Here is the latest instalment of our blogs about the Mr Barton Maths Podcast. This blog features Vic Simms from Loughborough University and you can hear his podcast with Craig here or in your usual podcast app.

Vic writes:

Returning the Craig Barton podcast is a pleasure, and a great opportunity to discuss our research on how families can support their children’s early mathematical development. As a developmental psychologist, I am fascinated about how children’s blossoming cognition, especially related to mathematics, can be supported through interactions in their environment especially in their homes, but also in early years and childcare settings. The last time we talked we were embarking on a new research project, so it was great to catch up and reflect on the processes and the challenges of doing research with families in their homes.  Through this recent research, we have established that what families do with their children before starting school matters, we then worked with families to develop cheap, accessible, playful resources that can be used in everyday family routines. Our research team aims to make sure that parents feel supported and confident in their interactions with their children- and that they can have joyful mathematical experiences together. We don’t want families to feel burdened. We also discussed the long‑term influence of early maths experiences, the role of childcare settings, and why positive, low‑pressure interactions matter so much. 

Vic mentions a link to the CEML evidence briefing for ‘phonics for maths’ and you can find that here.

We hope you enjoy listening to this episode. Don’t forget to check out the others in this series too, if you haven’t already.