Math is fundamental, even for toddlers. Incorporating counting, shapes, and basic equations into your child’s daily routine helps them become enthusiastic about learning while preparing them for bigger challenges awaiting them in preschool and kindergarten. Because it’s never a bad time to focus on early childhood development, here’s how you can expose your young one to essential mathematical concepts.

How to Practice Math With Toddlers

1. Use Household Objects

The easiest method to introduce math concepts to your toddler is using objects you already have. Count and sort small items like blocks, toy cars, crayons, and coins while cleaning up after playtime or doing chores around the home. Clocks, phones, and remote controls also help familiarize your youngster with numbers and geometric shapes.

2. Have Fun in the Kitchen

Cooking, baking, and setting the table are fun, hands-on ways to introduce measurements and counting to your child. Start by using measuring cups, cookie dough, and dry macaroni and cereal to teach basic counting, estimating, measurements, and fractions while prepping meals. Asking them to pass out utensils, plates, and snacks also encourages one-on-one correspondence.

3. Play Games

Playing with your toddler can double as another method for early childhood development. Board games like Life® and Monopoly Junior® expose children to simple addition and subtraction. Meanwhile, Candy Land® and Hi Ho! Cherry-O® encourage them to count single- and double-digit numbers. On the DIY side, scavenger hunts and chalk art allow youngsters to flex their imagination while identifying shapes, sizes, and numbers in the great outdoors.

4. Sing & Read

Along with fostering language and literary skills, singing and reading are great tools for practicing numeracy skills. Nursery rhymes, bedtime stories with numbers, and counting songs help children understand foundational math skills like identifying patterns and shapes, repetition, and problem-solving. Incorporating engaging multi-sensory techniques like movement into storytime or singalongs allows them to retain what they’ve learned.

Prepare your young one for a lifetime of learning at Lucky Lane Nursery School based in Creve Coeur, MO. Attracting young minds from around the Greater Saint Louis area, their curriculum encourages early childhood development through stimulating activities that incorporate communication, art, science, and math into daily lessons. Their campus also has five fully equipped playgrounds, a well-stocked library, and catered meals to fuel your child’s mind and body. Preview their programming online or call (314) 434-4462 to schedule a tour today.