Pointing out patterns is part of progress!
When you think of patterns you probably think about a visual image, perhaps artwork, or something you would see on a rug or set of curtains, but in fact we are surrounded by patterns of all kinds. Understanding patterns and sequences allows you to predict what might happen next or know what to do in order to get to a final goal. It helps us to count, to organise our day, to take turns and much more.
One study published in the Journal of Experimental Child Psychology[1] has reinforced the idea that understanding repeating patterns can help children’s maths knowledge by showing that for children aged 4-6 years, those whose knowledge of repeating patterns was stronger at the start of kindergarten went on to have better broad maths, and general numeracy, knowledge at the end of kindergarten.
Sometimes comparison is important... and that’s when you’re talking maths!
One of the ways you might notice your child comparing items, and so learning about the world around them, is by seeing them adjust their plans based on the weight or size of items. You might notice it when they choose to pick up the lighter box of blocks, or place a light item on top of the bridge they build instead of a heavy one. You can help them to distinguish the differences between items by talking about them in more than one way.
It’s quite natural to point out measurements your child is noticing, like when one tower is taller than the other, but did you know that a simple way for you to help them process this information is to also say the opposite statement? So in this case you might say that the yellow tower is taller, and the blue tower is shorter.
What research tells us about counting – and what it means for your toddler
Lots of children love counting, they might enjoy the excited responses of people around them, or the rhythm and music of chanting numbers – and researchers found even young toddlers preferred a correct counting sequence to an incorrect one.[1] But there’s more to understanding numbers and quantity than saying the numbers in order.
There are several skills involved in understanding numbers and counting, and some your toddler will have had since they were born. Researchers have found that babies have an awareness of quantity from birth – this seems to be quite accurate for small amounts (up to two or three items), and more approximate for larger ones.[1]
Find out more about the link between maths and play
We know play is fantastic for learning as well as being enjoyable and engaging. What’s really fascinating (we think) is that sometimes researchers find connections between play and children’s learning that maybe don’t seem very obvious at first (and even they can’t always explain the connection!).
Professor of Early Years Education at the University of Stavanger, Elin Reikeras, gathered observations of 1,088 toddlers during a three-month period, looking specifically at their maths and play skills.[1]
How everyday experiences build a foundation for maths and science
If we said your toddler is a scientist, you might wonder what we are talking about – or maybe you see that yourself when you watch them play. Everyday play and routines give your toddler the real experiences that will help them understand the maths and science they will learn in the future.
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Why wriggling their fingers might help your toddler with maths
We all instinctively use our fingers to represent quantity – you might hold your fingers up when ordering several drinks in a noisy café or when asking for a table for two in a restaurant. As well as using their fingers to count, young children often use them when they first do calculations. So, we know moving our fingers and counting are linked, but is this more than just our fingers being readily available – or does using their fingers help your toddler understand numbers?
Some studies have found that basic numerical abilities are associated with skills linked to moving fingers (fine motor skills), and awareness of fingers (sensory skills) – known in the research papers as ‘finger gnosis’.[1]
Do you know what pre-counting skills your toddler is learning, and why maths is really all about play?
When it comes to maths, we probably think of sitting in classrooms learning facts about numbers – and the dread they could inspire. But the good news is that there is a lot more to maths than just numbers, and your toddler is already learning about big mathematical concepts every day as they play. Here’s why playing is so important for early maths skills, and some ways you can ensure you and your toddler make the most of mathematical moments.
Pre-counting experiences and why they’re so important
