Math skills are important to a child’s success, both at school and in everyday life. We use math when solving problems, while using technology, and when managing our time or money. Therefore, it is crucial that children realize that math is all around them and in everything they do.

• Be positive about math!
• Make math part of your child’s daily life.
• Encourage your child to give explanations after completing a problem.

 

• Count everything! (Toys, shapes, and any item around the house.)
• Sing counting songs and read counting books.
• Ask your child to help you solve everyday number problems. ( "We need six potatoes to make our mashed potatoes for dinner, and we have only two. How many more do we need to buy?" )

• Measure items found around the house.
• Compare and organize household items. (What is the difference between these two cans of corn?)
• Ask your child to tell you the time.
• Include your child in activities that involve measurements. (Allow your child to measure the ingredients you are using for a recipe.)

• Have your child identify different shapes.
• Hide a toy and use directional language to help your child find it. (over, under, between…)
• Build structures using blocks or old boxes.

• Look for patterns in storybooks and songs.
• Create your own patterns using shapes and blocks.
• Explore patterns created by numbers.

• Make a food chart. ( What is our families favorite food, dessert, or restaurant?)
• Make a weather graph.
• Talk about the likelihood of events.