Math, just like all STEAM subjects, is a foundational skill all children need to develop. Even as early as 1-year-old, understanding math is more than just knowing how to count, add and subtract. It builds your child’s critical thinking and problem-solving skills through things like patterns, shapes and puzzles!
Your child might not feel connected to a certain subject. They may find it frustrating when they don’t understand and can grow to dislike it more.
Fortunately, with some creativity and patience, you can help your child build confidence, find the FUN in math and build a lifelong love of learning!
Why it’s important to make Math FUN
These are your child’s formative years. What they learn now will be the building blocks for their future. If they start to associate math and challenges with failure and stress, it can damage their confidence and love of learning.
Try out one of these new approaches:
1. Incorporate Math into Everyday Activities
Math is everywhere! So take advantage of everyday moments where you can introduce mathematical concepts, such as:
2. Use Hands-On Tools
Having a tangible way to learn can help your child see and feel the concepts they’re learning! Use what you have at home:
3. Make It a Game
At O2B Kids, we all know that the brain learns best through PLAY! Pick games that have elements of math in them:
4. Celebrate Small Successes
Don’t forget to celebrate your child’s wins! Encouragement and positive reinforcement help your child to build confidence in math and their ability to overcome challenges.
Something as simple as “Wow, great job!” when they count to 10 can go a long way in boosting their morale and motivating them to keep going. We do this in the classroom, and you can do it at home, too!
5. Be Patient and Positive
If your child is frustrated or upset with their progress, don’t put pressure on them to get the right answer every time. Work to understand their feelings and make sure they feel heard. Put the focus on overall progress and the process of the love of learning.
Help Your Child Build a Lifelong Love of Learning
Your child may not get everything right every time, and that’s okay! Learning is about the journey. It’s far more important for them to feel comfortable exploring and asking questions, so they can develop their curiosity about the world and be ready for Kindergarten.
That’s why at O2B Kids, we learn through PLAY! Your child’s math lessons are more than just numbers, patterns and shapes. They’re learning problem-solving, creativity, and discovery.
With these tips and a little bit of fun, you can help your preschooler embrace math with confidence and joy!