Math

Develop Math Skills Through Play

In Kindergarten, math is an important part of the school curriculum.  By the time they finish their Kindergarten year, your child will have developed a variety of mathematical skills, such as recognizing and understanding shapes and numerals, comparing numbers, counting by 1s, 5s and 10s, using a calendar, and even adding and subtracting!  Preparing them to learn these skills begins at home, and there are lots of fun ways to get your child thinking about mathematical concepts in their everyday life.  

You can practice counting with your child as you drive in the car (“Let’s see how many STOP signs we see on the way to the post office!”), as you shop at the grocery store (“Please help me to put 6 apples in this bag”), and as you play at home (“I wonder if we can count how many blocks you used to build that tower?).  

Sorting items into groups is fun for kids, and they can sort almost anything!  Ask them to sort items by size, by shape, or by color, or have them order items from largest to smallest.  Encourage them to talk to you about their thinking as they sort or order items.  This helps them to develop their math vocabulary and become comfortable with explaining their mathematical thinking.

You can help your child to practice making comparisons between numbers.  As you fold laundry together, ask them to decide if there are more white socks or more gray socks in the pile.  As they eat a snack, ask them if they have more crackers or more apple slices on their plate.  Using the words “more”, “less”/”fewer” and “the same” is important practice for kindergarten.  

You can also use play as an opportunity to practice basic addition, by having your child put two small groups of items together and then count them to find out the sum.

Baking with your child is a wonderful way to learn basic concepts about measurement.  As you cook or bake together, invite your child to help you measure a cup of sugar or a teaspoon of baking powder.  Be sure to model your own mathematical thinking by talking with your child as you cook or bake.  You can do this by reading recipes aloud and counting and adding together as you put together the ingredients.  

Your child uses math everyday as they play, help you with chores, and explore their world.  By encouraging them to think about mathematical concepts and use math vocabulary in their everyday life, you are helping them to develop the skills they will need in order to be happy and successful Kindergarten math students.  

MORE ACTIVITIES for Math Readiness  contributed by Kelly Mainka