Teaching Math to Preschoolers
Counting, Numbers and Other Mathematics for Toddlers and Pre-K
Count Often!
A preschool child best learns numbers by hearing them used in a variety of contexts. It is easy to count plates when setting the table, number your socks aloud when folding laundry, or use number games with your toddler during play times. Count your child's toes, and then help them count your toes. Encourage them to use number words when putting items in the shopping cart at the grocery store.
Anytime you can use counting words and numbers with your child you will reinforce the idea that numbers symbolize a set amount of something and teach toddlers that counting means an increase in the number of items. These basic principles lay the foundation for all other math concepts.
Use Manipulatives
This fancy term, manipulatives, simply means using items with your children as visual aids of the mathematic concepts you are teaching them. Simple manipulatives include Legos, blocks, dominoes and other simple objects that can be easily counted.
Show your child addition and subtraction concepts by adding and removing objects as you discuss what is happening. For example, this is what a simple preschool math lesson might look like using manipulatives.
Lego Counting Lesson Plan
- “Five Legos. One, Two, Three, Four and Five.” (Count the Legos as you place them on the table.)
- “Let's count them together!” (Hold your toddler's hand and help them point to each Lego as you count them.)
- “Five plus One is Six!” (Place another Lego in the group.)
- “Now we have Six Legos” (Show the student all six Legos)
- “One, Two, Three, Four, Five, and Six” (Count each of the six Legos out loud and then count again holding your toddlers hand as you help him count each Lego)
Use Wipe Off Number Books or Chalk Boards
Teach your child what the numbers look like at the same time you are teaching them the verbal counting words. In the Counting Lego Lesson Plan above I would have a small chalk board on the table and write the numbers on the board as we counted more and more Legos into the group. A preschooler can easily learn to associate the written number, with the verbal counting word and with the addition of the manipulatives your toddler will have the understanding of what that word and number means. The idea that "2" is the same as “Two” and means two Legos, one for each hand are important math concepts are best taught throughout normal, everyday counting activities.
Keep Preschool Lessons Short and Easy
Children in the Pre-K years are still easily distracted and have typically short attention spans. The Lego Lesson Plan shared above would take only five minutes maximum with a toddler and can be easily included in the daily routine of the child. Through daily repetition the preschooler will pick up the mathematic principles, counting words and understanding of numbers without fuss or stress.
Make your math lessons a fun part of everyday interaction with you and before you know it your preschooler will be counting his fingers and happily adding them to his toes!
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