Math for Babies (ages 0-12 months)
At the ages 0 to 2 months, babies begin to understand first-level math concepts:
- Predict the sequence of events such as running water means bath time
- Understand basic cause and effect such as shaking a rattle makes noise
- Classify things in simple ways
- Understand relative size
- Understand words that describe quantities such as ‘more’, ‘ bigger’, and ‘enough’
Math for Toddlers (ages 1-2 years)
At the ages 1 to 2 years, toddlers develop math skills with their learning toys:
- Connect the relationship between numbers and ‘how many’
- Begin reciting numbers with the possibility of skipping some of them
- Understand words that compare or measure things such as ‘under’, ‘behind’, ‘inside’, ‘longer’, and ‘faster’
- Match basic shapes and develop one-to-one correspondence
- Explore measurement and learn concepts about volume by filling and emptying containers
- Understand patterns in daily routines or surroundings
Math for Preschoolers (ages 3-4 years)
At the ages 3 to 4 years, preschoolers tie math concepts with their environments:
- Recognize shapes in real world
- Sort and arrange objects by colour, shape, size, or purpose
- Compare and contrast using classifications such as height, size, or gender
- Count up to at least 20
- Connect the relationship between numerals and number names (5 stands for five)
- Use spatial awareness to put puzzles together
- Start predicting cause and effect (what would happen if…)
Math for Kindergarteners (age 5 years)
At the ages 5 years, kindergarteners build upon their previous knowledge, and start to understand more complex math ideas:
- Add by counting the fingers from one hand starting 1 to 5, and starting with 6 on another hand
- Compare two numbers, and identify which one is larger/smaller
- Copy or draw symmetrical shapes
- Begin to understand basic time concepts such as morning or days of the week
- Follow multi-step instructions that use words like ‘first’ and ‘next’
- Understand the meaning of words related to possibilities such as ‘unlikely’ or ‘possible’
- Find hidden pictures in a background picture (treasure hunt)
- Find the way through a maze on paper
Understanding early math for children can help guide positive parental intervention in a child’s educational growth. While there are general math milestones most children hit at a certain age, it is important to keep in mind that children learn math at different rates.
Math Project provides customized math learning plans for our students at all levels to avoid a one-size-fits-all approach. Our specialized K-12 math program ensures children to reach their full potential, besides their early math understanding. Contact us today at 1-844-628-4243 to book a free assessment!
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Citations:
Why early math is just as important as early reading – greatschools.org
Math skills at different ages – understood.org
Math Concepts and Skills by Age – education.more4kids
Mathematics milestones – aboutkidshealth.ca
The 4 Major Math Concepts Your Kids Learn in PreK & Kindergarten – scholastic.com
