Introducing Simple Maths Concepts to your Child

Introducing maths to your young child is very important for their development, as it is something they will need to use either consciously or subconsciously everyday in later life. Helping to increase their knowledge promotes early connections that are needed for future problem solving and reasoning and spatial awareness in different areas.

Creating opportunities to learn about shapes, patterns, measure and distance and space, for example at this early age will increase their understanding, ability and confidence.

The great thing when teaching maths to a young child is that they are so curious to learn and you don’t need to have any special tools or equipment, you can just use what you see around you. Nearly every child loves water play, and their are so many concepts involved in this type of activity, so this is is great way to start to bring new ideas into play.

You can start easily on a sunny day in the garden by putting out a bowl of water with some cups, of different shapes and sizes. Children can pour water between the cups for fun, but you know they are subconsciously noticing the amounts of water differs between cups. Some cups may look different shapes: one tall and thin, one short and wide but take the same amount of water.

They can also begin to estimate how much water a cup needs to fill it as they play.

For older children you could introduce shapes or patterns using chalk to draw some simple shape outlines on the patio, as you draw talk about the shapes and what they are called.

Then by using flowers, leaves or other loose parts decorate the shape by following over the lines.

for patterns encourage the children to try a simple 2 set pattern, as per the example shown with Daisies and Dandelions.

As per our previous blog on ”Leaf letters, you can swap out the letter on the leaves for numbers, then play by putting them in numerical order, try to find the number of objects to match the number on the leaf, or play pick up matching number pairs.

As always the best way for children to remember anything is for them to be ‘hands on’ so get them involved.

To read more and see our activities for introducing maths in a fun and easy way to your children and lots of other ideas, activities, guides and crafts join our Premium Membership Plan.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you.

Rachel x

Sunny pattern circle

Sunny pattern circle