Teaching math to preschoolers isn’t always the easiest thing to do. Their minds process ideas and concepts a lot different than you and I. That’s why it’s important to try different approaches for teaching math to your preschooler.
#1. Visually Appealing
When you think of teaching math to a preschooler, think of bright colors. You will want to use as many neon colors as possible to help their visually focused mind. When using something like flash cards, try using bright neon green with a dark black font to help get the ideas of numbers across.
#2. Hands On
There are many different math games you can create to give your preschooler a hands on experience. Playing a math board game is one unique way to get started with the math learning process. Create your own version of Candy Land or “Math” Twister. Getting your preschooler to recognize numbers is extremely important, which makes games like this are crucial.
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#3. Cooking
I love the idea of cooking for teaching kids about math. There are so many math concepts to be learned while one is cooking. While cooking with your preschooler, they are going to learn concepts like measuring, counting, adding, subtracting, and more. The best part about cooking is that it’s a math learning activity you can use over and over again.
#4. Patterns
The idea of using patterns to teach your preschooler about math is completely genius. You don’t need to have any extravagant learning supplies to teach about patterns either. You can use anything from crayons to colored paper clips to help establish the use of patterns.
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#5. Utilizing the Outdoors
If you can swing it, try to go outdoors as much as possible when it comes to teaching your preschooler about math. Use chalk to draw out various numbers on the ground. You can also take nature walks and count different items you encounter.
#6. Sorting
There are probably a “million and one things” that need sorted around your home. Consider the practice of sorting as a way to teach math to your preschooler. Sorting comes in a lot of different forms, from mating socks, to exploring other materials you have in your home. You can even go the route of sorting noodles from your cupboard.
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#7. Reading
Don’t underestimate the value reading has on teaching math to preschoolers. There are tons of books available to help your child learn math. Even if your preschooler isn’t reading, there are picture books available to help teach this concept. Consider the following books.
- The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
- The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
- Watch Out, Big Bro’s Coming by Jez Alborough
You can find a reading book for every math concept out there, it might just take a little searching on your end. Take time to visit your local library to see what options are available that way as well.
I love the idea of teaching math at an early age because no child is ever too young to begin understanding these concepts.
What tips have you used or will you use to teach your preschooler math?