Counting, sorting, shapes, sizes, patterns, measuring: these are all early math concepts that little ones can learn about. But why should you focus on early math skills?
Early math knowledge predicts later academic success. And research shows that children with a strong foundation in early math gain greater proficiency in both math and reading. Luckily for us, there are some fantastic picture books to introduce early math concepts!
And there are a ton of ways to help teach early math skills together at home:
- Gather a basket of small items from around your house. Count them with your child. Sort them based on size, color, or shape.
- Count with your fingers.
- Use a clock, watch, or timer to time short activities. This helps children develop a sense of time.
- Have your child help you with cooking. This is a natural way to learn how to count, measure, add, and estimate.
- Play with a shape sorter. Talk about the different sizes of each shape, how many sides each shape has, and what shapes are bigger/smaller.
- Use your child’s stuffed animals and measure them. Put them in order from tallest to shortest.
- Do laundry together. Have your child help sort the clothes: shirts in one pile and pants in another, etc.
- Play with blocks.
- Make patterns with chunky beads, dry macaroni, or different kinds of cereal.
- Teach your child their phone number and address.
- Come to storytime at the library, which is full of early math concepts!
Together, we can create some math superstars!
Further Resources for Books
Charlesbridge’s Story Telling Math Series
Erikson Institute Early Math Collaborative: The Best Children’s Books for Early Math Learning
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