The Importance of Early Math Skills for Preschoolers

Math is one of the most important subjects children learn as they go through elementary school and beyond. An introduction to math concepts during early childhood can give kids a solid foundation to build upon later. But how early is too early for children to begin developing math skills?

The answer: it’s never too early! Research shows that helping children develop early math skills can give them a significant advantage in kindergarten and beyond. Introducing young children to mathematical skills during preschool can set them up for success in school and everyday life.

This article will explore the importance of early math skills for preschoolers. It will cover what skills are essential and how to encourage your child to develop them through play and educational activities.

Reach out to the caring educators at Little Sunshine Preschool to learn about our early learning programs. We would love to answer your questions or help you schedule a tour soon!

Table of Contents

• Math Learning in Preschool: Understanding the Benefits

  • Critical thinking

  • Problem-solving

  • Love of learning

• What Math Concepts Are Important in Preschool?

  • Number recognition

  • Spatial relationships

  • Patterns

• Learn About Our Preschool Programs

Math Learning in Preschool: Understanding the Benefits

Introducing math concepts in preschool can help to prepare children for success in school and life. Here are some of the benefits of introducing young children to math concepts in preschool.

Critical thinking

Developing math skills can change how a child’s mind works. Critical math skills encourage children to develop mental flexibility. Instead of seeing an entire problem, children learn to break it down into separate steps. This can help them tackle any problem throughout their lives with creativity and confidence.

Problem-solving

Preschool math concepts like pattern recognition, spatial relationships, and counting can give kids the tools to become better problem-solvers. Children with solid math skills have a bigger “toolbox” of skills to draw from when approaching problems. They can adapt to changes and make connections that allow them to manage challenges more easily.

Love of learning

Developing confidence in math can help kids develop a lifelong love of learning. Teaching preschool math skills through play, songs, and hands-on learning can nurture kids’ creativity and excitement for learning.

The research is clear: children who learn critical math skills at an early age are more likely to be successful in school than kids who do not. Teaching preschool math skills does not have to be complicated or rely on technology. Simple, everyday activities can help children learn these beneficial skills.

What Math Concepts Are Important in Preschool?

It may be difficult for parents or other adults to imagine teaching math skills to very young children. However, research shows that children learn best through play-based, interactive learning experiences. Even very young children can develop complex concepts like number recognition, spatial sense, addition and subtraction, and more by playing and singing songs.

Here are some of the most important early math skills and activities that support learning.

Number recognition

Recognizing numbers, counting, and recognizing how numbers relate to each other are very complex concepts. However, playing, singing songs, and simply talking about numbers can help children learn essential math language.

Caregivers can support learning by:

• Counting out loud throughout the day

• Pointing out and naming numbers in the environment

• Having visual aids showing numbers or patterns at home or in the classroom

The more chances children have to see and name numbers, the better they’ll be at recognizing and using them later on.

Spatial relationships

Understanding spatial relationships means knowing where objects are in relation to each other. This includes understanding how items fit into a space and being able to use language to describe relationships between things (e.g., the ball is under the basket, the toys are in the box, I am on top of the slide, etc.).

Caregivers can encourage this learning by:

• Using spatial relationship language frequently

• Giving children shape sorters, stacking cups, and other toys that require simple “assembly.”

• Having children draw pictures of a familiar environment, such as their bedroom or classroom

Many activities that encourage spatial relationships may also help kids develop fine motor skills, which are also essential to school readiness.

Patterns

Identifying and recreating patterns is an important math concept for preschoolers. Caregivers can encourage this skill by:

• Encouraging children to take turns doing an activity: “I’ll turn the page first, then you turn the next one, then I’ll turn the next one, then you turn the next.”

• Singing songs or reading stories that include repetition

• Pointing out and describing patterns in the environment

• Creating patterns out of colorful blocks, pieces of paper, or other items and asking your child to recreate it

Focusing on pattern recognition can help your child identify more complex concepts later on.

Learn About Our Preschool Programs

At Little Sunshine Preschool, we know your child’s earliest years are precious. Our dedicated educators create the most nurturing and enriching preschool programs so that every child in our care can thrive. Contact us now to learn more about our programs or to schedule a tour.