Mathematics and numeracy

Creativity Theories and Perspectives 

Creativity in mathematics aligns with Piaget’s theory of constructivism, where children build understanding through exploration and discovery. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory emphasizes the role of social interaction and language in developing mathematical thinking. Margaret Boden’s idea of “combinational creativity” is seen when children experiment with patterns and invent new solutions. The Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) encourages numeracy as part of everyday problem-solving and imaginative play. By promoting divergent thinking and hands-on exploration, mathematics becomes a space where children can express original ideas, test hypotheses, and co-construct knowledge with peers and educators.

Resources, Materials, and Digital Technologies

Mathematical creativity can be supported with open-ended materials such as blocks, beads, number tiles, natural loose parts (e.g., leaves, stones), shape sorters, and measuring tools. Digital technologies such as interactive number games, sorting apps, virtual manipulatives, and math storybooks on platforms like Starfall or Mathseeds support numeracy through play. Programmable robots (e.g., Bee-Bots) enhance spatial reasoning and counting. Apps like Montessori Numbers and DragonBox support number sense in visual ways. When used with intention, these resources provide opportunities for children to represent, discuss, and explore mathematical concepts creatively and meaningfully.

Learning Experiences: Mathematics and Numeracy 

Critical Reflection and Evaluation

In the Pattern Pathways experience (3–5 years), children showed excitement in designing and physically moving along their pattern trails using coloured blocks and leaves. They used their own logic to create sequences, demonstrating strong pattern recognition and creative thought. A key strength was the integration of movement and maths, making the experience active and joyful. However, some children struggled with extending patterns independently. In future, I would model a few examples first and offer pattern cards as visual prompts to scaffold learning.

In the Create a Story Problem Book (6–8 years), children were deeply engaged in writing their own math problems based on daily life, such as sharing fruit or buying toys. They showed creativity in their stories and proudly solved each other’s problems. A challenge was helping some children balance creativity with mathematical clarity. Next time, I would support this by co-creating one example as a class before independent work and offering sentence starters.

Both experiences effectively supported creative mathematical thinking. To enhance future enactments, I would offer more peer collaboration and visual aids to support different learning styles while maintaining open-ended exploration.

Video 

Learning experience 1: Sorting and Grouping Natural Objects

Learning experience 2: Shape Art Collage