Mathematical reasoning and proof schemes in the early years

Abstract

Mathematics and reasoning are strongly related. Every child must have the opportunity to reason mathematically, to deepen its mathematical comprehension. To do so children need a daily mathematics diet linked to mathematical reasoning. To understand what kind of reasoning children use, how they justify their options, what difficulties they reveal, a qualitative case study was designed with 2nd grade students. The main results point out that young child reveal emerging deductive reasoning, empirical and analytic proof schemes to support their own resolution options and some difficulties in organizing their work, but they reveal to be persistent to look for solutions.

Keywords

• early years
• justification
• mathematics
• proof schemes
• reasoning