Activities that help to build basic math skills are a great way for a young child to grow and develop as a learner. The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics stresses the importance of an early math education in its 2007 position statement on "What Is Important in Early Childhood Mathematics?"Try some of these kid’s math activities for a fun and educational experience.
Preschool Geometry Math Activities
Preschool aged children can learn about the basic concepts included in geometry. Start with shapes, and branch out from there. Remember to use the correct vocabulary words when referring to mathematical concepts. Say the math word (such as "geometry") first, and then ask the child to repeat it.
There are a variety of different geometry inspired activities for preschoolers. Many kids’ activity websites, educational websites, and activity reference books contain geometry based exercises. Examples of geometry math activities for young children include:
- Shape Drawing: Start with this simple activity. Ask the child to draw a line that bends into a shape. Try this math activity after reading the book When a Line Bends A Shape Begins by Rhonda Gowler Greene and James Kaczman (Houghton Mifflin Company, 1997).
- Shape Cut Outs: Use a pair of children’s safety scissors to cut basic triangles, squares, and rectangles from construction paper.
- Shape Collage: Cut out and glue a number of different shapes. Ask the child to identify each shape as he or she glues it to a piece of paper. For an added challenge, have the child combine multiple shapes to form one object such as a house or a car.
Number and Counting Kids Activities
Counting to ten is something that every preschool aged child should learn. Encourage number recognition and counting skills by actively engaging in ongoing math exercises. These may include:
- I Spy Counting Games: This is a perfect game for a long car trip or even a walk to the park. Ask the child to count how many cars, birds, squirrels, trees, or flowers he or she can find.
- Counting Movement Game: Combine counting and creative movement. Have the child step, hop, or jump to a specific number of counts. Add in music, and count the beats.
Symmetry Math Activities
The concept of symmetry may be difficult for the very young child to understand. Using hands on interactive activities can help children to better grasp this idea.
Symmetry activities for kids include:
- Hand Print Paint: Cover one of the child’s hands in washable tempera paint or finger paint. Fold a piece of paper in half. Ask the child to press the hand down onto one side of the paper with the thumb near the crease. Remove the hand and fold the paper together. Press the paper firmly, and then open to reveal two hands.
- Faces and Symmetry: Use a mirror to discuss how facial features are symmetrical or not.
Size and Measurement Math Activities
Young children can learn about the concepts of size and measurement through fun, explorative games. Invite the child to become a mini-scientist and experiment with these concepts.
Size and measurement activities may include:
- Measuring liquids: Use food coloring added to water to create vibrant liquids that can be measured in clear cups.
- Height and size: Ask the child to compare his or her height to that of another family member.
- Rulers: Use a ruler to measure household objects such as the phone or a toy car.
Early mathematic activities can help the young child to build important skills that will be used as he or she begins the school years. Try a variety of activities that include geometry, numbers and counting, symmetry, and size/measurement. Make sure that these exercises and games are highly interactive and fun for the child.
Source:
The National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. What is Important in Early Childhood Mathematics? (September, 2007).
Erica Loop - I am a mother and a professional Arts Educator, teaching visual arts programs to children ages three and up in both museum and school ...
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