Maths and your toddler

I am a firm believer in making maths and learning fun from an early age.  This does not imply that you should push your child into doing complicated maths, but rather foster an environment where learning is fun and your child enjoys doing maths.

Important factors for your 2 - 3 year old:

• They should learn through play and routines (keep it fun!)
• They can recite simple counting rhymes, but have no understanding that numbers have values
• Most 2 year old toddlers knows the numbers 1 and 2, and can distinguish between 1 object and 2 objects, but will refer to anything more than two as many.
• The average 2 year old will be able to match shapes
• Most 2 year old toddlers are able to build puzzles with interlocking sides (anything from 2 - 10 pieces, 8 being the average)
• The average 2 year old can sort items into groups, for example farm animals, wild animals, hard toys, soft toys, etc.

Important factors for your 3 - 4 year old:

•  Most 3 year old toddlers are able to count to 3 and know that there is a value / quantity attached to the number
• Most 3 year old toddlers in the second half of the year will be able to count up to 5 and be able to identify 5 objects placed in front of them by using one to one counting.
• Some 3 year old toddlers will be able to identify and name a specific number if asked, you need to name some numbers before, for example:  What comes after 1, 2, 3, 4 ?  Without this start only a very few toddlers will be able to name a specific number between 1 - 9.
• Some 3 year old toddlers will be able to learn to read one number digits, for example identify the number 3
• Most 3 year old toddlers are able to build puzzles with interlocking sides (anything from 4 - 15 pieces, with 10 being the average)

Important factors for your 4 - 5 year old:

• Most 4 year old toddlers are able to count to 4 and know that there is a value / quantity attached to the number
• Most 4 year old toddlers in the second half of the year will be able to count up to 10 and be able to identify 10 objects placed in front of them by using one to one counting.
• Some 4 year old toddlers will be able to identify and name a specific number if asked, you need to name some numbers before, for example:  What comes after 1, 2, 3, 4 ?  Without this start only a very few toddlers will be able to name a specific number between 1 - 9.
• Some 4 year old toddlers will be able to start counting backwards from 10

 Remember these are only guidelines, every child is different and will develop at his / her own pace!  We also need to teach our children critical thinking, there are more than one answer or solution to a question / problem.  Teach them to think.

Practical tips for making learning maths fun:

• Make or purchase some numbered bean bags.  The possibilities with these bean bags are endless.  Place A4 sizes of paper with numbers on each on the ground (for example 1 on a sheet, 2 on another sheet,etc.)  Ask your child to throw the corresponding numbered beanbag onto the sheet of paper.  Name the number each time and it is also a good idea to have some items handy that they can count, for example some apples.  If your child needed to throw the number 3 bean bag onto the number 3 page, name the number 3 and count the corresponding number of apples out with them.  For more ideas or where to purchase these sets email me on admin@raisingcleverkids.com
• Complete both size sequencing and other sequencing games with your child, click here for a free download for a fun game.
• Draw some shapes on a sheet of paper, count the sides of each shape, name the shapes, count the number of angles each shape has, etc.
• Calender time is super important, it teaches days of the week, number of days per week, etc that will help with certain math concepts later in life.  Contact liesbet@kinderwerf.co.za for details on the awesome Kinderwerf calender.
• Save all your milk bottle tops!  They make excellent counting pieces!

Ask your child to place the corresponding number of items on each top, for example on a top numbered 1, add one of the objects

• Always start teaching your child counting from zero onwards, this will help with math concepts later in life.  I made this easy set from craft foam, great for matching, counting, etc.
• Most off all, all children need loads of love and loads of hugs!  Praise throughout and enjoy your little one!

Have a wonderful math filled November!

Trudie