Your child may not proclaim math as their favorite subject, but there is no denying how helpful practicing math is for your children's development.
Studies have shown that studying math helps children improve their attention span and their working memory, among other things. Furthermore, your child's math skills by the time they start kindergarten classes can often determine how well they will do academically in other subjects.
This knowledge definitely increases the pressure you feel as a parent to make sure that your child gets the best math practice, but don't run to the store to empty out the flashcards aisle just yet. Rather than subject your child to boring hours long math lessons, engage your young learners with these playful math math worksheets for kids.
Make counting a part of your everyday routine
Counting is one of the first math concepts your child will learn, and their counting skills will determine their success with more advanced math, but you don't have to sit your child down with math books to count numbers all day.
Encourage your kids to count random things they see during their daily activities. While playing, ask your kids how many toy trucks are in their toy basket; count the buttons on their shirts, and ask them to help you count the number of eggs you buy from the supermarket.
Begin with small numbers that your kids can easily count and gradually increase the number of items you ask them to count as they get better.
Identify shapes and sizes with your kids
As your children play with their Legos and building blocks, they are developing an understanding of shapes and how they work. Help them improve their knowledge of shapes by identifying the basic shapes you find in your home.
For example, the circles on the doorknobs, the squares of the kitchen tiles, and the triangular patterns on their favorite cereal box. Explain to your kids how to differentiate between these shapes; like how the square has four even sides, and the triangle has three connecting sides.
While reading books, ask your children questions about the size and placement of different objects in the book. Say things like, "Can you spot the moon? Is it over the lake?" Or ask them to identify the largest or tallest animal in the picture.
Measure objects in your home
Children will learn different forms of measurement; size, height, length and weight, among others as they progress. With your guidance and constant practice, your children will be able to understand how measurement works in everyday activities.
Using your weighing scale, measuring cups, and spoons, measure items with your kids as they help you in the kitchen. Get them fully engaged in what you are doing and ask them stimulating questions such as; "Can you hand me the biggest measuring spoon?" and "Can you fill half a cup with flour?"
When you visit the grocery store, select items from the shelf and ask your children which of the items is heavier. This way, your children will develop a more clear perception of weight and how it relates to objects.
Still confused about how to go about teaching your preschoolers some basic math? Not to worry, there are plenty online educational materials available.