4 Steps To Engage Young Children With Math Concepts

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. 

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?"

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?"