Math understanding doesn't magically occur when a child begins their academic years kindergarten and up. Their brains are developing from the time they are born, and you, the parent, can do things to help with that development and lay the foundation as they approach kindergarten. Games my favorite way to teach young children! This 100-page, softcover book is full of games to help your young child develop an understanding of number concepts counting, comparing and ordering, recognizing written numerals, and beginning addition and subtraction. You may already be doing some of the activities found in this book, but this book lays out the content in a categorized fashion. There are seven chapters counting to five, counting to ten, numbers from zero to five, numbers from six to ten, written numerals from 0 to 10, comparing quantities and numbers, and addition and subtraction stories. This isn't a workbook, but a great resource for parents.
Typically, you will be able to use these activities with a child who is about 4, but you know your child best and can begin when you believe they are ready. The author suggests that you do the activities in this book in the order they are presented, take as much time as needed with each, and a questionnaire at the end of each chapter will help you determine whether your child is ready to move on. Children may progress at different rates, so be patient as you work with your child. Most importantly, have fun while incorporating these activities into your child's day. You don't want them to hate math before they even get going strong. The activities use items from around your home or are easily accessible. You may want to put together a math basket with the following items: 20 small counters, resource pages from the back of the book, one nickel and ten pennies, blank paper and a writing tool. Additional items that may be used occasionally are: ten small toys, four stuffed animals, small blanket, two small paper bags, two regular dice, tape, two different small objects for game tokens, two different-coloring writing utensils, toy cups, plates, spoons, and play food items, dot stickers, small food items, large index cards, and small stickers.
Use these simple activities to solidify your child's math foundation and only spend a few minutes a day doing so. Get them ready for kindergarten math and have fun in the process. ~ Donna