Based on her research of how preschoolers learn numbers throughout first grade, Bethany Rittle-Johnson, a professor of psychology and human development at Vanderbilt University (Tennessee), explained the most important elements of early math – some information that any parent and preschool teacher must know. According to Rittle-Johnson, learning about amounts, equal sign understanding and patterns recognition, in particular, should start early. These are the seven most remarkable points to be taken in consideration:
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Kids need to understand fundamental math concepts and memorize basic math facts.
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How practice math problems are structured is important. Kids cannot grasp math rules without hints.
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Understanding of the equal sign is a key element in early math learning.
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Using hands-on materials to teach basic math is a good method, however it shouldn’t be overdone. To point out real-life math situations is recommended.
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Preschool math should be taught purposefully.
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Learning numbers early is very important, but it does not mean that kids should be limited to only learn how to count.
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The teaching of pattern should be part of the Common Core Standards for kindergarten math.
Picture: Math Olympics 2020 (Arcanys Early Learning Foundation)
