A preschooler must grasp several key concepts to begin to learn math. These concepts include sorting, counting, and patterning. Use of these three concepts while doing everyday activities help a preschooler understand the ideas on her level.
Sorting Activities
The concept of sorting means a preschooler can identify a particular quality in an item and then separate a group of items using that quality. Some common qualities a preschooler may use to sort items include size, shape, color, texture or item use.
Everyday sorting activities
- Empty silverware from the dishwasher into the silverware drawer. Sort knives, spoons, and forks into the appropriate bin.
- Put groceries away after a trip to the grocery store. Refrigerated items go in the refrigerator, frozen items go in the freezer, and canned or boxed items go in the cupboard.
- Sort dirty laundry by color. Separate the light colored items from the dark colored items.
- Pick up toys. The large toys go into the toy box. The small toys may go into baskets. Puzzles may go on a shelf. Books go back in the bookcase.
Counting Activities
Counting is a complex skill to learn. The first step to counting is to memorize the names and the order of the numbers one through ten. This skill is known as rote counting. As skills increase, a preschooler will be able to count objects to use the numbers they have memorized. This skill is known as object counting.
Everyday Counting Activities:
- Sing or say counting rhymes. Common rhymes such as "One-Two-Buckle My Shoe," "One Potato, Two Potato..." and others will introduce the names of numbers to the preschooler.
- Cook simple meals. Count the number of cups, tablespoons, or teaspoon of an ingredient aloud to the preschooler as it is added to the pan or bowl.
- Set the table. Count the number of family members and then count out the necessary plates and pieces of silverware for each.
- Take a walk. Count the number of trees, mailboxes, or flowers encountered while walking.
Patterning
The concept of patterning simply is making a configuration or pattern. The preschooler will learn to recognize that there is a pattern, will predict what comes next in a pattern, then will be able to create their own pattern.
Everyday patterning activities:
- Color. Use crayons to make a pattern on plain paper. Draw lines or shapes in different patterns. Red square, blue triangle, red square.
- Make a sandwich. Bread, lunch meat, bread.
- Play blocks. The combinations are endless. Red block, blue block, red block, blue block, etc...
- Name patterns aloud when they are obvious. For example, in a parking lot, point out patterns, "Look it is a pattern. White car, White car, Blue car. White car, White car, Blue car."
Using these daily counting, sorting and patterning activities to teach math to a preschooler allows a preschooler to grasp common math concepts naturally without stress.
Peggy Crippen - With over fifteen years of social service experience, Peggy Crippen has worked with low income families, adults with mental illness and ...
