Professional Development by Johns Hopkins School of Education, Center for Technology in Education

Mathematics Without knowing it, young children practice and sharpen math skills all the time. They sort toys, count how long it takes to run across the park, and note how tall they are in comparison with family and friends. All of these things, simple as they seem, pave the way to later success not only in math but also reading and science, studies show.

Mathematics in early childhood covers a broad range of skills, from data and measurement to elements of geometry, counting, and addition. It teaches kids to do things like:

•  Recognize and name numbers •  Count to 20 •  Understand what numbers really mean and how they work together (what

researchers call number sense) •  Identify small groups of items without having to count (subitizing) •  Understand that addition means “putting together and adding to,” while

subtraction is about “taking apart and taking from” •  Use small blocks, cubes, and other manipulatives to solve simple addition and

subtraction problems •  Sort objects based on color, size, or other attributes •  Take simple measurements and compare things like size, length, and weight; order

objects based on size (such as smallest to biggest) •  Name and describe 2- and 3-dimensional shapes

Professional Development by Johns Hopkins School of Education, Center for Technology in Education

Making math part of our young kids’ daily lives can do wonders in preparing them for the road ahead. Here are some ideas to get started.

Put 20 or so pennies (or paper clips or paper scraps) on a table, and ask your kids to see how many ways they can create 5. If they get stuck, model an example by showing how to create 6 (e.g., 4 pennies + 2 pennies, 5 pennies + 1 penny, or 3 pennies + 3 pennies). Once they master 5, move on to another number — and keep the game going as long as you can.

Let Me Count the Ways

How many steps does it take to walk across your yard or home? What about your street block, or from one part of the park to another? First, ask your kids to guess the number of steps. Then have them measure the distance in steps — and see how close or far off they were with their prediction. For an interesting comparison, see how many steps it takes you, versus your kids.

How Many Steps?

Play this fun game on a road trip or just an outing. Spot a red car, earn a point. Spot a blue car, earn two points. To the extent possible, let your kids do the math and keep track of their score. When they conquer ones and twos, try playing the game with twos and threes, or consider taking away a point each time the other team sees a blue car.

Red Car, Blue Car

When you’re at home cooking, find a way for your kids to help. Can they measure a cup of flour or mix in a teaspoon of cinnamon? Maybe they can help you set a timer or count out plates, napkins, and silverware. Your kids will feel proud to help and contribute to the meal — all while building important math skills.

Aspiring Chefs