These 5 resources are designed to support children’s mathematical language skills
Children will need to gain an understanding of mathematical language in order to develop their skills in number, shape, space and measure; however maths can be a difficult area of development to resource for across the age groups. Compare bears, unifix cubes and plastic coins are all great resources to use with children to build mathematical skills and language. These 5 activities packs will support children in learning and using mathematical language through play.
Different sizes
Children will need to gain an understanding of measuring in order to develop language based around sizes. Young children will begin by using describing words such as ‘big’ and ‘little’ before moving on to more complex language such as “bigger” or “biggest.” This activity pack can support children in experimenting with sizes using the cut out animals as a visual aid. The children can sort the animals in to small, medium and large groups and talk about which animal is ‘bigger’ than another. These are great to use with much younger children also to develop animal recognition before introducing the sizes.
Counting
Counting is a great way to build mathematical language. Children will begin by reciting numbers, that are usually not in the right order. It is a good idea to focus on a handful of numbers at one time; rather than teaching children to count from one to ten straight away, try counting up to three first then add another number once the child is comfortable. Giving the children a visual aid such as counting flashcards can support them to touch each image as they count and build on their number skills. Children will learn the correct number order, the ability to count objects and find the final number. These flashcards are space themed are include counting up to 5, however flashcards are great to use as they can be catered to a range of different themes or topics.
Threading
Threading is a fun activity for the children to experience, encouraging hand eye coordination. Threading enables the children to experience a shape or picture and follow the edges, using a lace or some ribbon to weave in and out of the holes. This activity requires a good concentration, trial and error approach giving children the opportunity to create something. Shape threading cards can help children to experience different shapes and how they are formed, using the ribbon to thread around the outside of the shape and talk about what they are doing.
Patterns
Children need to learn about patterns in order to recognise order in a chaos. Patterns can be found in ideas, words, symbols, numbers, and images. Pattern recognition can support children in predicting and decision making, both good skills to have to support the development of other areas such as social development and build mathematical language. These pattern cards are a great way to develop pattern recognition through colour. Children can use the cards alongside a handful of unifix cubes and try to copy the pattern on each card. Can the children guess what comes next? This activity can be recreated using a range of resources such as coloured buttons or beads.
Numeral recognition
Children will need to see numbers in their environment to build numeral recognition and begin to make connections between a number and its value. It is a good idea to incorporate numbers into all of your learning areas to encourage numeral recognition. This can be done by writing numbers on a menu board in the role play area or having a transport number line in your construction area. These fun number people can be displayed in the learning environment and encourage children to become familiar with numerals and use the number names in play.