The didactic potential of entertaining materials in developing mathematical concepts in older preschool children

The article describes the organisation of a study that contributed to examining the issue of developing mathematical concepts in older preschool children through engaging materials, which meets the challenges of modern education. The paper reveals an algorithm for the development of mathematical concepts in preschool age from the perspective of a psychological and pedagogical problem. It addresses the significance of using engaging materials in fostering mathematical concepts among preschool children and analyses the methods and techniques for applying such materials to develop mathematical concepts in older preschoolers within a kindergarten setting. Within the framework of the conducted pedagogical experiment, the initial level of mathematical concept development in older preschoolers is described, and the components forming the structure of mathematical concepts developed in preschool age are analysed. A comparative analysis of the results obtained from the experimental and control groups of respondents was carried out. The formative stage is described step by step: it involved designing and implementing a set of activities aimed at developing mathematical concepts in older preschool children with the inclusion of engaging materials; this is reflected in two stages of the experiment. The final control stage of the experiment was intended to identify the dynamics in the development of mathematical concepts by comparing the results of the control and experimental groups. Based on the findings of the study, an analysis of the obtained data was performed, which allowed the authors to confirm the hypothesis formulated at the outset of the research. The research problem is determined by the difficulties children face in understanding mathematical concepts due to their limited abstract thinking, challenges in grasping the meaning of numbers and the sequence of numerical operations, the lack of clear indicators of mathematical development, and the disorganised intellectual experience typical of preschool children.

1. Danilova V.V. Mathematics in kindergarten: lesson plans. Moscow, Mosaic-Synthesis; 2018:144 (in Russian).

2. Erofeeva T.I. Mathematics for preschoolers in games and exercises. Moscow: TC Sfera; 2017:192 (in Russian).

3. Stolyar A.A. Formation of elementary mathematical concepts in preschoolers. Moscow: Prosveshchenie; 2017:192 (in Russian).

4. Blekher F.N. Mathematics in kindergarten and the zero group: a teaching aid for pedagogical technical schools and higher pedagogical educational institutions. Moscow: State educational pedagogical publishing house; 1934:100 (in Russian).

5. Leushina A.M. Mathematical development of preschoolers. Moscow: Vlados; 2014:176 (in Russian).

6. Shcherbakova E.I. Theory and methods of forming elementary mathematical concepts in preschoolers. Moscow: Academy; 2018:320 (in Russian).

7. Peterson L.G., Kholina N.P. One step, two steps. A practical course of mathematics for preschoolers. Methodological recommendations. Moscow: Prosveshchenie; 2026:256 (in Russian).

8. Peterson L.G., Kholina N.P. The concept of mathematical development of a preschooler: monograph. Moscow: Yurait; 2023:424 (in Russian).

9. Kozlova V.A. Didactic games in mathematics for preschoolers. Moscow: Prosveshchenie; 1996:217 (in Russian).

10. Grigorieva Yu.S. Development of spatial concepts in preschool children. Innovative Projects and Programs in Education. 2022:3:77–80 (in Russian).

11. Belous N.A. Development of logical thinking of preschoolers in mathematics classes. Preschool Education. 2022;6:45–52 (in Russian).

12. Metlina L.S. Mathematics classes in kindergarten. Moscow: Prosveshchenie; 2012:120 (in Russian).

13. Beloshistaya A.V. Teaching mathematics in preschool educational organizations: a teaching aid. Moscow: INFRA-M; 2026:320 (in Russian).

14. Beloshistaya A.V. Theory and methods of forming elementary mathematical concepts in preschool children: a monograph. Moscow: Academy; 2024:416 (in Russian).

15. Kolesnikova E.V. Mathematical steps: a program for developing mathematical concepts in preschoolers. Moscow: TC Sphere; 2026:160 (in Russian).

16. Mikhailova Z.A., Polyakova M.N. Theoretical and methodological foundations of the development of elementary mathematical concepts in preschool children: monograph. St. Petersburg: Publishing house of the A.I. Herzen State Pedagogical Univ.; 2023:368 (in Russian).