In Deanna Pecaski McLennan’s kindergarten classroom, math isn’t limited to a specific block of time. It’s built into the environment and inseparable from everything her young students do.
All of the math in author Deanna Pecaski McLennan's instruction is infused with a sense of exploration, wonder, and joy. And in her new book, Joyful Math, she shows us how to do the same by creating invitations for young children to engage with math ideas through art, literacy, and outdoor play. She focuses on building spaces in early childhood classrooms where children see themselves as mathematical thinkers with valuable ideas from the very start.
Find out what folks are saying about this wonderful new book.
"This is so much more than a math book."
“This is so much more than a math book. It’s about a kindergarten teacher who is confident in her teaching, passing on sensible suggestions and practical advice to others who are looking to create interesting, engaging learning environments for their children, outside and in. It contains nuggets of commentary that are an inspiration and a joy to read. It’s a reflective narrative of how Deanna integrates math into her everyday life of the class in meaningful and respectful ways based upon the principles and practice of the Reggio Emilia approach.” —Juliet Roberts, author of Messy Maths: A Playful, Outdoor Approach for Early Years
"Teachers will welcome these wonderfully authentic invitations to bring joyful, playful math into their classrooms throughout the day.”
“In this beautiful book, Deanna McLennan shows us how teachers can create an environment for children to engage in mathematical play and learning with joy, curiosity, and discovery. Teachers will welcome these wonderfully authentic invitations to bring joyful, playful math into their classrooms throughout the day.” —Katie Keier, kindergarten teacher and co-author of Catching Readers Before They Fall: Supporting Readers Who Struggle, K–4
“Deanna shows us that math can bring joy!"
“Deanna shows us that math can bring joy! Written to support play-based math learning for young children in clear and concise language, this colorfully illustrated text is all you need to give the gift of math to children. When math is connected to children’s play it becomes real, meaningful, authentic, and joyful for children and their teachers.” —Dr. Diane Kashin, RECE, retired early childhood education professor, co-author of Play and Learning in Early Childhood Education
"Read Joyful Math and step inside Deanna McLennan’s masterful, joy-filled kindergarten classroom."
“What if all children had joyful math experiences in their earliest years? You may be wondering what would that look like and where do I start. Read Joyful Math and step inside Deanna McLennan’s masterful, joy-filled kindergarten classroom. Here the natural curiosity, inventiveness, and exuberance of children is harnessed for deep mathematical learning through exploration and play. Deanna respectfully shares with teachers the methods she has developed over the years to surpass mathematical standards without leaving joy to chance. Rich with stories, conversations with children, and awe-inspiring photographs, Joyful Math is a game-changer for the early childhood math landscape.” —Katie Egan Cunningham, author of Start with Joy: Designing Literacy Learning for Student Happiness
"The mathematics is embedded in a place of wonder, joy, and collaboration, full of playful learning with materials."
“Deanna’s book provides a window into an early childhood classroom, sharing stories of young children’s mathematics learning. The mathematics is embedded in a place of wonder, joy, and collaboration, full of playful learning with materials. The classroom stories share a joyful approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics which is sure to both inspire and provide a wealth of ideas for educators.” —Janice Novakowski, District Teacher Consultant (Mathematics)
in Richmond, BC, Canada and coordinator of the BC Reggio-Inspired Mathematics Project
About the Author
Deanna Pecaski McLennan, Ph.D., is a full-day kindergarten teacher based in Ontario, Canada. She was awarded the 2020 Prime Minister Award for Teaching Excellence in STEM. She has devoted her research and practice to exploring the potential for rich mathematics learning through playful inquiry and exploration. Deanna looks at life through a mathematical lens, and recognizes opportunities for authentic, complex engagement in all experiences children have.
