Preschool counts: Building a strong foundation in math

Why is early childhood math important? And how can parents and teachers use research-backed, and play-based practices to encourage math learning?On this episode of School’s In, we welcome Stanford Graduate School of Education (GSE) Professor Emerita Deborah Stipek to discuss why learning and practicing math is important for young children. We also touch on ways to engage young children in playful math and how parents can incorporate learning at home. Stipek covers several topics, including:03:00  Early math as a predictor of academic achievement07:09  Math anxiety: Overcoming barriers and making math fun13:44  Everyday playful math for families18:07  Transitional kindergarten and teacher preparation in early math25:39  Early math resources for parents, caregivers, teachers, and teacher educatorsDeborah Stipek is the chair of the Development and Research in Early Mathematics Education (DREME) Network, where she works with scholars and researchers to advance math learning and skill development for young children. She is also a professor emerita and former dean at the GSE, where her research focused on early childhood and elementary education, especially as it relates to math and motivation. To learn more about her work, visit her faculty profile.For more information on the DREME Network, and to access their free resources for parents, teachers, and teacher educators, visit their website here. School’s In is your go-to podcast for cutting-edge insights and fresh perspectives on the future of learning. Hosted by Stanford Graduate School of Education Dean Dan Schwartz and Senior Lecturer Denise Pope, each episode dives into the latest research, innovations, and real-world challenges shaping education today.Stanford GSE is at the forefront of education research and teacher preparation, dedicated to advancing equitable, accessible, and impactful learning experiences for all.Stay connected with the latest insights – subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Threads.