How To Teach Math To Preschoolers
The concepts of math are everywhere around us
which means that students initial exposure to math will be as toddlers and
preschoolers when they start to interact with the world around them.
Understanding shape and space, number sense, time amd so much more is only
possible when they have experienced these things firsthand. That means the best
way to teach math to preschoolers is to have them experience the world around
them exactly how it is. You can create opportunities for them to do so, which
will also prepare them to work with a math learning centre in Regina when they
are school aged.
Here are soe great experiences you can prepare
for younger kids to help them become great students of math once they enter
school.
1.
Use Shapes. Help children to
recognize shapes and how they occupy space by giving them toys in various
shapes. Wooden or foam shapes are readily available in children’s toy sections
at most toy stores or department stores. These make excellent play time or even
bath toys (foam only).
2.
Make Shape Pictures. Have children
cut off basic shapes so they understand the properties of each shape, then put
them together to create something. This helps them to see how an object can be
broken down into individual shapes and how to put shapes together to make
something more robust.
3.
Build Puzzles. Building puzzles
helps children develop visual perception and basic understandings of geometric
shapes. And the best part is they have fun so they won’t even realize they are
learning.
4.
Make Forts. When building a fort,
kids learn to view shape and space as important to creating what they envision.
Fort building gives them the chance to try these concepts out with their own
hands.
5.
Use Manipulatives. Things like
blocks, beads, counters and pegboards are great ways for kids to learn many
math concepts such as counting, grouping and more. Again, they will have fun
creating, building and playing and won’t realize they are learning.
6.
Learn Counting Songs. Kids love
music and teaching them counting songs can cement knowledge they will need
later on in school. This also helps with memorization since the mind better
stores things that rhyme.
7.
Play With Numbers. Let your child
play with foam, rubber, wooden or plastic numbers in the bath or on a magnetic
board. Because they are physical objects, your child can touch them and feel
their shapes which is far more meaningful than seeing them on a page. With
time, they will naturally learn to recognize the numbers and how they are
formed.
8.
Talk About Time. Preschoolers
enjoy a routine so they can understand what to expect. By strating to teach
them the concept of time, schedules, minutes, hours and more, you are setting
them up to understand a wide variety of concepts and measurements that make up
understanding time.
Teaching math to preschoolers is all about play and
interacting with the world around them. This prepares them for school, when
they will also be able to attend a math learning centre in Regina to further
expand their knowledge.