How to teach maths through play in the early years
Young children can really benefit from learning maths through play as this is an exciting time to begin teaching them new concepts.
What are the benefits of learning maths through play?
For children, there are few better ways to teach maths than through play, and there are lots of different games or activities you can use to help teach maths to your child. Of course when it comes to teaching maths through play, you will need to provide some adult guidance to your children as they are initially learning.
Learning maths through play is especially beneficial for children as it helps to keep them engaged and curious all whilst giving them a basic understanding of the fundamental maths principles they will need to utilise all their life!
What activities can be used to teach maths through play?
When it comes to teaching maths through play in the early years, there are a number of different activities you can utilise. At Young Academics, we use a range of interesting and engaging activities to teach children maths through play.
These are some of the activities you can use to help teach your child maths through play:
Counting games
One of the simplest ways to teach maths through play is by utilising counters or toys and encouraging children to experiment with counting, adding and subtracting. You can undertake these sorts of activities with just about any item but using something that is engaging to the child, like toy cars or coloured counters will keep them interested and on task as you go about teaching them the skills of addition and subtraction.
Songs & Rhymes
There are so many songs and rhymes that utilise maths and are a fun way to get your children learning maths without them even realising. Maths songs are also a great way to get children to practice their skills and you can encourage them to show their family the songs and rhymes they’ve learnt further solidifying those skills. There are so many songs and rhymes that use maths, from Ten Green Bottles to Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed, you’ll be sure to find a song your child will love.
Patterns
Using patterns, whether it’s making patterns or identifying patterns is a hands-on way to help teach your child maths skills. You could ask your child to complete a pattern you have started with different coloured blocks or encourage them to create their own patterns to help improve their maths skills and boost their creativity.
Water
It might seem silly, but using water is a great way to explore more complex maths skills like quantities and volumes. Your child will not even realise they are learning maths skills as they move water between different containers but they will be picking up important skills that can be used later on.
When should you start teaching maths through play?
The sooner the better! The early years are crucial for teaching skills your child will carry with them throughout their life and beginning to incorporate activities that teach maths through play during your child’s playtime is crucial for setting them up on a path for future success. Especially when it comes to them learning and improving their maths skills over time and as they grow up.
