1,2,3 Count with Me: Numbers at Home - DuPage Children's Museum

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1,2,3 Count with Me: Numbers at Home

March 9, 2018

Almost everything we do is connected to mathematical thinking! Imagine setting a table or preparing a meal without some understanding of math concepts. The foundational understanding of math begins very early in life through everyday experiences. Children actively construct informal mathematical concepts and strategies through the opportunities they encounter with a variety of objects and their important grown-ups and play partners. Building a mathematical vocabulary is an excellent place to start. There are countless opportunities during the day for children to hear new math words and deepen their understanding of math concepts. The more we talk about math and share our enjoyment of the experience with children, the better chance they have to build a positive attitude toward math learning and learning in general.

Below I have included some ideas, suggestions, and strategies for you to try, but the most important thing to remember is to have fun! Choose something you and your child enjoy doing and run with it. Following a recipe and measuring ingredients together, seeing who can find the most shapes on the playground, timing who is faster at running up the stairs-there are so many possibilities!

Add, Subtract, Divide
Snack time is the perfect time to begin learning these math concepts.
What happens when you cut an apple in half?
“You have 5 puffs. How many are left if you eat 2?”

Compare Sizes, Amounts, and Weights
Use comparison words to talk about the objects:
Light and heavy
Large and small
More and less

Sort and Group
How many ways can you match and sort things? Shape, color, size–there are so many possibilities! Try to create a matching game with your child and see what happens.

Count
Counting is one of the most important early math skills. How many fun ways can you come up with to count every day?
As your child gets older, count higher or try counting by 2’s.

Books and Resources

A few favorite math stories:
The Napping House by Audrey Woods
1-2-3 Peas by Keith Baker
Pete the Cat and His Four Groovy Buttons by Eric Litwin
Triangle by Mac Barnett by Jon Klassen

For More Math Ideas Check Out these Websites and Blogs:
Hands on As We Grow
PBS Parents
Follow the NAEYC For Families Blog

Do you have questions about early math, a story or resource to share? You can also use the hashtag #PlayIQwithDCM on DCM’s social media pages to ask me a question. I would love to hear from you!