
While we don’t “teach” maths at Nursery, children are using early math skills throughout their daily routines and activities. We learn about shapes and colours, size and measurements etc. everyday in nursery through ALL of our classroom activities.
The Preschool Curricular Guidance lists the main areas of early mathematical development as follows –
early number
shape
space
size
quantity
relationships (connections, sorting)
pattern, and
time
Even before they start Nursery, most children develop an understanding of maths through everyday interactions, counting steps as you go up or down, sharing toys, inset jigsaws… mathematical development is everywhere. Encourage your child to use mathematical language as they play, get them involved in maths activities around the home e.g. cooking, sorting laundry, play board games and activities with their siblings. Children need to develop positive feelings about maths and an early age and the best way to do this is to have fun maths experiences with their family at home. Celebrate and praise all maths discoveries and remember maths is everywhere.
Maths materials to collect at home –
coins
buttons
cotton balls
dry pulses and pasta
ice lolly sticks
rocks and shells
bun cases
egg cartons
small toys like cars or animals
measuring cups and spoons
bowls and containers
tape measure
rulers
scales
watch
timer
blocks
dice
jigsaws puzzles
magnetic numbers
magnetic shapes
drawing and writing materials
There’s fun and games for all the family at Maths on Toast. Explore their fun creative maths activities, available to download for free! The activities are suitable for children aged 4-12.