Top Tips for Encouraging Early Math Skills
Looking at the generation developing a love for learning, does it make you wish you had also experienced the same engaging and enriching learning experience? The new ways of learning are definitely more fun, but a focus on the core subjects should always be there.
Studies show that children who struggle with foundational math concepts in early grades are more likely to develop negative attitudes towards math as they progress through school. This is why a top pre school in Gurgaon makes sure to integrate fun ways to learn math to develop early math skills for preschoolers.
What steps are you taking to make your kid fall in love with each important aspect of learning? A Study by the National Library of Medicine on the importance of parent–child interaction highlighted the significant role of parents and their interactions with children in early math learning. This is your sign to try some play-based math learning techniques and lay a strong foundation for core subjects.
What does maths mean for Toddlers?
Maths is more than just doing sums in a book. It’s about being able to see and use those learned maths concepts in everyday life.
Preschool math activities enable them to count things properly while also learning how to measure stuff, sort things into groups, and spot when things follow a pattern. And yes, it includes basic calculations like adding and subtracting.
Numeracy is about being smart with numbers in the real world, not just on paper.
How to teach math to toddlers?
- Count everything
Start with the basics. Counting is the first step to learning numeracy for preschoolers. Encourage them to count everything they see around by asking them questions about how many candies they ate, how many stairs they climbed, and how many high-fives they gave today. To make it more interesting, you can also participate in these counting activities for toddlers. Go on a day out in the park with them and see who can count the most orange flowers. Exploring nature while learning numbers, it couldn’t be any better!
- Read math rhymes
Little ones look the most adorable while reciting their cute rhymes. Kids catch on to the rhymes quickly. Take this opportunity to smartly seed maths concepts into the rhymes. Pick rhymes that talk about numbers, like the classic Ba, Ba, Black Sheep. Start finding more rhyme or story books that introduce basic math concepts for kids, most simply and easily. This would be a great way to kick-start your little one’s learning journey before they join a top pre school in Gurgaon.
- Play math games
Nothing interests these kids more than games. They wanna have fun, and you wanna see them having fun learning—you can easily make both things happen by using play-based math learning techniques. There are many number games for preschoolers that you can play with your little one. A simple board game like Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, or Card Games can teach various skills like counting, recognising numbers, sorting, matching, etc. Plus, it would be a great quality time activity.
- Introduce measuring concepts
After they have learned the basics as recognising numbers and counting, you can move forward to teach them different maths concepts that we come across in our daily life. Many things can’t be counted in numbers; they are measured in weight, length, and volume. Making your little one understand this side of math can set them apart from others. Plan a cooking activity over the weekend, where you bake a cake and explore concepts of weights, more, less, add, subtract, etc.
- Encourage problem-solving skills
The whole purpose of studying maths lies in mastering problem-solving skills. While learning the concepts, it is equally important to understand their practical application. This makes learning interesting and meaningful. Check if your little one is learning the basic math concepts for kids. For Example, give them 5 candies and ask them if you take 3 back, how many candies would they end up with? Ditch the boring concepts, make it fun and engaging.
- Go on a math walk
Plan on taking out your little one on a math walk. Show them that maths exists outside their books, in the real world. Gather leaves of all shapes and sizes – count them together, segregate them according to big and small, and compare which one is more and less in quantity. Take a stroll in your lane, read the house numbers, and see if you find a pattern. Teach your little one preschool numeracy skills the right way.
Beansprouts Preprimary, the best pre school in Gurgaon, comes up with innovative play-based math learning ways for their little beanies. No day goes without a fun learning activity that not only engages them but also teaches lifelong skills. Try these tips to teach math to toddlers provide a solid foundation that will fuel their overall growth and development.