Just like we work hard to set a solid foundation for later reading success we should be setting up strong foundations for later mathematical success. Building early math skills is important  and a critical aspect to supporting later mathematical learning. Examples of early math skills include:  

• Recognizing and making patterns.
• Sorting objects by their attributes:  color, size, shape, height.
• Number sense: identifying numbers, counting, comparing quantities.
• Early Geometry: identifying  and comparing shapes. 

How to practice these skills:

• Number Sense: 
  • start with 0-10 and then move on to the teen numbers. Constantly count with your child. Count the items in your grocery cart, the amount of plates on the table, the amount of towels being added to the laundry basket.This will help your child learn counting order. 
  • Have numbers displayed. Name numbers as you see them throughout your day. 
  • Use manipulatives/ real life objects  to help with 1-1 correspondence. Touch or move each object as you count. 
  • Build numbers using playd-dough, blocks or foams.
  • Read books about numbers. 
  • Write numbers on cups, Legos, or blocks and stack in order. 
• Sorting/ Patterns:
  •  Build towers out of blocks making patterns out of the colors. 
  • Color using patterns. 
  • Sort toys by color, shape and size.
  • Sort household items by different attributes.
  •  Put household items in order from smallest to largest .
• Early Geometry
  •  Recognize shapes in the real world .
  • Read books about shapes.
  • Build shapes out of play-dough/ foam. 
  • Point out the shapes of the objects you see everyday.

Taking time to intentionally practice these skills can set up your child for a strong start to success in mathematics.