Early numeracy skills are crucial in children’s cognitive development. Formal maths instruction starts later in school, but the foundation is built earlier, particularly through play-based learning.
When children are engaged in activities like sorting, counting, and exploring shapes, they build a positive relationship with maths from the beginning.
Early numeracy refers to the foundational maths skills that develop before school: an understanding of numbers, counting, sorting, recognising patterns, and spatial awareness.
During preschool, children naturally explore their environment which lets them engage with these concepts. Everyday activities let children grasp the ideas of quantity, size, shape, and position – essential building blocks for more complex maths later on.
Research shows that children who develop these early numeracy skills are better prepared for maths success in later years, for example, when they’re looking for a maths GCSE tutor. Studies have found that early maths skills have a significant impact on later education. A 2022 review of studies said, “A substantive body of research has demonstrated that early mathematics skills are predictive of later mathematics and reading achievement.”
Play-based learning is an approach that allows children to explore concepts through playful activities rather than formal instruction. Play is the natural way that young children learn about the world. They experiment, take risks, make connections, and develop their understanding in an enjoyable way.
One key advantage of this approach is that it makes abstract mathematical concepts more concrete and accessible. The idea of quantity will often seem abstract, but by counting blocks, sorting buttons, or exploring shapes with puzzles, a child can see and feel these concepts. The tactile, sensory experience is essential for developing their understanding.
Sorting is one of the first maths skills children develop. They might group objects based on their colour, size, or shape, and begin to understand patterns and categories. Sorting lays the groundwork for more complex concepts like sets, grouping, and comparison.
Children can learn to count through everyday activities like playing with blocks or counting steps as they walk. By regularly practising counting, children can understand one-to-one correspondence (each object being counted corresponding to a number) and begin to recognise number symbols.
Children often explore shapes through puzzles, building blocks, and objects like food or toys. These all help them understand geometry and develop their spatial reasoning, which are important for more complex concepts as they progress.
The Montessori approach to early education emphasises hands-on learning and self-directed exploration. Children are encouraged to explore through play, with activities designed to engage their senses. The introduction to maths is gradual, allowing children to develop an intuitive understanding of numbers and mathematical relationships.
Educator Maria Montessori opened her first school more than 100 years ago. The BBC pondered whether Montessori was the “world’s most influential school”. Authors Alessia Franco and David Robson wrote that the “enticing recent results” of “serious research” into the theory mean that “it may continue to fire conversations for another century”.
Counting beads, perhaps the most iconic Montessori tool, help children to practise counting and understand addition and subtraction. The tactile nature of the beads makes it easier to visualise numbers.
Another Montessori material is the sandpaper numbers where children trace the shapes of numbers with their fingers. The sensory experience helps to develop fine motor skills and internalise the symbols for numbers for easier recognition later on.
Number rods are another hands-on tool and “help reinforce the growing quantities associated with numbers one through 10”. The rods are coloured in an alternating red and blue pattern, and help with early counting.
Both parents and educators play important roles in fostering early numeracy. Children learn best when they feel supported and encouraged, so making maths a fun and positive experience will lead to better learning outcomes.
One of the simplest ways parents can support early numeracy is by modelling maths in everyday life. This can include counting out loud while unloading the washing or setting the table, pointing out shapes and patterns in the environment, and asking questions that prompt children to think about numbers.
Educators and parents can both help a child’s learning by providing access to materials like toys, shape sorters, and building blocks. Books that explore maths concepts in fun and engaging ways can also help spark an interest.
Curiosity is a natural driver of all types of learning, and children can develop a love of maths when they’re given freedom to explore without pressure. By encouraging questions, experimentation, and exploration at their own pace, parents and teachers can nurture a child’s sense of curiosity.
Play-based learning offers enjoyable and effective ways to build children’s foundational numeracy skills. Hands-on activities can help children grasp abstract maths concepts.
Montessori-inspired activities provide tactile and visual experiences to help deepen understanding. Parents and educators both have vital roles to play in helping children explore and enjoy their maths education.
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