We are thrilled to be re-airing our episode with Dr. Eric Dearing, who discusses the development of mathematical thinking and the role of the environment in children’s development of understanding of mathematical concepts. We discuss methods to bring math into everyday interactions with children, and research on the topic. We also talk about how knowledge of developmental research can inform parenting decisions and techniques.

Dr. Eric Dearing is a Professor of Applied Psychology in the Lynch School of Education at Boston College. Dr. Dearing’s work focuses on the consequences of young children’s lives outside of school on their performance in school and their overall well-being. As a member of the DREME Network, he is partnering with community organizations to better understand how families, early childhood educators, and other family-facing professionals can best support early math learning for children facing social or economic disadvantages.

For more information on Dr. Dearing, DREME, and the book, The Gardner and the Carpenter, referenced in this episode, please see below:

Gopnik, A. (2016). The Gardener and the Carpenter: What the new science of child development tells us about the relationship between parents and children. 

Development and Research in Early Math Education | (stanford.edu)

Eric Dearing - Lynch School of Education and Human Development - Boston College (bc.edu)