If you have a child of preschool age, it might be difficult to imagine them someday doing complicated math homework that might leave you frazzled when they ask for a little help. That day will come, though, and they are at the age when their journey there is ready to begin.
But that journey doesn’t start with long division. They’ll first need your help to work on these basic mathematical concepts.
1. Recognizing Numbers
Montessori preschool students will begin learning to make connections between the names of numbers, written numbers, and physical objects. You can help your child get started by counting objects out loud with them.
Have your child touch those objects to add another sensory element for reinforcement. Eventually, you can start asking your child to do the counting alone.
A great way to help your child begin connecting written numerals with actual amounts is to create index cards with the written numeral on one side and that number represented in dots on the other. Have your child count the number of dots out loud and then cover each dot with a math counter.
2. Recognizing Patterns
Finding patterns is the foundation of all problem-solving, math or otherwise, and although humans have a strong instinct for it, they still need some guidance when they’re at preschool age in order to hone those instincts and begin thinking logically.
To help your Montessori preschool student begin to identify patterns, you can simply point out patterns you see in your daily activities. Or you can take a more deliberate approach and present them with patterns.
There are plenty of repetitious songs and storybooks for children of their age, and that’s no coincidence. Sing those songs and read to them to give them a foundation for pattern recognition.
3. Identifying Differences
Identifying values and their relationships with one another is a foundational aspect of mathematics. Your child can begin to build that foundation by preschool age or possibly even earlier. This is most easily done with the use of basic shapes and colors, but it can be applied to just about anything.
First, there’s simple differentiation: “Which one is a square and which one is a circle?” Then, there’s differentiation by comparison: “Which one is bigger than the other?” This concept can then move into the abstract world of numbers.
4. Measuring
Your child can begin to learn the very basics of measurement by preschool age. This type of measurement doesn’t use standard units like inches, feet, pounds, or degrees, but rather informal terms like big or small, heavy or light, and long or short.
Helping your child identify sizes, weights, and other basic measurements may not seem overtly mathematical, but these rudimentary concepts will eventually become part of their math education in Montessori preschool.
Build a Strong Foundation for Understanding Math at Montessori Preschool
The Montessori Charter School of Flagstaff can help your child not only build a strong understanding of mathematical concepts but also develop a sense of confidence in their mathematical abilities. Reach out today to learn more.