Encourage your child to start learning math from early childhood. Early maths helps young children solve real-world problems with simple mathematical concepts such as addition and subtraction.
How to develop Mathematical skills
Play simple number games:
- Count objects; shirts, stairs, red cars/white cars, t-shirts/socks while putting them away
- Count the pegs as you put them in the box
- Count the buttons on your shirt.
- Count the windows.
- Count the crayons etc.
- Say number rhymes (1,2, buckle my shoe)
- Counting songs.
- Classify, sort and share objects according to color, shape, size.
- Show me 3 fingers, take one away. Later you can also use the words “less” and “more”
- Learn the days of the week, months of the year and the seasons
- Memorise your telephone number
- Walk and count backward
- Memorise number sequences: start with 3 numbers and then increase the amount of numbers as your child progresses.
- Make mathematical vocabulary part of your daily routine: early, late, morning, tomorrow, yesterday, longer, shorter.
The last word:
The emphasis should always be on having fun. Let go of the idea that your child needs to get everything correct. Enjoy the process and the time spent.
Refrain from reacting with “NO” when your child doesn’t get it correct. Remember, you also want to instill a good work ethic built on perseverance, grit, and resilience.
At Shelanti Private School we believe that good mathematical skills are important because:
- Math is good for the brain.
- It is helpful with decision making.
- Math sharpens analytical skills.
- Maths is all around us.
- Math opens many career opportunities.
- It develops logical thinking.
- It’s part of our daily lives.
- It is essential in a constantly changing world.
