International seminar in Óbidos brought together experts, researchers, and educators to discuss the importance of play in the development of mathematical thinking in early childhood
On 21 February, the International Seminar “The Power of Play in the Construction of Mathematical Thinking” took place at Praça da Criatividade in Óbidos. The initiative brought together experts, researchers, and education professionals to reflect on the importance of play in the development of mathematical thinking in early childhood.
The School of Education of Lusophone University (ESEL–Ipluso) was represented by lecturers Professor Ana Sofia António and Professor Cristina Mendes da Silva, in their capacity as Directors of the Master’s in Pre-School Education and Primary Education.
The seminar opened with a keynote lecture delivered by Di Chilvers, an independent early childhood education consultant with over 46 years of professional experience. Throughout her career, she has worked as a nursery assistant, teacher, higher education lecturer, consultant, and regional advisor for the National Strategies. She currently collaborates with educational settings, schools, local authorities, and Multi-Academy Trusts across the United Kingdom, developing training, mentoring, research, and educational improvement projects.
During the event, two round tables were held on the themes “The development of mathematical thinking in educational environments” and “Pedagogical practices in building mathematical intentionality”, featuring several speakers and moderators.
These sessions presented various scientific research works relevant to educational practice, addressing, among other aspects, the relationship between mathematics and the organisation of the learning environment, mathematical learning through play, and the exploration of mathematical ideas in the context of children’s literature.
Projects related to digital environments in early childhood education were also presented, as well as reflections on the importance of outdoor and nature-based play as a privileged context for learning and the development of mathematical thinking.
The seminar concluded with a closing lecture delivered by Professor João Marôco, from Lab & CETRAD and ECEO at Universidade Lusófona, dedicated to the impact of pre-school education on academic achievement in primary and secondary education in Portugal, including a comparative analysis with other European Union countries.
