Early Learning Classrooms need to be rich with materials that encourage math exploration and learning.
If children begin math at a young age, they will be less fearful of it as they get older. Here are three tips for engaging learners with math every day:
1. Make math apply to their everyday lives
Math concepts assist us in navigating our lives every day, so help students recognize processes like playing with toys, counting their Cheerios, and making groups all involve math. Young children learn math best when they are using it as a part of their every day routine.
The Fishing For Literacy rug includes both letters and numbers, so children can practice counting and sorting using the colourful fish!
2. Use mathematical language everywhere
At lunchtime: "Can we cut this grapefruit in half?", "How many pieces are there?", and "Which side is bigger?"
Outdoors: "How many swings are there in the playground?", "How many scoops of sand will fill the bucket?", and "Which tree is taller?"
3. Engage in purposeful play
Asking questions about the activities that they are engaging with will help them think mathematically about the world around them. Ask, "What can you do to make the block tower taller?", "How many cars did it take to make that train?", or "Can you make the train longer?"
Count and Colour Dino-Sorters can help create many opportunities for practicing math concepts like sequencing, sorting, and counting.
4. Support the development of counting beyond recitation
Children love to count and compare, so embrace their early interests. Ask them, "do we have the same number of carrots on our plates?" and "are there more blueberries on your plate or in the bowl?"
