When Do You Start?
There are so many different opinions out there on when to start educating your kids. Some believe that you can’t start early enough, like in the article The Sooner the Better. While other studies, like this one called Staying Back to Get Ahead, are saying that we are sending kids to school way too early.
With such a variety of opinions, how do you know what is going to be best for your kids? Now, I am not an expert on early childhood education, but here is what make sense to me. I think that there are two questions that you need to ask yourself before starting math with your young kids. First ask yourself “Does my kid want to start?” and second, “Am I ready to start?” If you can answer yes to both of those questions, then go for it!
I think it really is that simple. As parents we have the ability to know what is right for our children. Most likely, you’ll find that it will be different for each child and that is what is so great about being home with our kids. We get to do what is best for each of them.
Now, when you are ready to get started, here are some tips to grow their love of learning and their love of math.
3 Tips on What To Do When You Are Ready To Start
1) Model Math In Everyday Life
The best way to start your child’s math journey is to find math in the everyday. Start by having them count everything.
I remember that when my nephew was little, every time my mom would give him a treat, she would make him count them first. He wasn’t even speaking yet when this started, but it was something very simple that started his love for numbers.
Another thing you can do to model everyday math is to ask a lot of questions. In order for them to grow and instinctively ask the right questions, they need to see you model the types of questioning you want them to be asking themselves.
If you aren’t sure what questions to ask, then check out this blog post.
Build their sense of wonder in the world around them.
It is also helpful in building a relationship of communication between the two of you.
2) Play Games!
The best way to really introduce them to math is to play games. Games make math fun and build that desire to learn.
Here are some of my favorite games to start with for the younger kids.
- Count to 20
- All Aboard
- Any game that encourages logic and strategy (even if it is not math related)
As you are playing make sure to continue to ask lots of questions. The more you can get them to reflect on their own thinking and deepen their logic. Just remember through it all to keep it fun!
3) Get Math Inspirations Number Sense Unit
The Number Sense Unit is a compilation of fun games and activities that expose kids to numbers, shapes, measurement and comparisons. It is meant to be fun and introduce them to the joy of math.
In order to get the Number Sense unit, and get the most out of the Number Sense unit, you’ll first need to get the Math Inspirations parent training course. It will help you know what questions to ask your kids and how to help build that love in your kids and maybe even build that love in yourself.
Just remember to keep it fun and do what is best for your kids.