Math Fun
July 6th 2010 11:12
B]Ideas to Introduce Math at an Early Age[/B]
Many of these activities need little to no preparation. Learning happens all day for a young child. Make the most of the in-between times, errands and daily chores. Incorporating math concepts is easy, but remember to keep the conversations light hearted and matter of fact. Forcing math is a good way to turn them off to learning.
Knowing Numbers
* Count everyday things while you go about your day. Learning that numbers are symbols that stand for something concrete is a huge leap in knowledge. Counting becomes more than words to song.
* Let them play with number magnets. Teach them the names while they are holding them up. Eventually ask them to show you a certain number.
* Writing numbers at a young age is more art than math, but it’s good for their fine motor skills.
* Squeeze in counting during their playtime; ask how many crayons they have or how many blocks are in their tower. With enough counting experience, children learn that five blocks are five blocks no matter how they are stacked.
* Play a game, like asking them to hop 4 times, or see if they can take 10 baby steps. This is fun and passes the time while waiting for an appointment.
Matching
* Equal and not equal are important concepts in math. Have children help match socks, or coins.
* Play dominos, there are lots of preschool versions out that might be more fun than the traditional set.
* Have them copy your facial expression
* Make a block tower and have them copy it
* Play an easy game of concentration, use shapes and fewer cards to start
Classifying and Sorting
* While matching concentrates on what is alike, sorting focuses on what is different. Have them sort their dolls according to size, or put their cars in groups according to color or type of vehicle.
* Try sorting by their rules. Give them a pile of shells or buttons to sort and see what they come up with.
* Play sorting games in the bathtub. See which toys float and which ones sink.
These skills are so basic to adults that it is easy to forget that we ever learned them. Developing these fundamental skills through play will help children progress much faster in both math and literacy.
Many of these activities need little to no preparation. Learning happens all day for a young child. Make the most of the in-between times, errands and daily chores. Incorporating math concepts is easy, but remember to keep the conversations light hearted and matter of fact. Forcing math is a good way to turn them off to learning.
Knowing Numbers
* Count everyday things while you go about your day. Learning that numbers are symbols that stand for something concrete is a huge leap in knowledge. Counting becomes more than words to song.
* Writing numbers at a young age is more art than math, but it’s good for their fine motor skills.
* Squeeze in counting during their playtime; ask how many crayons they have or how many blocks are in their tower. With enough counting experience, children learn that five blocks are five blocks no matter how they are stacked.
* Play a game, like asking them to hop 4 times, or see if they can take 10 baby steps. This is fun and passes the time while waiting for an appointment.
Matching
* Equal and not equal are important concepts in math. Have children help match socks, or coins.
* Play dominos, there are lots of preschool versions out that might be more fun than the traditional set.
* Have them copy your facial expression
* Play an easy game of concentration, use shapes and fewer cards to start
Classifying and Sorting
* While matching concentrates on what is alike, sorting focuses on what is different. Have them sort their dolls according to size, or put their cars in groups according to color or type of vehicle.
* Try sorting by their rules. Give them a pile of shells or buttons to sort and see what they come up with.
* Play sorting games in the bathtub. See which toys float and which ones sink.
These skills are so basic to adults that it is easy to forget that we ever learned them. Developing these fundamental skills through play will help children progress much faster in both math and literacy.
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