mini maths
Confident Counters
Introducing young children to counting and mathematical activities helps develop their numerical skills, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and lays the foundation for more advanced concepts. Counting provides a fun and interactive way for children to learn and practice early mathematical skills, improving their confidence and ability to learn. On this page you'll find some tips on how to encourage this at home.
Reinforce number recognition with this skittles activity
Playing skittles helps reinforce number counting in children by providing a fun and interactive way for them to practice counting objects and matching their count to a numeral.
• This helps them develop their number recognition and one-to-one correspondence skills, which are important building blocks for understanding mathematical concepts.
• This activity will also help children build their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, further supporting their overall development.
Make a fruit salad to encourage counting pieces
Making a fruit salad is a fun and practical activity that can help children develop their counting and mathematical skills. By counting the different fruit items and measuring quantities, children can practice counting and basic arithmetic. Sorting and categorizing the fruit based on their characteristics can also help children understand patterns and relationships.
Click the button to find out more about how to take part in this activity with your child at home.
Encourage counting during daily activities
Encouraging children to count during regular activities, such as: counting stairs, matching socks, laying the table and counting cutlery, is a simple yet effective way to develop their math skills. By counting objects or actions, children reinforce number recognition and build one-to-one correspondence.
Estimation skills can be improved through estimation activities, while problem-solving skills are developed through counting in real-world situations. Furthermore, incorporating counting into everyday activities makes math fun and engaging, increasing children's motivation to learn.
By counting regularly, children are provided with a natural and accessible way to develop and reinforce their math skills, setting a strong foundation for future success in mathematics.
