The Role of Mathematics in Developing Cognitive Skills in Primary School Children

The role of mathematics in the development of children’s cognitive abilities is of paramount importance. Among school subjects, mathematics stands out as the one that most requires consistency and systematic thinking. Issues related to the teaching of mathematics have always attracted considerable attention, and it is only natural that they remain relevant today. The necessity of mathematical skills is beyond dispute, as students must acquire an interest in and appreciation for the subject from an early age. However, fostering such interest is by no means a simple task. Children, full of imagination and creative ideas, often find it challenging to shift their focus from the expressive nature of music and art classes to the discipline and rigor demanded by the exact sciences, requiring perseverance and willpower.

This paper focuses specifically on the primary level of education, since it is at this stage that the foundations of many essential cognitive skills are laid. The overarching aim of teaching mathematics in the primary grades is not limited to knowledge acquisition; rather, it involves developing students’ thinking and reasoning skills, training them to recognize and interpret mathematical structures in everyday life, and cultivating habits of attention and concentration.

The present study is primarily based on pedagogical practice and draws upon classroom activities specifically designed to enhance cognitive skills. The empirical material presented here integrates both theoretical and practical components, which were developed, implemented, and tested with students.

The formation of elementary mathematical concepts constitutes a purposeful and organized process of transmitting and assimilating knowledge and methods. Mastery of such concepts is essential for children’s intellectual development, as they significantly influence the formation of mental processes. Furthermore, mathematical knowledge must be gradually expanded and made more complex, taking into account both the age and cognitive development of the child.