How can parents, teachers and early years workers support the mathematical development of young children?How best can a positive disposition towards mathematics be fostered in children?This important book provides practical guidance for parents, teachers and other early years workers who are concerned to give children a good start in mathematical development. The author highlights the importance of recognising the earliest precursors to successful mathematical achievement and building upon these to promote interest in and enthusiasm for mathematics. Practitioners and parents are encouraged to have confidence in their own mathematical ability and to recognise the ways in which they and children behave mathematically in everyday life. The relationship between sensitive observation of children's growing mathematical understanding and the promotion of mathematical thinking through children's interests and play is underlined and the emphasis throughout is upon fostering mathematical thinking in line with the recognised principles of good practice in early childhood education.