The role of play in early childhood development is so important, it is a vital component of learning, especially when it comes to developing early numeracy skills. Lots of playful activities lays a strong foundation for mathematical understanding and helps children grasp complex concepts in a natural and enjoyable way. Here’s our top reasons why play can greatly enhance early numeracy skills in children.
1. Play Builds Basic Number Sense:
Simple counting games that involve counting objects, steps, or even claps can help children understand the concept of numbers and their order. For example, counting the number of blocks while building a tower reinforces numerical sequences.
Also, rhymes and songs with numbers, such as songs like “Five Little Ducks” or “Ten in the Bed” introduce children to counting in a fun and memorable way. These repetitive and rhythmic songs help with basic counting and subtraction concepts.
2. Understanding Quantities and Comparisons:
Sorting and grouping activities, where children group objects by colour, size or type, teach them to recognise patterns and compare quantities. This is fundamental for children to understand more complex mathematical concepts as children grow.
Board games such as, “Snakes and Ladders” or “Monopoly Junior” involve counting spaces and recognising numbers on dice, helps children to associate numbers with quantities and develop a sense of magnitude.
3. Spatial Awareness and Geometry:
Toys like building blocks and Lego allows children to explore shapes, sizes, and spatial relationships. This is due to them constructing structures with blocks or the Lego pieces. Children learn about symmetry, balance, and geometry through hands-on experience with these blocks.
Jigsaw puzzles also enhance spatial reasoning by requiring children to recognise shapes and how they fit together. This skill is crucial for geometry and problem-solving.
4. Recognising Patterns and Sequences:
Activities that involve creating or identifying patterns (such as alternating colours or shapes) help children to understand sequences and predict what comes next. Recognising patterns is an important skill for understanding algebra and advanced math.
Stringing beads in specific sequences (e.g., red, blue, red, blue) not only improves fine motor skills but also helps children learn to identify and create patterns.
5. Developing Measurement Skills:
Cooking and baking are great for introducing children to measuring. Measuring ingredients for a recipe teaches children about quantities, fractions and the concept of more or less. It’s a practical way to introduce children to units of measurement and volume.
Playing with sand and water, using different-sized containers, helps children understand concepts of volume and capacity. They learn through experimentation and observation.
6. Enhancing Problem-Solving Abilities:
Setting up a pretend shop or restaurant allows children to use money, make transactions, and handle change. These activities require them to solve problems and think critically about numbers and operations.
Strategy games like Chess or Checkers involves strategic thinking and planning ahead, which are important skills for solving mathematical problems.
Our STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) activity cards is a great way to introduce maths skills early on through play. The activities use simple items from around the home or supermarket. Shop our STEM Activity Cards here.
To help nurture numeracy skills through play, it’s important to create an environment where children feel free to explore and experiment. Integrate play into your daily routines by using everyday activities as opportunities for playful learning. For example, counting steps while climbing stairs or sorting laundry by colour. Participate in play with your child, guiding them gently and asking questions that provoke thinking and reasoning. Encourage children to ask questions and explore different ways of solving problems. Celebrate their curiosity and creative solutions.
Play is not just a break from structured learning; it is an essential part of developing early numeracy skills. Through playful activities, children naturally discover mathematical concepts and develop a love for learning that will serve them throughout their educational journey. By integrating play into everyday life, parents and educators can provide children with a strong foundation in numeracy and a lifelong appreciation for mathematics.
The sun is finally shining! So we thought we’d write a guide with some exciting activities to inspire kids to get outside and connect with nature. From escapades in the garden to expeditions in the wilderness, there’s something for every young adventurer to enjoy. So grab your gear, put on your explorer hat and let’s embark on a journey of discovery!
Nature Scavenger Hunt
All kids love a scavenger hunt. Create a list of items for kids to find, such as pinecones, wildflowers, animal tracks or interesting rocks. Encourage them to use their observation skills and creativity to spot each item.
Scavenger Hunt Tips
Tailor your scavenger hunt to your local environment (e.g., urban parks, forests, beaches). Provide each child with a container or small bag to collect their treasures. Consider adding fun challenges or riddles to make the hunt even more exciting.
