Children will often question the need to understand algebra or complex equations that are learned as they progress through school. The simple truth is that there seems to be little connection between these elements of math and the real world.
While there is some truth in this, much of the knowledge gained is useful later in life. The trick to ensuring children grasp this knowledge is to make learning as fun as possible.
In fact, this is also one of the best approaches to adopt when encouraging young children to develop early numeracy skills. The earlier they develop these skills the easier it will be for them to understand more complicated concepts and use them in later life.
In short, you need to encourage your child to develop early numeracy skills, and here’s how:
Use A Local Reputable Facility
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Some parents see a good early learning facility as simply a way to look after their young children while they go to work. However, a reputable centre, like this early learning Chatswood, will help to build numeracy skills from day one.
This is through the use of building blocks, play, and other interactions. The simple truth is children who use early learning centres generally do better in life.
Talk Out Loud
From the moment your child is born you can do simple math out loud. It’s best to make it relevant, such as counting their fingers out loud to them. You can even remove a finger and count or pretend to lose one. It all helps your child appreciate numbers and their role in life.
Set Them Tasks
As soon as they are old enough you can set them tasks to do, such as laying the table for four people. Ask them to check how many forks and knives are on the table. It seems simple but laying the table for four people means counting to four multiple times. It will help.
You can also get them to help when dividing food. For example, if you’re having a pizza cut it into slices and ask your child how many pieces everyone should get to keep it fair.
Read Them Stories
Reading to children is a great way to improve their language skills. But, if you choose a number book you will also be getting them used to numbers, counting, and even adding and subtracting.
As an added bonus, reading with your children is a great way to bond with them.
Make Putting Away A Game
Children need to learn to put things away. However, t doesn’t have to be a chore. You can make it a game by seeing who can put stuff away the fastest. Add in a math element by setting a max number of items that can be put in one box. It will make your child think about numbers and their relevance in the world.
Keeping it fun means your child will learn without trying and they’ll enjoy the process, making it much more likely they’ll continue to love numeracy. They will really appreciate this later in life.
