How to Introduce Math to a Toddler
Use simple everyday objects and activities to reinforce math concepts with your preschooler.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Colored Crayons
- Construction Paper
- Children's Puzzles
- Colored Toy Blocks
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1
Start early. By the time your child is 12 months old, he or she will begin to recognize amounts. Count with your child whenever you have a number of objects to count. Write numbers with crayon and paper and count them. Count splashes in the tub. Count food, toys, socks ... anything.
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2
Sort and classify objects. Again, you can use any object your child is interacting with while pointing out differences and similarities. Say things like, "I see two blue blocks and one red block. You have three carrot sticks and four crackers."
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3
Match objects and create patterns. Most toddler toys will be primary colors and shapes. Match similar objects while talking out loud about what makes them match. Create color and shape patterns, like red, blue, blue, red. Encourage your child to continue the pattern by saying, "What comes next?" Even make patterns of sound with instruments or clapping.
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4
Play with water and sand. Pouring, dumping and transferring sand and water from different containers and using different utensils teaches valuable concepts of weight and volume. Encourage your toddler to count the scoops it takes to fill a container. Talk about how a container feels when it is full and empty. Compare sizes while talking about big and little.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Play outside. Make up games about things to count.
Notice numbers in stores while running errands.
Buy and read books about counting.
Praise your toddler often for trying to count or recall numbers. Remember your child is learning how to learn a new skill. Don't be critical of mistakes.
Purchase an educational videotape about numbers for your toddler to watch. There are some great ones out there.
If your child recognizes a number but names it wrong, correct him or her gently by saying something like, "Yes, I see a four. You are good at pointing out numbers."
Your toddler will have a short attention span. Don't force continuation of a game if your child wants to move to something else.
Engage your toddler in learning while you're playing. Trying to get your child to sit down and listen to a lesson on numbers will prove frustrating to you both.
Consult a professional family doctor if you experience extreme frustration or anger when interacting with your child.
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Comments
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noojie
May 30, 2010
If you think your grandson is gifted because of the things he is doing at 2yrs then he probably is gifted. Some kids will do more and some kids will do less, but that's not the point. Just keep putting opportunities to learn in front of him and see where he goes with it. The tips in this article are great if he knows his numbers. For example, for step 4 you could give him a plastic measuring cup as a bath toy and give him "recipies" to make out of bath water. This will give him an opportunity to use the numbers he knows as he makes a batch of pretend cookies in the bathtub. Just be careful not to push him when he shows no interest, because a lot of times he won't be interested. At the age of 2 it is more important to teach him the love of learning than it is to teach him math. -
ninisnoopy
Apr 03, 2008
I would like to know if someone can tell me if my grandson is showing gifted signs. He just turned two. He has taught himself the whole alphabet. He recognizes the upper and lower case letters and the numbers 1 to 10. Is this advanced? -
ninisnoopy
Apr 03, 2008
I would like to know if someone can tell me if my grandson is showing gifted signs. He just turned two. He has taught himself the whole alphabet. He recognizes the upper and lower case letters and the numbers 1 to 10. Is this advanced?