WHAT KNOWLEDGE IS REQUIRED TO TEACH MATHEMATICS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION?

Abstract

This text refers to the teacher’s training to introduce young children into the world of mathematics. Moreover, it discusses teaching and learning in kindergarten and the mathematical knowledge of teachers so that they reach their educational goals. The text seeks to give an answer to the question of the title from its dismemberment: mathematics; mathematics teaching; children and kindergarten; teachers’ learning, knowledge and practices. It results from studies and research with and about teachers, their knowledge and professional practices. As theoretical support, there are authors who have studied the subject in its consequences, such as Shulman, Nunes and Bryant, Smole, Lorenzato, Kramer, etc. The text indicates that good teachers in kindergarten should have a good basis of mathematical knowledge, associated with a special form of knowledge. As a conclusion, the complexity of mathematics teaching in early childhood education is discussed, especially when educational proposals that consider the characteristics of this age are used.

Key-words: Early childhood education; Teaching and learning of mathematics; Teachers´ knowledge; Teachers´ learning.