Effective mathematical communication in play-based activities: a case study of a Norwegian preschool

This article focuses on effective mathematical communication in preschool. Based on a qualitative case study of a Norwegian preschool, we explore how visual mediators, gestures and mathematical concepts support effective mathematical communication in play-based activities. The article shows how these modes, and the links between them, were crucial for establishing effective communication. Visual mediators, gestures and mathematical concepts functioned as means for making the focal projects and the contexts explicit in the conversations, and thus for communicating effectively.