Never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time and always start with the person nearest you.
—Mother Teresa
Billy said, “People get to be different numbers, and you can do more things!” Numbers, numerals, and counting seem so rote when compared to a child’s understanding of numbers and age. As we further discussed age, Billy related that his dad is a big number and that his mom told his dad he had to lose weight.
Why do early educators focus simply on numeral recognition and one-to-one correspondence when there is a whole world of thinking about numbers to be explored? Why do we have numbers? Who invented numbers? Where in our world do you see numbers? What do numbers tell people? I want to know about the things I will get to do when I am a different number, and I want to be that person who enables children to dream about the things they will be able to do when they are different numbers, too.
In loving memory of Gryphon House author Leanne Grace, MEd, we are sharing pieces of her inspirational writing every Wednesday. Leanne was the director of professional development at Hildebrandt Learning Centers and a lifelong advocate for early childhood education. She inspired the early childhood community to prepare children as lifelong learners with her ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. One person can make a difference, and Leanne did just that. She will be sorely missed.
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