Early math knowledge is needed as much as early literacy for children’s subsequent achievement. Research has shown that early math can predict school success more so than early reading skills. Yet little research has examined how parents’ support of early math learning affects children’s development of later math skills. A new study has found that young children whose mothers supported them during play, specifically in their labeling of object quantities, had better math achievement at ages 4-½ and 5 years.
The earlier a child is literate in math and reading the better chance they have at future success.
The earlier a child is presented math, the better.
The study shows that it is very important for parents to interact with their children about mathematics. Parents should use almost every opportunity that they have to allow children to visualize mathematics. For example when you are at a grocery store with your child and you grab two cans of corn. Tell your child that there are two cans of corn or three apples. Research showed that if children are taught these things at an early age than it will give them a head start when they start school.
Researchers developed ways to assess mothers’ support of their children’s math skills by examining how moms supported and guided their 3-year-olds’ learning as they played with a toy cash register and blocks.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Early math knowledge is as important as early literacy for children’s subsequent achievement.
- Researchers developed ways to assess mothers’ support of their children’s math skills by examining how moms supported and guided their 3-year-olds’ learning as they played with a toy cash register and blocks.
- The authors suggest that helping children learn how to label set sizes may support their development of a crucial concept in math knowledge
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