As the Mathematics syllabus becomes more of a challenge for kids, more parents are getting their children acquainted with numeracy at a much younger age. Check out this guide that details the math development in kids and gives a brief overview of their natural math ability.
One to two year olds
Math is everywhere and even at the tender age of one or two you can encourage your child’s math progression by teaching them to recognise and articulate numbers from one to ten. Most kids can usually do this in the correct ascending sequence as well.
Go beyond numbers, since curious toddlers are sure to be interested in all the shapes around them and should recognise basic shapes such as circles, squares, triangles and rectangles. Also, don’t just stop your child at the recognition phase — encourage them to count the objects around them. Remember that practise and repetition is key at this stage of math development in kids.
Three to four year olds
At this age, many kids will have started experimenting with writing and this includes writing down numbers in the form of sequential counting exercises as well as writing the date. Math development in kids can make them more self-aware of their body and can help them to independently count zero to ten using their fingers.
Many also graduate from one to ten and progress to bigger numbers with some even being able to count all the way to 100. Math development in kids is steep with many children being able to compare quantity, size, length, weight and even speed as well as reading the time.
Five to six year olds
Another crucial development stage, kids should be able to handle simple additions and subtractions up to a sum of 10. Some examples include; 1+9, 4+6, 8+2. They should also be able to differentiate between even and odd numbers and count them as a series. For example, an even series would be 2, 4, 6, 8 and odd series would be 3, 5, 7.
Those who have had more practice in enrichment classes and at home should also be able to recite the multiplication tables from one to five. Kids at this age should also be adept at reading the time as well as counting money.
If your child reaches these development milestones, he or she should be prepared to face the rigours of the primary school syllabus, however if your child seems to be lacking in these areas do not despair as this is just a guide and not an indicator of mathematical genius. What is most important is that you create a positive environment to help your child learn and enjoy maths well into their school years.