Preschool Mathematics

by: Maggie Duarte

My preschooler can count twice as high as your preschooler -- but does that mean she really understands number concepts? In truth, she has memorized a sequence of words. Although children can't learn math unless they know how to count, counting is only one aspect of math.

Children begin to count on their own as they grow, and they learn from everyday experiences with length, quantity, time, temperature, money, and more. Through Preschool program, children expand their true understanding of math. Adults should recognize that games such as sorting and putting objects in sequence are actually early experiments in math, even if they don't look much like geometry!

Here are some everyday opportunities for children to begin thinking about numbers:
• All about me - Teach children their own address and phone number as well as their age. Also, record their height – in centimeters and metres. Putting a child on a scale represents an opportunity to compare pounds and Kg, and heavy versus light. Children can also learn what size clothes they wear, and be able to judge what will fit and what won’t.

• Cooking -- Adults pour, measure, divide, estimate time, and read labels every time they prepare a meal. Why not include young children in on the activities? Before he can pour pancake batter or read recipes, a child can stir with a wooden spoon in a plastic bowl. Show a child how you follow a recipe step by step, and how you set the oven temperature. Remember to warn children about what's too hot to touch or eat!

• Managing money -- Children can start knowing about money even before elementary tutoring. You can start letting your child touch, count, save, sort, and spend money. What better way to teach children about the value of money than by taking them shopping and showing them how much they must pay for items -- and how much they will save with coupons!

• Around the house -- Household repairs offer children excellent opportunities to practice math skills. Let children watch as you measure a door frame, or hang a picture in the center of a wall. Children can help you make a list of items you will need to complete a project, including the number of tools. Everyday activities like setting the timer on the VCR or setting the dinner table are opportunities for children to count and work with numbers.

• Play -- Children may also race against the clock or measure the distance they can hit or throw a ball. Help children make neighborhood activities and sports more than just good exercise.

When children pretend, they often create lifelike situations in which they may check a bus schedule, or gauge how much gas is needed for a long car trip.

• Travelling -- Even a short car trip offers children experiences with math. Ask children to identify the speed limit on a passing sign. Estimate the number of minutes it takes to get to a relative's house. Remember games you played in the back seat of the car, like counting yellow school buses and adding up the numbers on license plates.

For more information on how to better prepare for you preschooler, please visit us at the Bayhill Bulletin at http://www.bayhilleducation.com. We are located in Ontario Richmond hill specialized in preschool elementary high school tutoring. And remember…we are among the leaders in York Region preschool program education.