How to Help Your Kids Develop Early Math Skills: 15 Easy Tips
It will never be too early to teach your kids math skills! There are many benefits for getting children involved in math at a very young age.
What Is Math?
Math is the language of numbers, shapes, and space. It is an essential life skill that all children should learn to be successful in the future. Many people think of it as a boring subject, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are many different ways to make math exciting and fun for children.
Being involved in math at a young age can help your child develop the following skills
Self-Discipline
Math requires time and practice to master. It needs a lot of dedication and patience. Kids involved in math at a young age are better able to manage their time, not feeling stressed by deadlines or having problems sticking with something until it is finished. They also learn how to be persistent, even when they don’t understand something right away.
Stress Management
Children who have a strong math background can better handle stressful situations and are less likely to get flustered in an emergency. They will be more comfortable making decisions when there is not enough time and how to prioritize.
Logical Thinking Skills
Math training helps kids develop their logical thinking skills, and it also helps them learn about problem-solving. Learning math at a young age prepares children for real-world problems they will face later in life.
Flexible Thinking
Math is not a rigid, black and white subject. It requires a flexible mind to be able to figure out problems that do not have simple solutions. Children who work with math at a young age learn how to think outside the box and solve problems in unique ways.
How Can You Help Your Child?
- Model Math Skills
Children need to see parents use math skills in the real world. Most children lack the skills they need to do simple calculations by the time they start first grade and move on to higher math levels.
- Use Math in Everyday Life
Use math in everyday life, such as cooking, puzzles, games, and more! Kids will be more likely to pick up skills if they see them used every day.
- Get to Know Your Child
Learn about your child’s interests. Find out what they love doing and find ways to incorporate math skills into that activity.
- Review Worksheets
Review math worksheets that kids enjoy doing early in the school year. They will have more fun while doing it, and you will keep a record of their progress.
- Involve Them in Math Projects
When children are involved in math projects, they have fun while working on something that helps them learn new skills. Working on math projects in school can help them learn how to work with a group and make decisions.
- Discuss Math Problems with Your Child
Have a conversation with your kid that includes math problems at home, encourage them to ask questions, and talk about their reactions to another adult. They will have fun reviewing what they did, and it will help them understand the situation better.
- Find a Math Hobby
Find an exciting math hobby for your kids to be involved with. Check out bookstores, search online and talk to friends about math hobbies that might interest your kids.
- Play Games
Games are a good way for children to learn math skills without realizing it! Playing games is fun and can help them learn in ways they did not know were possible.
9. Play a Boardgame
Board games are also a fun and engaging way for kids to learn math! Find games that have attractive graphics, are not too hard or too easy, and are not frustrating. Children are more likely to learn math skills when they are interested in the subject.
- Use Apps
Apps can be used for many things, but they can also help your child learn math skills. These are applications that can be found in the app store on your cell phone. Apps have many uses and are a great way to learn math skills, especially the ones your child will need later on.
- Set Math Goals
Have your child set goals, even if it is only a small goal. You can motivate them to achieve their goals by giving them points or other rewards when they complete them.
- Have Your Child Choose a Math Craft
There are many fun math crafts that your child will enjoy. Find some that are simple and easy to do, so they don’t get frustrated when they can’t do it right away.
- Check Out Math Books at the Local Bookstore
The bookstore is another good place to check out math books for your child, especially if they like to read. Some readers will be relevant for different ages and books that do not have a lot of reading involved.
- Learn about Math Facts with the Children
There are many fun facts about math that your child will enjoy learning. You can learn them together, and they will be more likely to remember them.
- Reduce Stress over Math
Mathematics comes naturally for some people and not so quickly for others. Parents often put a lot of pressure on kids in math class, but this anxiety is unnecessary. All kids are different, so keep stressing that math is not an important subject, just crucial if your child wants to pursue it as a career.
What Math Skills Should My Child Know Before Going to Preschool?
- Your kid should be able to count backward from 10.
- Your kid should be able to count forwards from 10.
- Your child should recognize numbers up to 20 and count them as well.
- Your child should be able to tell you what comes after specific numbers.
- Your child should show you how many items are in a group of objects.
- Your child should be able to give you the names of at least three numbers that are between 2 and 10.
- Your child should know what fractions are and be able to tell you what they are. There are many fun facts about fractions that your child will enjoy learning, like why the fraction is equal to the sum of its proper parts.
- Your child should be able to tell you which number is larger or smaller.
When Should I Start Teaching Math to My Kids?
The best time to start teaching your children math is as soon as they start showing an interest in numbers, shapes, and patterns. At first, they may not know that math is essential, but once you show them how fun it can be, they will start to see their world in a whole new way. You can even make up little songs or games for them to play to help them learn math in a fun and easy way that your child will love.
There is no magic formula for teaching your child math. Some kids learn it incredibly quickly, while others still need a lot of help. The most important thing is to begin early and to keep focused on their development. They will require you to guide them along the way, but they will be so grateful that you taught them.
I hope this article has helped you learn more about teaching your child early math skills, and I hope that it gave you ideas on how to help your child understand math concepts better.
Should you have suggestions or comments about this topic, please post them in the comment section below. I love to hear from other parents who are dealing with math and learning.
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