Making Meaning

"Math is all about patterns: finding, creating, searching for patterns," Graff says. "Counting is one of the earliest patterns we become aware of. But there are so many different kinds of patterns. Number theory is only one tiny slice of math." Allowing Havilah to stumble upon her own epiphanies will help her to own the concepts. As with experiential-based reading readiness, developing mathematical thinking encourages children to feel that their learning is meaningful, so they can master new skills, like reading and math, by absorbing them on a deeper level.