Unlocking Mathematical Minds: Foundational Numeracy in Piagetian Perspective

Abstract

The National Educational Policy 2020 has underlined the importance of early education and underscores the recognition that a robust foundation in reading, writing and arithmetic is indispensable for subsequent academic success and overall cognitive development. It is proven that by the age of 5, the synaptic connections are at its peak and 85% of human brain development takes place. As numeracy and mathematics learning are linked to one’s cognitive aspect significantly, ‘Foundational Numeracy’ is a critical aspect of early childhood education. This article is an attempt to explore the teaching and learning at the foundational stage in light of the cognitive development theory of Piaget, in order to discuss their relevance to mathematical understanding and their application for curriculum designing and implementing effective pedagogical strategies.