Introducing young children to the world of mathematics can seem like a daunting task for many parents, but it doesn’t have to be. Teaching maths to preschoolers can be incredibly rewarding and allow them to develop a solid mathematical understanding from a young age. With the right guidance and resources, parents can nurture their child’s development of mathematical and problem-solving skills – helping to give them a head start in life.
In this article, we’ll provide insight into how to teach maths to preschoolers, including strategies, resources and tips.
Developing an Understanding of Numbers
The first step to teaching maths to preschoolers is to ensure they have a basic understanding of number values and symbols. This means teaching them to count, identify numbers and recognize number symbols.
To help parents get started, encourage using everyday objects to help them learn these basics. Playing counting games with apples, matchsticks or even everyday household items such as books or coat hangers will help them to get to grips with understanding numbers. Once they have grasped the basics, parents can encourage their preschoolers to combine items and begin creating simple equations, introducing the concept of addition and subtraction.
Introducing Shapes and Patterns
After introducing the basics of numbers, parents will want to look towards introducing shapes and patterns. This will help to develop their understanding of calculation, as well as helping them to develop problem-solving skills. To introduce shapes, begin by looking at everyday objects and household items and identify the shapes they represent; a tin of soup is a circle, and a book is a rectangle.
Then, progress to looking at shape patterns. Parents can try introducing a game where the child must create their own pattern of shapes, improving their understanding of geometry and pattern recognition in the process.
Working with Measurement
Moving on from shapes and patterns, parents should look to begin teaching measurement to their preschooler. Measurement skills are incredibly important and help to develop a sense of perspective and critical thinking.
The easiest way to get started is to introduce measuring cups, scales and measuring tapes, which allow preschoolers to compare objects and explore length and weight. Additionally, ruler games and other measurement-based activities can provide a fun and engaging way to teach multiplication and division.
Encouraging Problem Solving
By teaching these basic mathematical skills, parents can ensure their preschoolers are well equipped to explore more complex problem-solving skills. The earlier parents can introduce these skills, the better.
Parents can begin with simple activities such as demonstrating problem-solving skills during their everyday lives. This could include something as simple as helping the child to decide which colour coat to wear or tool to use when playing in the garden. This will help them to build the confidence to use problem-solving skills as they get older.
Using Dice Games
Dice are a great way to support the development of basic maths skills in young children. By playing simple dice games, children can start to explore the concept of probability and help to reinforce their understanding of numbers. To start, parents can play the traditional game of ‘Snakes and Ladders’ and other highly-visual dice games that help children to visualize the concept of number combinations.
Introducing Fractions
Working with fractions can be difficult for some adults, let alone preschoolers. However, there are a number of strategies that parents can use to ensure their child is comfortable with fractions. To start, focus on teaching the concept of a wholesome unit, such as a full apple or sheet of paper, and explain how this can be broken down into parts.
Visual activities, such as cutting pizzas or paper shapes into different sizes, can be an effective way to introduce the concept of fractions to children.
Exploring Money and Counting
Money can be a great way to help preschoolers understand the concept of mathematics. Teaching children about coins and notes, such as the value of different coins and how much money is actually involved in different tasks, is crucial.
While it’s important to encourage children to understand the value of money, parents can also use real money to help them with counting. This can involve providing coins to help them practice counting, or by setting them the task of adding up how much certain items cost.
Introducing the Times Table
Exploring the basics of multiplication is an important part of mastering maths. This can be incredibly challenging for preschoolers, but by introducing a times table poster or chart, parents can make it easier.
To help integrate the concept of multiplication, parents can introduce multi-player games such as ‘War’ or card games such as ‘Yahtzee’ to help them recognize numbers and their corresponding root numbers (e. g. 8×2 or 16×3).
Focus on Practicality
Moving away from traditional learning techniques, parents should consider focusing on practicality when teaching maths to preschoolers. Providing hands-on activities such as cooking, drawing or painting activities will help them to get a better understanding of shapes and measurements and how they relate to the world around them. This type of learning is incredibly powerful, and parents can use it to help teach their preschoolers about complex mathematical topics.
Exploring Maths Games and Activities
Games are a great way to introduce maths to preschoolers, helping them to understand more abstract topics in a fun way. Board games such as ‘The Game of Life’ or ‘Connect 4’ can help to reinforce their understanding of basic mathematics and introduce topics such as probability and risk.
Additionally, there are a number of online maths resources, such as interactive websites, apps or online courses, that can provide an accessible way to learn mathematical concepts in a fun and engaging way.
Try a Maths Enrichment Center
Enrichment centers are a fantastic way to help provide hands-on maths education to preschoolers. These centers typically provide structured activities and courses for different age groups that involve maths-based games and practical tasks.
This type of learning environment is incredibly valuable, providing opportunities for young children to learn mathematical concepts in a fun, structured and supported environment.
Develop an Interest in Maths
Ultimately, to ensure that children have the best chance of developing their maths skills, it’s important to encourage them to develop an interest and enjoyment of the subject. Parents need to ensure that maths is presented in a positive light, and activities should be fun and engaging.
Additionally, parents can ensure that their children are exposed to maths in the wider world, discussing topics such as shapes, money and numeracy at home and out and about.
Conclusion
Teaching maths to preschoolers can seem daunting at first, but with the right guidance, resources and activities parents can make the process easier and more enjoyable for all involved. By following these steps and strategies, parents can help their preschoolers to develop a strong understanding of mathematical concepts, giving them the best chance of success in mathematical pursuits for the future.