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Preschool Math games

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Posted by Your Guide on March 1, 2006 8:34 PM

Preschool math is more about games and simple counting than anything else. Matching, sorting and counting are the three basic concepts of early math.

Play matching games with cards, dice, or even dominoes. The new sets of dominoes that have different colors for each number are fun for children to match as they play. They do not have to know the number the dots represent to be able to match the colors. However, some day the light will come on the fact that those spots represent a number will then mean something to them. The same is true for a colorful set of dice or a spinner. Find games that use counting to move spaces along the board and then change out from dice to the spinner to let them experience numbers for that game in a different way.

Sorting is another way that preschoolers can learn early math skills. Give them a cup of buttons, counting bears, coins, or even small stones. (Note: Be sure to stay with them so they do not put these objects in their mouth.) Let them sort the items by color, shape, or size into an empty egg carton, small plastic bowls, or cups. You can even let them place different coin denominations into your coin bank/sorter and let them watch how the larger coins (quarters) go into one spot and that the nickels and dimes go into another because they are different sizes than the quarters.

Counting and number values are the last early math skills. Being able to count the number of red buttons in the bowl is a huge step toward adding and subtracting.

Math skills continue to grow with us well into adulthood and beyond. The more we know, and the longer we live, the more math we will need to know. But our earliest exposures to math all came in the form of rhythm, rhyme, and simple music. Exposing your young child to these enjoyable pastimes will be fun for both of you, but will also increase their math skills later in life. So put on a CD, sit down in the floor with your child and some pots, pans and bowls from the kitchen and have a great time.



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