: Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will: observe and identify the mathematical value evident in children's play; describe the theories and stages  of mathematical development; implement strategies for incorporating meaningful learning into the mathematics curriculum; describe the importance of early mathematics in knowledge society; design a lesson plan that incorporates technology and creativity; define the 8 common core mathematical practices and provide examples of how to use each in the ECE setting; assess developmentally appropriate strategies for teaching and assessing counting and number skills; illustrate how children problem solve and execute basic operations; design lesson plans incorporating strategies that promote and assess spatial awareness and geometric thought; discuss how measurement, estimation and data-gathering impact future mathematical success and analyze strategies for promoting and assessing them; describe how the understanding of patterns leads to future algebraic thought; describe strategies for promoting and assessing the understanding of patterns and algebra; analyze what constitutes a developmentally appropriate and conducive learning environment; identify the state and NAEYC learning standards for mathematical instruction among young learners; apply and evaluate strategies for teaching math to diverse learners; and describe ways in which to assess the overall mathematical knowledge and skills of young children.