Asserts that in school children are taught to isolate communication systems from each other, such as music, art, language, drama, and mathematics. Uses examples from the lives of two children to explore how children think about time, learning as a social process, and early literacy growth. (BGC)

The story of a six-year-old boy's use of language, art, and mathematics is used to describe a mathematics literacy curriculum. Educators' current views about mathematical literacy are briefly discussed. (BB)

Describes a seven-year-old boy's activity of drawing pictures of his favorite sport of basketball. The boy's drawing involved the use of proportional reasoning, which requires an understanding of how relationships between objects vary systematically. (BB)

Profiles a very perceptive teacher of transition and first grade classes and three of his insightful students. The profile illustrates how mathematics is embedded in the activities of everyday life, including playground activities, and how teachers can help young children learn to think as mathematicians think. (BB)

Illustrates one seven-year-old boy's understanding of mathematical relationships through drawings of his favorite "superheroes." Also illustrates how he conveyed the qualities of his heroes by weaving together the three symbol systems of language, art, and mathematics. (BB)