My kindergartener has always liked math, whether he was organizing his blocks, learning to count to ten or tackling basic addition.

Now, a new report from the National Research Council calls for a systemic approach to teaching math in preschool. It argues preschoolers are not only ready for mathematics, but that basic arithmetic can help close the achievement gap.

This is particularly the case for economically disadvantaged children, who start out behind in mathematics and will remain so without extensive, high-quality early mathematics instruction. —“Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood: Paths Toward Excellence and Equity.” In fact, academic activities such as mathematics can be a context in which social-emotional development and the foundations of language and literacy flourish.

The report later suggests math could follow on the success of the early literacy effort, which has taken hold at so many schools.  This idea doesn’t sound farfetched in our high-tech world.

Given the increasing importance of science and technology in everyday life and for gaining entry into many careers, it's crucial that we give all children a strong foundation in math and that we start many years before they enter formal schooling. —The report, as quoted by ScienceDaily.   

While we may not be able to argue with the importance of arithmetic, the report adds another layer of recommendations to those already weighing down early learning educators and policymakers. For example, authors offer the common suggestion of more training, but many preschools already struggle to pay for training in established subjects and skills.

Yet, the report suggests this is an investment we can’t skip because math is a key to resolving one of pre-k’s greatest challenges: closing the achievement gap.
How would you get math into preschool?

(Thanks to ScienceDaily and Pre-K Now for breaking the news and highlighting this report.)