5K Math

Now is a great time to build math skills!

Research suggests early math skills are a better predictor of academic success than early reading skills, so it's never too soon to start introducing your child to simple math concepts. Math helps kindergarteners to make sense of the world around them and teaches them to reason and problem solve.

10 ways to help at home

Show how math relates to daily life. Involve them in measuring ingredients when you cook or in figuring out if a container is big enough to hold their toy cars and trucks.
Play board games using dice or play money. Help your child count out the spaces to move his piece on the board. Play simple card games like Go Fish.
Count things at home and on the street: cars, books, toys, silverware. Count objects in book illustrations.
Call attention to different patterns and shapes: plaids, polka dots, paisleys, and triangular and rectangular shapes in the sidewalk.
Use terms such as above, beneath, level, larger, smaller, and equal, and words such as horizontal, vertical, perpendicular, and parallel, to describe things you see. You might ask your child to bring you the smallest cookie or to find the book beneath the large table in the living room.
Take your child to the supermarket with you and involve her in comparing prices.
When you balance your checkbook or pay bills, explain to your child what you are doing.
Take your child to the bank with you and let him watch you count money from the ATM.
Weigh and measure your child and make a chart to record her growth.
Buy a set of hardwood blocks for your children to build with (look for a secondhand one if new ones are too pricey). The educational benefits of blocks are unlimited; they will be one of the best investments you make.

From Diana Townsend-Butterworth

Additional Resources:

Math Snacks - activities that are quick, easy, and perfect for any time of day

5 Ways to Help Young Children Learn Math

Kindergarten Math Concepts

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Counting On

By the end of the year, Kindergarten students should be able to count forward by both ones and tens to 100. In addition, they should be able to count forward by ones beginning at any number less than 100 (such as 47 or 58). Since counting is such an important skill, see the section below with counting activities you can do with your child.

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Using Ten Frames

One of the main tools that Kindergarten students will use is a 10 Frame. 10 Frames are critical for helping students develop number sense both within 10 and even beyond. Arranging counters in different ways on the 10 Frame prompts students to form mental images of the numbers represented. Familiarity with a 10 Frame will help students with subitizing, adding, subtracting, and eventually place value.

Interactive 10 Frames Printable 10 Frames

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Comparing Numbers

Counting with Your Child

Counting is an essential building block of mathematics and a natural part of young children’s daily life. Children love to count everything from the toys they play with to the cookies they eat. Try to incorporate counting activities in your daily activities as much as possible.

All about Counting Counting Books Online Counting Games

Math Games to Play at Home

Everyone loves to play games that are fun and motivating, and games are an important tool for learning math. Try some of these games with your child to build his/her math skills, as well as a love of math.