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Copley Illustrates Math Examples in PBS’ Upcoming Series of Popular Children’s Story HOUSTON, Jan. 4, 2005—Curious George, the mischievous little
monkey made famous by children’s author “There are many math opportunities in the adventures of Curious George,” Juanita Copley, chair of UH Curriculum and Instruction, said. “Children, their parents and teachers will be able to have fun as they learn to love math.” Copley has become a regular consultant for the Public Broadcasting System, which plans to air animated “Curious George” programs starting in 2006. PBS contacted Copley, a national expert and advocate for early childhood math literacy, to review scripts of “Curious George” programs and highlight ways in which the character uses math in his adventures. Her observations will be included in learning materials for teachers and parents. The effort is part of a national push among educators to promote math education among young children, particularly children ages 4 to 6 years old. In 2000, the National Council of Teacher of Mathematics included pre-kindergarten standards for math in their “Principles and Standards for School Mathematics,” a document that provides guidelines for math education. In addition, the National Association for the Education of the Young Child published a position statement emphasizing the importance of mathematics for young children, and the impact of learning math at a young age. Curious George does more math than one would think, Copley said. “When Curious George goes to the bakery to get doughnuts he mistakenly adds a zero to his order of one dozen and finds that when he does that he gets 10 dozen,” she said. “In another adventure, he gets lost and must read a map to get back. These are all math opportunities and they’re fun for kids to discover,” Copley said. An ardent proponent of math education, Copley believes children must be introduced to mathematics early, before they are conditioned to dislike math. “We’ve done a great job emphasizing literacy skills. This is the other side and it’s a big deal,” Copley said. “If Curious George can measure, count or use shapes to stay out of trouble, it’s cool. And kids learn best from play.” Boston educator Karen Worth is reviewing the same “Curious George” program scripts for science education opportunities. Copley is the author of numerous books and journals, including “The Young Child and Mathematics,” “Showcasing Mathematics for the Young Child,” and “Mathematics in the Early Years.” She is currently in discussions with producers of “Mister Roger’s Neighborhood” to identify math education opportunities in the program’s content. For more information about the UH College of Education, please visit www.coe.uh.edu About the University of Houston The University of Houston, Texas’ premier metropolitan research
and teaching institution, is home to more than 40 research centers
and institutes and sponsors more than 300 partnerships with corporate,
civic and governmental entities. UH, the most diverse research university
in the country, stands at the forefront of education, research and
service with more than 35,000 students. For more information about UH visit the university’s ‘Newsroom’ at www.uh.edu/admin/media/newsroom. |
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