Pre-maths skills for little ones is extremely important, not that they need to be doing full-on algebra, geometry and trigonometry at this stage. But it is a great idea to introduce them to the various concepts surrounding maths and the application thereof.
Early goals for pre-maths can be represented in the following ways:
- Numbers represent an amount of objects
- Numbers can be written as words and symbols and can be expressed via speech.
- Numbers can increase and decrease from the original number with adding and subtracting.
- Amounts can be none, more than, less than, smaller than, bigger than, the smallest and the biggest.
The importance of math for toddlers:
Teaching pre-maths skills to toddlers:
In brief measurement, numeracy, classification, patterns and shapes are all important math’s skills.
Classification:
Sorting or grouping the same coloured items into piles/bowls/boxes.
Sorting or grouping the same size items into piles/bowls/boxes.
Sorting or grouping the same shape items into piles/bowls/boxes.
Numeracy:
Saying/speaking number words, writing numbers as well as counting numbers.
This leads to counting objects and then identifying groups of more or fewer objects.
Measurement:
Ordering and comparing objects to figure out length and graphing.
Ordering and comparing to figure out the time.
Ordering and comparing objects to figure out their respective weights.
The iKids Rabbit Balance Math Building Blocks are an excellent learning tool for introducing the concept of weight.
Pattern and Shape
Recognizing pattern and shapes aids in developing critical thinking. Additionally, understanding patterns will allow educated guess to be made.
What Are the Benefits of Mathematical Activities for Preschoolers?
According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children, kids will seek out mathematical concepts naturally. This includes concepts such as comparison, counting and patterns.
At the preschool level, kids follow a curriculum that encourages their natural interest in maths concepts. Through interactive lessons, this interest grows.
Preschool teachers are able to make use of the knowledge learners already have as a base for maths exploration within the classroom.
Making Maths Interesting
Whether in the classroom or learning from home, maintaining a child's interest in anything depends on the presentation and their learning environment. Typically, a more hands-on and creative approach to learning works best with preschoolers.
- Teach the concept of money through setting up a mini-store in the play area
- Learn measurements with cooking activities.
- Use colourful blocks to teach learners about patterns and encourage them to make their very own patterns.
- Incorporate maths with reading with children’s books centred around math concepts.
Developing Basic Maths Skills
- Encourage play with a mathematical theme. Math-friendly toys such as blocks or beads are great learning materials
- Allow kids to use their bodies to learn. Count fingers, arms and legs or allow the child to feel the edges of shaped objects
- Use your environment as a teaching tool. Look for shapes around the house, paying close attention to both two dimensional and three-dimensional shapes (Balls are spheres, boxes are cubes, etc.)
- Introduce the language of maths. For example, when your child comments on how tall they’ve gotten, you may say: “We should measure your height with a measuring tape. A measuring tape can show you how tall something is..”
Build confidence
- Introduce age-appropriate maths concept at an early age to build confidence.
- Encourage problem-solving so that your child can take risks while practising future maths problems.
- Early exposure to maths can build your child’s self-confidence. And as they begin to understand the various maths concepts, they may gain the confidence to explore more complex math problems.
We hope that you enjoy our suggestions for pre-maths related activities to play with your little ones.
