Today while shopping for groceries at Central Market, a five
year old boy (or so he says), whom I presume was the stall owner’s son sat on
the stall bench top as I was looking at some strawberries. A relatively
interesting conversation took place between me and the boy after.
Boy: Those strawberries are really yummy. I like them very
much.
Me: Oh, really! They seem pretty big, hey?
Boy: Yes, they are a lot bigger than normal strawberries.
Me: Are they sweet?
Boy: Of course! And because they’re bigger, I think they
must be a lot sweeter.
Me: Ah that sounds about right. Can you pick two plummets
for me, please?
Boy: Sure. That’s 4 dollars!
Me: Excellent counting!
Boy: That was easy. Just give me 5 dollars and I can give
you a dollar change.
Me: I only have 10 dollars. Is that okay with you?
Boy: *thinks for a moment* Sure, that’s 6 dollars
change… right?
Me: Exactly. You really are good at math!
I was honestly very impressed with the young boy’s counting
skills and even his ability to market and promote the items at such a young
age. Especially after taking part in this topic, I got pretty excited that I
was able to detect the literacy and numeracy skills he showed in connecting the
ideas of the bigger strawberries to be even sweeter. His numeracy skills were
also clearly demonstrated as he understood the size of strawberries and how he
could compare the size of strawberries according to what seems like ‘normal
sized’ strawberries. His counting skills were no doubt an excellent indicator
of his numeracy skills. His
understanding towards the amount of change that should be given also
demonstrated his understanding in how different mathematical equations can
result to the same answer.
However, I initially found myself doubting his age because
of his excellent numeracy and literacy skills. I assumed he was older and
suddenly realised this might be my own way of prejudicing the potential
children have with literacy and numeracy skills. It’s also made me think about
how the more we expose children to literacy and numeracy, the better they are
at it. Clearly this young boy must be good at math and words because he is
constantly exposed to it when helping at his parents’ stall. It really is quite
funny to me how I have never quite realised how much numeracy and literacy are
practiced in our daily routines. Before this topic, I would have honestly just
shrugged this experience off as something that occurs just as a routine, but
this topic has really taught me to identify numeracy and literacy skills, and
use our daily routines as the foundation to building up literacy and numeracy
skills in children. I can’t wait to see what further this topic is about to do
to my mind!
Hey Rachael, I found what you wrote about this experience very interesting indeed :) I found it incredible that the boy was only 5 years old and he has excellent mathematical skills at such a young age. I think this could be because since his parents work in a stall at the markets, he would be exposed to many experiences that involve using numeracy skills that many children probably wouldn’t be exposed to as much at such a young age such as being able to add and subtract amounts of money. I also found it really cool that he was able to demonstrate his understanding of the different sizes of strawberries! He probably would be learning about sizes in school, or he would’ve learned about sizes in kindergarten as well as learning about sizes at home. I probably would have doubted his age too as it is hard to understand that children at such a young age can understand those types of concepts but children can learn at any age. However, no matter how young a child is, they can learn these types of mathematical concepts if they are being exposed to them in their everyday lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Rachael,
ReplyDeleteThis was such a interesting story, its really made me think about how its so important to consider what a child is and isn't exposed to and then not restrict their learning in the classroom as he would definitely be more experienced in maths than some children.
The other thing I'm wondering is if he knew that bigger strawberries are sweeter (because iv had some tasteless big strawberries) or if he has already learnt to use his language to convince people to buy their products when there is so much competition in the central markets. Maybe his parents tell him that he needs to say everything taste great and is fresh etc.
Fantastic story and really some good food for thought.
What a great conversation to experience Rachael. I like how the boy was able to work out how much change was needed without you helping; it shows his great understanding for numeracy.
ReplyDeleteI am the same as you, as I can now enjoy seeing literacy and numeracy experiences in our daily routines.