Creating Real Problem Solvers––from PreK and Beyond––at TAS 

For many parents, early math education suggests memorization, timed drills, and repetitive problem sets. 

At Taipei American School (TAS), we believe that math is so much more than numbers and procedures—it’s about thinking, problem-solving, and developing confidence. 

As researchers from Northwestern University found, “early math skills are one of the best predictors of later academic achievement.” At TAS, we support young learners by emphasizing number sense, fostering mathematical curiosity, and developing flexible thinking—not just memorization—laying the groundwork for future success.¹ 

For many parents, early math education brings to mind memorization, timed drills, and repetitive problem sets. 

How Math Learning Has Evolved: Focusing on Understanding and Flexibility

In the past, math learning often emphasized speed and accuracy through practice and memorization. Today, research encourages a broader approach—helping children see math as a creative, flexible way of thinking.  However,  as Stanford professor Jo Boaler notes, “students who approach mathematics as a creative and flexible subject outperform those who view it as a set of procedures to memorize.” At TAS, we embrace this research by helping students understand that there are many ways to solve a problem—not just one formula to memorize.² 

 

 

At TAS, we focus on: 

• Understanding numbers deeply rather than just recalling facts. 
• Encouraging flexible thinking—students learn there are many ways to solve a problem. 
• Developing confidence—we teach that struggle and mistakes are part of learning. 

Mathematics isn’t about speed—it’s about making sense of the world. At TAS, we focus on problem-solving, reasoning, and deep understanding, helping children develop confidence in their abilities.

Katie O’Gorman

Lower School Math Coach at TAs

 

How TAS Builds a Strong Math Mindset in Young Learners

Math anxiety can start early—often when children feel pressured to “get the right answer” quickly. That’s why our Early Childhood teachers use research-backed strategies to help students develop a positive relationship with math. We infuse a growth mindset – teachers encourage persistence, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes. Researchers at Columbia University found that when children believe their abilities can grow with effort, their confidence and achievement in subjects like math improve significantly.3 We create an environment where every child can succeed in math, building confidence instead of anxiety through: 

• Play-Based Math Learning – Young learners engage with math through hands-on activities, games, and real-world problem-solving. 
• Exploration Over Memorization – Instead of drilling math facts, students explore number patterns, reasoning, and logic. 
• Growth Mindset Language – Teachers encourage persistence, risk-taking, and learning from mistakes. 

 

Many children (and adults!) believe they are ‘not a math person.’ But math ability isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you build. At TAS, we create an environment where every child can succeed in math.

Katie O’Gorman

Lower School Math Coach at TAs

Want to see this in action? Visit our Early Childhood classrooms

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision, and we’re here to help. Experience the TAS Early Childhood programin action by attending an upcoming Open House!  

Click here for the next Open House dates

Inside a TAS Early Childhood Math Lesson

Reading together is one of the most powerful ways to support language development and early literacy—even before your child can recognize letters. Shared reading promotes vocabulary growth, comprehension, and a lifelong love of books. Research from the University of Western Australia confirms that shared book-reading in early childhood leads to larger vocabularies and better comprehension, so those story times truly pay off.2  

In our classrooms, math is interactive, engaging, and meaningful. Instead of worksheets, children experience math through: 

• Storytelling & Math Talks – Discussing real-world math concepts like measurement, patterns, and sorting. 
• Games & Puzzles – Activities like “Bears in a Cave” teach number relationships in a playful, low-pressure way. 
• Hands-On Exploration – Using manipulatives (blocks, counters, dice) to visually represent math concepts. 

Why This Works: Research shows that when children see math as a flexible and creative subject, they develop a lifelong confidence in problem-solving.² 

Preparing Students for Future Math Success

At TAS, our goal is to build mathematicians, not just teach math facts. Our approach ensures that students enter elementary school with: 

• A deep understanding of number sense and patterns 
• Confidence in problem-solving and reasoning 
• A positive, resilient mindset toward challenges 

By moving beyond memorization and focusing on understanding and application, TAS students are better prepared for advanced math and real-world problem-solving. 

See TAS’s Approach to Math in Action!

The best way to understand our unique approach to math is to experience it for yourself! 

At TAS, math is more than just numbers—it’s a mindset. Come see how we’re developing confident, curious, and capable mathematicians! 

Read more about how TAS prepares confident, capable learners—starting in Early Childhood

Explore our proven approach to building academic readiness through play, inquiry, and strong family partnerships.

 

 

Citations: 

1. Duncan, G. J., et al. (2007). School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43(6), 1428–1446. 

2. Boaler, J., & Zoido, P. (2016). Why math education in the U.S. doesn’t add up. Scientific American Mind, 27(6), 18–19. 

3. Blackwell, L. S., Trzesniewski, K. H., & Dweck, C. S. (2007). Implicit theories of intelligence predict achievement. Child Development, 78(1), 246–263.