I had a wonderful time today meeting with Jo Grimmond talking about her wonderful research plans as she continues to share and develop her NUMBBA tool.
Through her research, Jo has created the fabulous Numeracy and Mathematics Block-Based Assessment (NUMBBA) for early childhood education. I’m loving exploring with Jo the exciting possibilities for further research, development, and sharing of NUMBBA.
In early childhood settings, assessment is an important part of planning for children’s learning, but it can be difficult to find tools that fit naturally within play-based environments and create spaces for every child to show what they know, whilst also supporting educators in their practice and confidence around mathematics.
NUMBBA approaches assessment in a different way to traditional assessments. Using block play, educators can observe children’s mathematical thinking in action and gain insights into key areas such as patterning, symmetry and number. These areas are important foundations for later mathematical learning and I love hearing Jo’s stories of the wonderful creations children make within this assessment process!
What makes Jo’s work particularly valuable is that NUMBBA is supported by practice resources that help educators build their confidence and knowledge of early mathematics, and support educators in planning next steps for children’s learning.
I’m excited for what Jo is doing with NUMBBA to support more and more educators to recognise and extend the rich mathematics already present in children’s play!
If you want to learn more about NUMBBA do check out this overview: https://research.csu.edu.au/collaborate-with-us/agripark-commercialisation-and-innovation/commercialisation-and-innovation/investors-and-industry/numbba-assessment-practice-supports
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