadelphia School District

MODERATOR Nicki Newton, Ed.D. President Newton Education Solutions

PRESENTER Julie Sarama, Ph.D. Kennedy Endowed Chair, Innovative Learning Technologies, Co-Executive Director, Marsico Institute University of Denver

PRESENTER Douglas H. Clements, Ph.D. Kennedy Endowed Chair, Innovative Learning Technologies Co-Executive Director, Marsico Institute University of Denver