Embracing Math

Embracing Math is a valuable resource to help teachers find and use the math that is all around us in their early childhood classrooms. Not only does it include many specific examples, it also provides a strong conceptual framework about exploring and embedding math through questions, conversations, and inquiries.— Mary Hynes-Berry, Coauthor of Where’s the Math? and Faculty, Erikson Institute and Early Math CollaborativeThis is just the resource I need to bring my math instruction to the next level. My students and I will definitely be exploring, learning, and having fun with math this upcoming school year!— William Breeman, Transitional Kindergarten Teacher, San José Unified School DistrictPecaski McLennan openly acknowledges how her own mathematical identity impacted that of her students. She shows readers that by embracing math and seeing it everywhere, we can provide children with rich opportunities for mathematics teaching and learning.— Toni Galassini, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist, Chicago Public Schools Office of Early Childhood EducationPecaski McLennan draws from many sources of inspiration and includes a wide range of meaningful activities for children’s engagement with mathematics, from interactions with natural objects to the foundations of computer coding. Each chapter includes ways to encourage and leverage children’s natural curiosity by assisting them in making connections to mathematics in the world around them in structured and unstructured ways. This book supports emerging mathematicians in an age-appropriate and effective manner.— Andrew M. Tyminski, Associate Professor of Mathematics Education, Clemson UniversityThis book offers a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to exploring mathematics with young children that integrates mathematics with science, literacy, and art. Pecaski McLennan’s suggestions for engaging in meaningful, story-based precoding activities to support computational thinking, spatial reasoning, and number sense are particularly noteworthy and relevant!— Ashley Lewis Presser, Research Scientist, Education Development CenterMath is everywhere, and the earlier young children see its power in their daily lives, the more likely they are to explore it instead of fear it. This book shows us how to raise our next generation to embrace and excel at math.— Laura Overdeck, Founder and President, Bedtime Math

Deanna Pecaski McLennan , PhD, is a passionate early childhood educator, researcher, and writer from Amherstburg, Ontario, Canada, who has spent over 20 years working with young children. She is the recipient of the 2020 Prime Minister Award for Excellence in Teaching STEM, highest award in Canadian education.

As a teacher in Ontario’s full-day kindergarten program (equivalent to US prekindergarten) and a university instructor, she devotes her research and practice to exploring the potential for rich mathematics learning through playful inquiry and exploration. She appreciates looking at life through a mathematical lens and recognizes opportunities for authentic, complex engagement in all experiences children have. She is a passionate advocate who feels deeply that the investments we make in the lives of young children benefit our society tremendously over time.

Deanna is also a mom to three children and knows firsthand the importance of supporting and improving their confidence, fluency, and accuracy in mathematics. She considers herself a lifelong learner and has spent the last several years transforming her classroom into a safe, supportive space where children can take risks without the use of rigid programming, rote practice, or worksheets. Deanna believes that educators benefit from sharing their journeys with one another and actively uses reflective writing, technology, and social media to connect with others from around the world. Part of her journey has involved writing extensively for NAEYC and publishing articles in the organization’s magazine, Teaching Young Children, and peer-reviewed journal, Young Children. Deanna uses her writing and large social media following to provoke conversations about the role math plays in emergent programs and how educators can cultivate children’s mathematical mindset while still honoring their interests, strengths, and needs. You can learn more by visiting her website at or following her on Twitter and Instagram @McLennan1977.