Development of Mathematics Conce Early Childhood Mathematics Concept Development: A Content Analysis

Abstract

Mathematics education in early childhood is an important foundation in developing children's logical and numerical thinking skills from an early age. However, in practice, learning mathematics at the early childhood education level is still often done conventionally without considering the characteristics of child development. This research aims to theoretically examine the basic concepts, learning strategies, and factors that influence early childhood mathematics education through a literature study approach. This research uses a qualitative method with a content analysis approach by collecting and analyzing various relevant scientific articles that discuss mathematics education in early childhood. The data analysis technique was carried out through descriptive content analysis by identifying the main themes in the literature, such as the play while learning approach, integrative thematic learning, the role of the teacher, and learning environment support. The results of the study show that mathematics education in early childhood should be done in a concrete, fun and contextual way, involving manipulative media and meaningful play activities. In addition, the involvement of teachers, parents and the surrounding environment plays a major role in supporting the success of learning. This study provides a theoretical basis that can be used as a reference for educational practitioners and researchers in developing mathematics learning strategies that are in accordance with the developmental stages of early childhood.