Unlike many other subjects, math in its earliest years is definitively concrete. The best way that I know of to get kids to learn math and like it is to make it easy and fun. It is okay to practice different concepts daily and continually return to them until they are mastered. Even after they are mastered you should consider returning to various concepts periodically simply to keep the ideas fresh. Since math is incremental, your children will always be building on what they’ve learned previously.
* Counting and writing to 100
My absolute favorite way to teach this concept is to take a minute or two each day to practice writing the number of the day. By the time you get to 100, you will have completed 100 days of school and that, of course is cause for celebration! Consider celebrating the 100th day of school by making 100 cookies, collecting 100 somethings or sending 100 cards!
* Counting by 2’s to 40
Here is a game your children can use to work on these skills. Better yet, if it’s nice outside take out a jump rope and have your child say a number ever time he/she jumps.
* Simple number patterns
* Beginning ordinal numbers
* Using 10 as a basic unit
There are a lot of ways to teach this but honestly, I am partial to using manipulatives. One way to teach the beginning concept is to use Cuisenaire Rods.
* Simple properties of zero
* Simple properties of sets
While this game (Set) may be a little complicated for 1st graders, my children were able to play it easily once they picked it up. It is definitely a thinking game though and so you’ll have to have extra time to teach your children the ideas.
* Beginning addition and subtraction facts
At A plus Math, you can use flash cards to help teach these concepts. Another game used to teach basic math facts is “Shut the Box”.
* Number-line use
Count down to a holiday and your children will get the basic gist of using a number line in no time.
* Place value and numeration
* Concepts of quantity and size
* Concepts of equality and inequality
* Concepts of ordinal and cardinal numbers
* Using 1/2 and 1/4 appropriately
* Estimation
* Geometric patterns and figures
* Basic customary and metric measurement
* Recognizing time: clock and calendar
* Value of penny, nickel, dime, quarter
* Solving simple word problems
One great way to teach your kids how to solve word problems is to have them write their own using manipulative and good imagination. If you’re not quite up to the challenge, you can check out this list of four dozen word problems.
* Basic probability and chance
* Basic chart and graph concepts
Related Articles:
What Your Kindergartner Should Know: Math