Maths News

🔢 First Steps to Prep – Mathematics Information for Parents

Building Early Mathematical Thinking

Our First Steps to Prep program introduces children to early mathematical ideas through hands-on, playful, and meaningful experiences. The focus is on developing confidence, curiosity, and enjoyment in exploring numbers, patterns, shapes, and problem-solving.

🧮 What We Focus On

During our sessions, children will:

• Explore counting and recognising numbers in everyday contexts.
• Develop one-to-one correspondence by matching numbers to objects.
• Notice and describe shapes, patterns, and positions in their environment.
• Compare and order objects by size, length, weight, or capacity.
• Engage in sorting and classifying activities using everyday materials.
• Use language of maths (more, less, bigger, smaller, near, far, etc.) during play and discussion.

🧠 Our Approach

Mathematical understanding grows from play, talk, and real-world experiences.Through songs, stories, games, and hands-on materials (like blocks, counters, and puzzles), children learn to:

• Recognise patterns and relationships.
• Make and test predictions.
• Solve simple problems in practical ways.
• Build persistence and confidence as young mathematicians.

👨‍👩‍👧 How Parents/Carers Can Help at Home

You can make maths part of everyday life by:

• Counting steps, toys, or fruit together.
• Talking about shapes and patterns you see (tiles, windows, street signs).
• Comparing sizes — “Which is longer?” “Who has more?”
• Involving your child in cooking (measuring, counting spoons, pouring).
• Playing simple board games or puzzles that involve counting or matching.
• Encouraging curiosity — “What do you notice?” “How could we find out?”

Everyday conversations like these help children see that maths is all around them and something they already do naturally.

🧩 Preparing for Maths learning

The most important skill your child can bring to school is a positive attitude toward learning.At this stage, it’s not about being able to write numbers — it’s about:

• Enjoying counting and problem-solving.
• Being willing to try new challenges.
• Talking about their thinking and listening to others.