Learning math enhances working memory, attention, and other fundamental cognitive abilities. According to numerous studies, a child’s math abilities when she first enters kindergarten are a reliable indicator of how well she will perform academically throughout the elementary grades in math and reading.
However, avoid going to the shop to buy worksheets and flash cards because doing so can snuff off your child’s innate enthusiasm for the topic. Instead, involve her in some enjoyable math games to aid in the development of a solid foundation.
Concept Activities for Numbers
Children can learn number sequence by counting, but first, they must acquire a fundamental concept of numbers. Three crucial number procedures are one-to-one correspondence (each thing is counted only one time), cardinality (the number of items is determined by the last object to be measured), and invariance (the number of things remains constant regardless of how they are arranged, such as spread out or placed in a circle). Preschool math activities are provided here to aid with the development of critical ideas.
Count the things you see every day. Count the number of forks required to set the table, the oranges you placed in the grocery bag, the buttons on your child’s clothing, the oranges on the stairs to the front door, and so on. As soon as your child is ready for a challenge, start with tiny numbers (no more than five), then add a few.
Arrange small items in a row. Ask your child how many coins there are after collecting some. Replace them in a circle or row and re-ask her when she has finished counting them. She might need to trust them again, so don’t be shocked. You’ll be able to tell he has mastered number invariance, though, if she responds without counting automatically.
Find complementary items. Find correlated items, such as spoons and forks, cups and saucers, horse and cowboy figurines, etc., and ask your child to pair them together if they are having trouble with one-to-one correspondence. To reinforce the idea that every pair contains the same amount of objects, have him count each set of things as he goes.
Play board games with counting components. Preschoolers learn to recognize numbers on dice and count moves by playing straightforward board games like Candy Land and Chutes and Ladders. In more complicated games, two dice are used instead of one, or the number shown for each action is doubled.
Activities for Geometry and Spatial Understanding
Playing with building toys like blocks helps kids gain a rudimentary concept of geometry and spatial relationships. With these math activities for kids to practice at home, geometry-related skills can be encouraged.
Recognize the shapes in your house. Around the house, look for simple shapes like rectangles in light switches, squares in windowpanes, and circles in clocks. Ask your kid to explain how she distinguishes between each shape’s defining characteristics (a triangle, for example, has three connected sides) and non-defining attributes (such as the position or size of the triangle).
Talk about where a book’s pictures are placed. Use spatial language to describe the arrangement of the graphics when reading a storybook. Pose relevant inquiries, such as “The moon where is it? Is it higher than the tree? Is there anything there?” can provide examples by requesting, “Does the hippopotamus exceed the monkey in size? Which creature is larger? Which animal is the tiniest?”
Draw a map of your residence. Making a map of your child’s bedroom might assist your child practice spatial language. Ask him questions regarding their locations and proximity to one another while he arranges and spaces out furniture, windows, and closets.
Measurement-Related Tasks
Your kid will discover numerous measurement systems (length, height, weight, size, and quantities). Use these preschool activities to help children integrate concepts into their daily lives.
While baking or cooking, measure. To teach your kids about whole numbers and fractions, fill measuring cups with water or flour and measuring spoons with vanilla flavor. Ask inquiries like these “Are you able to fill a half cup? Are you able to fill a teaspoon?”
Weight-guessing at the grocery store Ask your youngster which item is heavier when you pick two different things off the shelf at the grocery store the following time: “Is it the can of soup or the package of crackers?” Children will get an understanding of the ideas of weight and lightness.
Comparison of foot sizes Asks your youngster which foot—hers or yours—is lengthier or larger by putting them side by side. Use a ruler or tape measure to compare the sizes so she can tell which ones are long and which are short, vast, and tiny.
