Incorporating fun materials games and activities when teaching Math can become interesting and meaningful for children (preschoolers). This can even go beyond just counting numbers. Other math concepts include patterns, sorting and sets, number recognition, shapes, comparisons, measurements, time, money, addition and subtraction.
Throughout the day children use these concepts and learn math in ways that are natural for them. Simply playing with blocks introduces them to shapes. When they remind you that the big hand is on the 12 and therefore it is time for lunch; they are telling time. Most of what preschoolers learn about math does not come from dittos and worksheets but from activities they enjoy doing.
Teaching Math can also be reinforced for the children throughout the day on a regular basis. Try placing an enlarged number 12 above the 12 on the clock and label it “lunch time”. Label your clock with as many of these types of labels that you can. This will help the children to recognize the way the clock looks when it is on the hour. Make sure to point out the clock when it is time for lunch by saying, “Look at the clock, it is time for lunch. See the little hand is on the 12”.
Using songs or music can help them learn math effectively. If you are learning about monkeys, make it a point to sing, “Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed”. The same concept can also be used when you are reading books to preschoolers. There are plenty of books that incorporate counting into their story and will follow the theme you are teaching.
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