DIY Nature Journal
Encourage kids to document their outdoor adventures in a nature journal. Provide them with a blank notebook and art supplies to sketch, write, or collage their observations, thoughts, and discoveries.
DIY Nature Journal Tips
Encourage kids to write about what they see, hear, smell and feel in nature. Include prompts or drawing exercises to spark creativity (e.g., draw your favourite tree, describe the sounds of the park). Encourage regular journaling to track changes in the natural world over time.
Backyard Camping
Turn your backyard into a camping adventure. Set up a tent, roll out sleeping bags and enjoy a night under the stars. You can. Tell stories, stargaze and listen to the sounds of nature.
Backyard Camping Tips
Keep it simple with backyard-friendly activities like roasting marshmallows, playing flashlight tag or singing campfire songs. You can even invite friends or family members to join in the fun.
Nature Art Project
Get creative with nature-inspired art projects. Use natural materials like leaves, sticks, flowers and mud to make sculptures, photo frames or eco-friendly paintbrushes. Encourage kids to let their imaginations run wild as they experiment with different textures and colours.
Nature Art Project Tips
Provide guidance and inspiration, but allow kids the freedom to express themselves through their artwork. Display finished pieces in a nature gallery or outdoor exhibition to showcase their creations. Discuss the importance of environmental stewardship and how art can be a form of advocacy for nature conservation.
Wildlife Watching
Observe and learn about local wildlife in their natural habitats. Bring binoculars and a guide to identify birds, insects, mammals and other creatures. Keep a tally of sightings and take notes on behaviours, habitats, and adaptations.
Wildlife Watching Tips
Choose a quiet area with good visibility and minimal disturbances to maximize wildlife sightings. Practice patience and quiet observation to avoid scaring away animals. Respect wildlife from a safe distance and avoid feeding or approaching them.
With this outdoor activity guide, kids can embark on exciting adventures, which will help them foster a deeper connection with nature and unleash their creativity. Whether exploring the backyard or venturing into the wilderness, there’s endless fun to be had outdoors. So gather your young explorers and let the outdoor adventures begin!
Author
Natalie is the co-founder and illustrator at Little Scholars Playground. She is passionate about literacy, learning, illustrating, women in STEM and the Montessori practice.
The Multiplication Tables Check (MTC) is a key stage 2 statutory assessment. This check is taken by children in June at the end of year 4. The The Multiplication Tables Check’s purpose is to ensure that each child’s times tables knowledge is at the expected level.
The Multiplication Times Tables Check is an online test where each pupil is asked 25 questions on times tables 2 to 12. Children are given 6 seconds to answer every question and in between each question, each child will get a 3-second rest. So the test should last less than five minutes.
How can I help my child prepare?
Preparing for the multiplication tables check in Year 4 involves a combination of practice, understanding, and memorisation. We recommending to start preparing early and try and build a daily short routine practising the times tables. With regular practice your child will learn all the questions and become confident with their times tables.
1. Use a multiplication poster
Children are visual learners, by putting up a multiplication poster, you will be surprised how quick their brains will absorb their times table. We have a multiplication square poster that can be bought as part of a bundle of posters here.
2. Understand multiplication concepts
Make sure you understand the concept of multiplication and its relationship to addition. Practice solving multiplication problems using different methods such as repeated addition and skip counting.
3. Practice regularly
Dedicate regular time each day to practice multiplication. Repetition is crucial for memorisation. Use flashcards, online games or worksheets to help your child master their multiplication tables.
4. Explore multiplication strategies
Learn different strategies for solving multiplication problems efficiently. For example breaking down larger problems into smaller, more manageable ones.
5. Track progress
Keep track of your child’s progress by regularly testing your child. Identify areas where they need improvement and focus your practice on those specific tables.
6. Stay positive and persistent
Learning multiplication tables can be challenging, but by maintaining a positive attitude and persevering progress will be made. Celebrate your child’s progress, this will encourage them to keep pushing forward.
Remember, consistent practice and understanding are key to success in mastering multiplication tables. Good luck to your little loved one! If you have any tips that has helped your child learn their multiplication tabels, let us know in the comments below.
Author
Natalie is the co-founder and illustrator at Little Scholars Playground. She is passionate about literacy, learning, illustrating, women in STEM and the Montessori practice.
