Early experiences can help young children build a foundation for later success in mathematics as well as other subjects.
DeAnn Huinker and Melissa Hedges share ideas for helping the youngest math learners develop in a new book, published in November 2025. Huinker is a UWM professor of teaching and learning, and Melissa Hedges is a Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) PK-5 mathematics curriculum specialist.
“Math Trajectories for Young Learners” grew out of UWM and MPS grants and collaborations on early mathematics learning through the Strong Start Math Project.
The goal, said Huinker, was to help teachers working with 3- to 7-year-olds strengthen their teaching of mathematics by using research-based learning trajectories.
The authors provide a comprehensive and practical guide to early childhood mathematics, blending research, practice and inspiration into a resource that teachers can immediately use.
Children are capable of doing more with mathematics than merely counting, according to the authors. “Sometimes our expectations are too low,” said Hedges, who earned her master’s and doctorate from the School of Education.
Learning trajectories weave together insights from research and practice. If teachers can recognize developmental steps and assess where children are on the trajectory, they can help them build a stronger math foundation, Huinker and Hedges explained.
The trajectories focus on identifying the assets children bring to learning, Hedges said. Teachers can build on those strengths through developmentally appropriate experiences and opportunities.
The trajectories align with, but don’t replace state-mandated standards, Huinker said. One of the teachers they worked with explained that the standards tell us where children should be by the end of the year — the trajectories help teachers understand how to get there.
The book includes 55 video clips of children sharing their mathematical thinking, demonstrating growth along the trajectories. “We believe strongly in listening closely to and learning from children,” Huinker said.
A review of the book on the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics website states, “The authors provide a comprehensive and practical guide to early childhood mathematics, blending research, practice and inspiration into a resource that teachers can immediately use.”
Huinker and Hedges plan to offer a webinar about the book and the concepts on Feb. 5, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. CDT.