As parents, we always want nothing less than the best for our children. Math is part of almost everything we do in our daily lives, from counting change to estimating getting home. If we don’t grasp basic math concepts early, we fall behind. This is why it’s so crucial for children to start learning basic math skills at their early stages.
Here are some tips on developing math skills early in your kids:
Be Inquisitive
Developing strong math skills begins with asking questions. Their natural curiosity about numbers, counting and how it all works should be encouraged. This doesn’t require games, particularly structured activities or even learning materials. Just taking the time to ask about numbers in a thoughtful way will help children associate math with good things. It will lead them to ask questions of their own accord.
Have Them Help With Tasks Involving Basic Math
A lot of everyday tasks involve math. Kids can help with some of those and learn basic math along the way! The next time your family orders pizza, have them count how many slices there are and how many people will be sharing it. Give them a piggy bank and teach them about coins. When you cook, measure ingredients with them. All of these can help them get used to math in daily life.
Incorporate Counting Into Daily Life
Kids can exercise their number sense in so many ways. For example, they can count how many steps they take downstairs, how many pieces of candy they eat, how many pillows or stuffed toys they have at bedtime and so much more. Give them activities that let them practice, too; introduce the concept of hopscotch and share fruit snacks.
Practice makes perfect, which applies to kids and counting.
Incorporate Math Into Games
There are various counting games you can play with your child so that they can learn numbers. You can have them match quantities, match numbers, all the way to “complicated” things like adding and subtracting. “One banana, two banana, three banana, four…”
Play Games That Involve Sorting
Sorting is essential for children to learn when it comes to math concepts. It helps with critical thinking and problem-solving down the line. Playing games including sorting helps children to gain learnings such as:
- Being able to pinpoint similarities
- Being able to tell the difference
- Being able to see patterns in objects in their surroundings
Practice Adding and Subtracting
As your child becomes familiar with adding and subtracting numbers, find ways to give them opportunities to work on their skills. You don’t need special tools – just consider everyday objects to use for problems. Pancakes at breakfast, flowers in the garden, cars parked on the sidewalk-the possibilities are endless.
Use Music Through Counting Songs
Here’s the reason why so many children’s songs name numbers or involve number-based activities: It’s a fun, easy way to introduce young children to the world of counting. Singing along with your child can help you forge a bond with him or her and introduce early math skills in the process.
Conclusion
Math skills are important for our everyday lives. This is why it’s crucial for children to grasp at least basic math early on. Practice adding and subtracting, incorporate math into games and use music through counting songs.
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