Toddlers and preschoolers are like learning sponges! They are ready for learning experiences and enjoy exploration and discovery of the world around them. Learning math concepts at this age is a must-no need to wait for formal schooling to begin. The National Association for the Education of Young Children tells parents that children who participate in math experiences perform better once school begins. But what works for preschoolers? What doesn’t?
For the youngest students, fun math worksheets for preschoolers can be used.
So what works? Children that are two, three, and four years of age learn best with hands-on activities. This includes objects to pick up and count or sort, counting songs, and building with different blocks and materials.
Learning patterns is another foundation skill that, for this age, is best done with concrete objects. For example, the most straightforward pattern of ABABAB is demonstrated with two different blocks, striped clothing, the children’s shoes, or red and green apples. Begin the pattern, then ask your child what comes next!
Rote counting for toddlers and preschoolers is practiced easily when doing daily chores like setting the table or when playing. Count the plates or forks, or count the number of blocks in the tower. Pick up ten toys before lunch. Are you in town? Count the steps into the building as you go up!
Parents of older preschoolers beginning to identify and order numbers learn hands-on with numbered objects that can be counted and put in the correct order. And don’t forget to count groups of things and match the correct number, number floor puzzles, and songs.
And math is more than counting and patterns. Begin work on sorting and classifying to improve logic and critical thinking skills. Sort blocks by color. Then sort by shape. Take it a step further and sort by size.
Introduce a simple graph and line up each type of block on the floor or table. Now kids can visually see which group has more or less and what the quantity of 4, for example, looks like.
Group objects such as a pen, book, crayon, marker, magazine, and newspaper together. Ask how to sort these objects. Sort toy animals:
- Animals that fly and swim.
- Animals with two legs and with four.
- Animals with fur and scales.
The possibilities are numerous with toys you probably have lying around!
Worksheets that teach patterns, counting, identifying numbers, sorting, and classifying are readily available online or in workbooks. But, key math concepts for preschoolers can be taught and practiced at home easily with objects and materials you have on hand. In addition, learning with parents and caregivers is fun for the child and provides quality time for grown-ups and kids. Use counting worksheets for preschoolers for hanging out and teaching your child easily.
