Helping your child with numbers and math

Tips for learning math

The key math skills for children under 5 are recognizing numbers 1-5, then to 10 and beyond, and putting these numbers in order; talking about one more or less than a given number; counting objects, one at a time; using the language of addition and subtraction using objects; and most importantly, putting these skills into a real problem-solving context.

Schools focus on talking through number problems using mathematical language, and on problem solving skills. The main thing to remember when teaching your child about numbers is to make it fun and purposeful. Math skills can be linked into most activities your child already enjoys doing.

Here are some ideas

• Point out numbers around the house or while out and about. Phones, clocks, calendars, houses, buses, car plates are all around you, so give your child positive attention when they point out a number. First, they’ll recognize that it is a number, then gradually they’ll learn what number it is, then later you’ll be able to encourage them to see sequences or read numbers together.
  
  
• Talk through basic, everyday number problems. When baking, you can count the eggs, amount of sugar, tablespoons of water, and so on. Or when sharing out snacks with friends, your child can make sure everyone has the same amount. Get your child to help set the table by counting out the cutlery.
  
  

Food is a great incentive! Cereal, such as Cheerios, and dry pasta can be counted out before it’s eaten. Decorate cookies or muffins with sprinkles or candy and count them

• Natural objects such as shells or pinecones are also great for counting. Emphasize counting one object at a time. This takes quite a bit of practice. Eventually, more able children can begin to use small groups of objects to add or take away. At this stage, addition or subtraction needs to be practical and visual using real objects. Older children will eventually need to memorize basic addition and subtraction facts in order to solve more complicated problems quickly.
  
  

• Introduce numbers in your child’s play, so long as your child is willing. If your child enjoys playing with cars, put number stickers on the cars and make shoebox garages labeled with numbers or with numbered parking spaces. Shoeboxes could be put in the correct numerical order. A similar thing could be done with trains.

• If your child enjoys role play, use a toy or old phone to ‘call’ friends or family, the doctor, or order a pizza. Write numbers in a ‘phone book.’

• Make numbers out of dough or use cut straws for candles to put on a dough ‘cake’ for counting. Play shopkeeper by using real pennies, and label toys or play food with numbers for buying.

Act out number songs using fingers, puppets, soft toys or plastic animals. Talk about what number comes before or after a given number. Use a number line as a visual aid. One popular favorite is are 5 Little Ducks

• For the more active child, draw large numbers on card or paper plates and jump on a number and say its name. Put numbers in order then turn one over to guess the missing number. Number cards can also be pegged on a washing line. Label some boxes with numbers and throw beanbags or balls in for points.
  
  
• Play classic games that involve counting such as ‘What time is it, Mr. Wolf?’, hopscotch, or snakes and ladders. Number lotto or snap are good games for learning basic addition and subtraction equations.

Updated July 28, 2008

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