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.