Chaos Created recently had the privilege of collaborating with the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub to produce their latest live panel webinar, which was broadcast on YouTube Live on Wednesday, 12th February 2025. The session focused on a crucial topic in Early Years education: “Why Playful Maths?”
At the heart of this engaging discussion was Dr Helen J Williams, renowned author of the award-winning book “Playful Mathematics for Children 3 to 7.” An exceptional panel of experts joined Dr Williams, each bringing unique perspectives and extensive experience to the conversation:
- Robin Taylor, whose research into Block Play has revealed fascinating insights into how children naturally engage with mathematical concepts through construction
- Zoi Chambers, who shared her expertise in integrating mathematics throughout the Early Years curriculum
- Julian Swindale, who offered valuable perspectives on the intersection of artistic expression and mathematical development
The webinar delved deep into the importance of creating math-rich environments that nurture children’s natural curiosity and drive for exploration. Our panellists shared practical approaches and real-world examples of how practitioners can incorporate playful mathematics into their settings, making these concepts accessible and engaging for young learners.
One of the session’s highlights was the dynamic interaction with our audience through the live chat. Practitioners from various settings shared their own experiences and posed thoughtful questions about implementing playful mathematics in their practice. This created a collaborative learning environment where theoretical knowledge met practical application.
The discussion covered several key themes:
- Creating environments that naturally encourage mathematical thinking
- The role of play in developing mathematical understanding
- Practical strategies for integrating mathematics across different areas of learning
- Supporting practitioners in recognizing and extending mathematical opportunities
- Building confidence in both children and practitioners around mathematical concepts
For those who couldn’t attend the live session or wish to revisit the valuable insights shared, the webinar recording is now available to watch on the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub website.
This webinar represents another successful collaboration between Chaos Created and the Bristol & Beyond Stronger Practice Hub, who we’ve been working closely with for many years.