In 2014 we authored the book Big Ideas in Early Mathematics: What Children of Young Children Need to Know. For teachers of children ages three through six, the book provides foundations for further mathematics learning and helps facilitate long-term mathematical understanding. It’s the perfect guide for those who want to focus their instruction on mathematics that is central, coherent, and rigorous.

In 2018 we authored the book Growing Mathematical Minds. It is the documentation of an innovative, bi-directional process of connecting research and practice in early childhood mathematics. The book translates research on early mathematics from developmental psychology into terms that are meaningful to teachers and readily applicable in early childhood classrooms.

Big Ideas of Early Mathematics:

What Teachers of Young Children Need to Know

The Big Ideas that convey the core concepts of mathematics are at the heart of this book that gives early childhood educators the skills they need to organize for mathematics teaching and learning during the early years.
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The simple, concrete mapping of the sequence of how children develop math concepts and skills makes learning, understanding, and implementing the ideas an easy task. The visuals to help explain the concepts are essential as well.

Connie Casha, Tennessee Department of Education

Growing Mathematical Minds

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Our latest book Growing Mathematical Minds bridges research and practice. We translate research on early mathematics from developmental psychology into terms that are meaningful to teachers and readily applicable in early childhood classrooms.

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Growing Mathematical Minds is a remarkable, lucid, and inviting introduction to early math education. The book truly helps both researchers and teachers to bridge the sometimes considerable gap between theory and practice.

Herbert Ginsburg, Jacob H. Schiff Foundations Professor Emeritus of Psychology and Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

Precursor Math Concepts

The Wonder of Mathematical Worlds With Infants and Toddlers

This groundbreaking book looks at the development of mathematical thinking in infants and toddlers, with an emphasis on the earliest stage, from zero to three, when mathematical thinking and problem solving first emerge as natural instincts.

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In Precursor Math Concepts, scholars/practitioners Hynes-Berry, Chen, and Abel walk us hand-in-hand down a beautiful path to see, support, and nurture young children from birth in the wonders and foundations of mathematics. The journey through their four pillars, from attribute to comparison to change to pattern, has relevance beyond mathematics in creating the beginnings of a more coherent conceptual world view.

Daryl Greenfield Professor of Psychology and Pediatrics, University of Miami

Other Books By Our Staff

The Essentials: Providing High-Quality Family Child Care

Family child care homes are a vital part of child care, serving nearly 3 million children in the United States. This book lays the groundwork family child care providers need to run a successful program in a warm, welcoming setting for children and their families. Learn more ›

Where’s the Math? Books, Games, and Routines to Spark Children’s Thinking

Make math learning both meaningful and fun by building on children’s natural curiosity to help them grow into confident problem solvers and investigators of math concepts. Learn more ›

Don’t Leave the Story in the Book: Using Literature to Guide Inquiry in Early Childhood Classrooms

Drawing from 30 years of teaching and professional development experience, author Mary Hynes-Berry offers a roadmap for using children’s literature to provide authentic learning. Learn more ›

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