Children as Apprentices to Number

Abstract

Preschool children's understandings and use of numerals are investigated in a series of tasks constructed to draw upon common experiences at home. Most 3and 4‐year‐olds explained the purpose of numerals on telephones and birthday cards. However fewer noticed when these were missing from pictures of these or other familiar objects. Children rarely said number words in giving fast‐food orders. They used several methods to represent number on notes for the milkman, party invitations and labels. Many children showed knowledge of the language used in specifying dates, times, addresses or telephone numbers. Across a range of tasks, understanding preceded use of numerals.