Mathematics - Early Years (P - 2) General tips


Maths includes noticing numbers, shapes, patterns, size, time and measurement. Incorporating maths into everyday experiences can be easy and fun. 

Maths is everywhere – in the playground, at the shops and at home - even in the making of pancakes!

 

A child’s first years are a time of rapid learning and research tells us that babies have an innate capacity to understand numbers. As your child’s first teacher, you play a key role in developing their numeracy skills from an early age. Developing numeracy skills early gives children a foundation for their learning and development. It prepares them for daily life, including general problem solving and handling money.

 

Children need lots of experiences in making, counting, drawing and talking about numbers to help develop mathematical skills. You may feel the maths your child is learning in their early years is different from how you learnt but it is focussed on making connections by explaining how numbers and counting are a part of everyday life. 

 

You can still support your child in many ways. Talking about maths, counting, playing games and making patterns are all wonderful ways that you and your child can participate in maths together.

 

For more information or ideas/activities that you can do at home with your child visit: https://numeracyguidedet.global2.vic.edu.au/numeracy-at-home-birth-to-level-2/

 

or watch this video. 

Happy Counting!

Sarah Counihan (Mathematics Leader)

 

Attribution: © State of Victoria (Department of Education and Training)