Fun Ways to Make Math Exciting for Preschoolers
Fun Ways to Make Math Exciting for Preschoolers
Looking for fun ways to make math exciting for preschoolers at home? Here are some interesting recommendations to turn numbers into adventures. From cool math games to fun math activities these hands-on ideas make learning math more enjoyable and deep.
Most people silently vote for math as the most dreaded subject. Blame it on the DNA or neurological makeup, but the negative perspective that people have with math has permeated societies. The insular belief that math is a gift and only a few people have it is at the root of math failure across the world, and the reason why so many students hate math say experts.
Jo Boaler a professor of education at Stanford University says that math doesn’t have to be dreaded and calls it a broad and multidimensional subject that requires reasoning, creativity, connection-making, and interpretation of methods. According to the professor, math is a set of ideas that helps illuminate the world, and math problems should encourage people to take different pathways to solve problems. This is when students start to engage more deeply with the subject.
Why is it important to learn mathematics at an early age?
Research has revealed that children who are introduced to the concept of math in their erly years perform better in academics and exhibit enhanced cognitive and social skills.
An early exposure to the concepts of math introduced in a fun and interactive way through fun math tricks can become a delight for children, taking away their inhibitions toward the subject. This paves the way for learning and lays a strong foundation for logical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. The question is how.
How to teach basics of maths to preschoolers
Weaving in the fun element of math for preschoolers needs the right approach that captures their interest in learning the basics. Here are some Fun ways to make math exciting for preschoolers at home to spark the joy of learning math.
- You can start introducing the concept of math through fun math activities like making children count their steps, toys, or interesting things like fruits and vegetables. Make it a wee bit challenging by asking them to count odd and even steps or objects. This simple exercise helps them strengthen their sense of numbers and even coordination.
- They should also be encouraged to identify various shapes around the house and compare the sizes and colors of different objects. An interesting way to do this is to let children go on a shape hunt in the house or the backyard and find shapes like circles, squares, triangles, etc. This simple and fun math game for kids introduces them to geometry skills.
- Introducing numbers in songs, stories, and rhymes is a great way to register them in the young minds of preschoolers. For eg- Three little ducks etc. This cool math game can be made more relatable by clapping the same number of times as the numbers in the song or rhyme.
- Sensory methods facilitate deep and clear tactile learning. Drawing numbers in the sand, using clay, or pasting numbers on the walls and coloring them are some fun ways to make math exciting for preschoolers at home to engage children.
- Toys such as puzzles and blocks help formulate the idea of shapes and spatial awareness in children and also introduce the concept of problem-solving. Create DIY puzzles using cardboard pieces with numbers and matching objects. Children can be asked to match the numbers with the correct quantity to reinforce counting and number recognition.
- Using cards to play games like arranging cards in ascending and descending order or using regular playing cards to make them play number-matching games helps them number sequencing and sharpen their memory. Flash cards can also be used to teach children different patterns.
- Dice Games are another very effective way to familiarize children with numbers and their subtraction and addition and introduce fun math equations for kids.
- One of the most interesting and impactful interactive math games for preschoolers that we all have played in our childhood is hopscotch. You can tweak it by drawing the hopscotch grid, calling out numbers, and asking your kid to jump into the correct square. This game develops motor skills along with number recognition.
- Another cool math game is math bingo. Create bingo cards with numbers and simple math problems. Solve equations and mark the answers. This activity is ideal for practicing addition and subtraction.
- Sorting games with buttons and beads promotes the concept of classification and data analysis in young preschoolers. You can provide a mix of buttons and beads and ask children to sort them either based on colours, sizes, shapes or patterns.
Using Modern Technology to Learn Maths
Technology has transformed every aspect of education. Math is no exception. Picture a math class that leverages technology not just as a tool for solving problems but opens doorways to a whole new universe of interactive learning and exploration. Studies have revealed amazing shifts in how technology is reshaping the realm of math education by changing the the way math is taught and learned.
For the naturally born curious and eager preschoolers, technology can be a perfect ally in introducing mathematical concepts. With the right approach math can go from a challenging concept to fun and adventure. There are multiple interactive math games for preschoolers that are available online.
- Apps and Games: Using online math games and apps in education is a fun and effective way to register basic skills in math. These platforms make learning exciting by introducing different levels, scores, and instant feedback. The advantages are enhanced motivation, increased problem -solving and heightened engagement levels.
- Educational Videos: Video tutorials teach concepts through animation and have become a very useful tool along with traditional and conventional math teaching methods. The highlight is that they break math concepts and provide step-wise explanations which the students can consume and comprehend easily and most importantly at their own pace. This mode of learning is excellent for visual learners and children who need more time to grasp the concepts where students can watch at their own pace, pause, or replay as needed.
- AR and VR Tools: Complex math concepts can be simplified for children through interactive and immersive simulations. AR and VR tools can provide a virtual playground to children and bring math to life for them.
The differential role of parents in introducing fun maths games for kids
Parents play a crucial role in nurturing a love for encouraging fun math activities. Some easy ways to bring math into daily routines are cooking together where parents and children measure ingredients and count the number cups or spoons used. They can go gor grocery shopping where they can count the number of items purchased and also compare prices. Playing outdoors is also and effective way where parents can count flowers, leaves, and make their kids aware of certain distances.
Additionally, parents need to embody the right attitude while introducing fun math activities to preschoolers. Inculcating the right approach without comparison is important. Every child is different and has their own style and pace of learning. By comparing them to others only creates pressure on them and affects their confidence levels and the way thry feel abou the subject. Celebrating their progress, acknowledging every milestone no matter how small it is, and applauding the effort fosters a healthy mindset towards mistakes and makes children feel supported and motivated. This helps build a very robust foundation for future learning.
Math surrounds us everywhere and in every little thing we do. Teaching preschoolers fun math tricks and integrating them into daily lives through playful activities can eliminate their fear and negativity toward numbers. Let your little one step into the world of numbers with confidence and curiosity and enjoy the magic of math.