Every Child a Mathematician: Cultivating Numeracy in Early Learning

Every Child a Mathematician: Cultivating Numeracy in Early Learning

From Phenomenal Teaching with PEBC by PEBC

March 17, 2026 · 48 min · Season 6 · Episode 2

About this episode

The episode discusses strategies for cultivating numeracy and positive math identities in early learning environments.

How might we cultivate a joyful numerate community in our early childhood and primary classrooms? Join Michelle Morris Jones on the Phenomenal Teaching Podcast as she chats with Carrie Halbasch and Kirsten Myers-Blake about practical, concrete strategies for developing early number sense, fostering positive math identities, and weaving mathematical thinking into everyday routines. Carrie and Kirsten share their deeply held belief: all children are capable mathematicians , and numeracy (just like literacy) is a civil right. Numeracy begins when a child stacks their first block tower and continues as they line up for their first day of school. By seeing these everyday moments with fresh eyes, teachers can intentionally build number sense, mathematical identity, language, and community. In this episode, Carrie and Kirsten explain what it means to be numerate and how Early Childhood and Primary Educators can cultivate joyful, inquisitive, numerate communities through daily rituals and routines ~ from attendance and morning meetings to transitions and movement breaks. About Carrie & Kirsten Carrie Halbasch brings 34 years of early childhood teaching experience to her work as a…

People in this episode

Host: Michelle Morris Jones

Guests: Carrie Halbasch, Kirsten Myers-Blake

Topics covered

  • numeracy
  • early childhood education
  • mathematical identity
  • teaching strategies
  • community building

Keywords

  • numeracy
  • early childhood
  • math identity
  • teaching strategies
  • community
  • number sense
  • education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PEBC

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