In our preschool in Silver Spring, kids start to discover ideas and concepts on a fundamental level, which is an important part of their growth. Using age-appropriate activities to teach preschoolers basic math ideas can set them up for future learning. Early exposure to math concepts can make understanding other math skills easier as children age.
There are so many fun and exciting ways for kids to learn numbers. Teaching numbers in a fun way to preschoolers can involve music and movement, counting objects, role-playing, and so much more. Here are some of our best suggestions for making math time fun for your preschooler.
Rhythm math is always fun. Make math time fun by adding songs and dances to the lesson. There are many songs about counting and numbers for kids, so put on some music and move around! You can also move to the beat of the song. For example, flap your arms like wings whenever you sing, “Five little ducks went out to play.”
For kids, hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn. Use manipulatives that your child can touch and feel when you are teaching them about numbers. This could be cereal or pasta bits, small toys, or blocks. Help them see how many things they have by having them line them up in a row as they count them out. They can also put a few things in a bag and try to guess how many are inside by feeling around.
Preschoolers can learn numbers, how to count, and basic addition and subtraction with this game. You will need glue, scissors, and paper to make your book. First, make a long square by folding your paper in half along its length. Then, cut the square in half lengthwise to make three long strips. Next, create a short square by folding each strip of paper in half across the middle. After you fold your squares, you can start decorating them! Draw or glue a different number on the front of each square.
After that, write a simple math equation inside each square using the number on the front. For example, if the number is “3,” you could write “1+2 = 3.” Decorate your squares, then glue or staple them together to make your own number book!
This is a fun way to learn about counting and basic math. Get some small toys or other things that can be used as “items” in the store to get ready. Then, use a small table or box to make a “checkout counter.” You can also use paper or wood to make your own play money. Once everything is ready, switch roles and be the customer and the storekeeper. The customer will pick out what they want to buy and then give the storekeeper the right amount of money. After that, the cashier must find the right amount of change. Making this game harder is possible by charging more for the items or having people buy more than one at a time.
Many adults fail to grasp that early math is fundamental for a child’s cognitive development. Kids aren’t just learning to identify shapes or recognize numbers. In early math, the reasoning and thinking kids do are setting the foundation for things they will learn later on. Whether you are a caregiver at a Silver Spring preschool or a parent, you should spend some time and energy helping kids build a strong base.
Little kids can improve their math skills by playing classic games as long as math is involved. You can use these tasks, whether in the classroom or outside, to help kids learn skills like sorting, matching, grouping, counting, deciphering geometric shapes, and more.
There are also games you play online. Kids should use technology actively. For example, math apps and tablet games can help children learn basic math skills faster. For obvious reasons, teachers and parents don’t always think technology is the best choice. However, you can still do a lot with board and card games, kinesthetic games, and interactive math games.
Arts and crafts projects help kids be creative and use their imaginations. You can get even more out of them by combining them with math and helping kids learn about shapes and numbers. Mix and match things to make shapes and numbers. Mosaic art is an excellent way to work on your fine motor skills. One way to make the numbers 0 through 9 is to use colored seeds. Then, let the kids trace the shape of a number with their fingers as if they were “drawing” it. Not only do they learn about numbers, but they also learn how to write numbers.
One-to-one correspondence means recognizing a number as a sign for an amount and matching things with the numbers that go with them.
Play games like Roll and Cover or Count and Cover when you are young to learn this skill. In Roll and Cover, a child rolls the dice and puts the same number of buttons over the number that comes up. After you give them a number, kids count and cover the right number of blocks in Count and Cover.
Also, involve kids in real-life situations and activities that teach them responsibility and give them a basic idea of one-to-one correspondence. For instance, teachers can give each child a specific job, like giving everyone in the class a pencil or pen and some paper. The adults can ask a kid to help them set the table for snacks and meals.
As we’ve seen, teaching math through play isn’t just a fun idea; it’s an important part of early childhood education. By combining fun and learning, caregivers at a preschool in Silver Spring, MD, and parents can turn math from a scary subject into an exciting journey.
Make math interesting, relevant, and a normal part of your child’s life. Adhering to this teaches math skills and fosters a positive outlook on learning, setting the stage for future success. Remember that every time your child plays, you can spark their interest in math and set them on the path to becoming confident, curious, and capable students.
MCCA has been recognized by the Maryland State Legislature for its commitment to Montgomery County issued a quality programs and special needs child care Proclamation in 2016 to MCCA for its commitment to Montgomery County child care for more than 50 years. MCCA was also selected as a 2018 nonprofit finalist for a MOXIE Award for boldness and innovation
MCCA is the oldest nonprofit licensed child care provider in Montgomery County and started its work in 1968 as a Community Action Project of the War on Poverty. Recognizing the need for quality child care programs in their neighborhoods, a group of local activists formed an association to establish centers in Montgomery County that would serve a diverse population and establish high standards for child care. Now, more than 50 years later, MCCA’s dedicated and expertly trained staff continue their tradition of providing high quality child care and play-based education for children.
Families with school aged children who can afford their child care expenses during the school year often struggle to afford the all-day programs they need when school is out for the summer. The Richard Krampf Summer Adventures Scholarship Fund was established to help provide children a safe and stimulating place to spend their weeks when school is out. Please contact an MCCA Director for details on how to apply.