11 Ways to Help Your Child Learn Math

This learning involves, for example, understanding that the number two corresponds to two objects. Begin with small sets of two and three objects, and work your way up to larger numbers. In the beginning, have the child touch each object as he counts it. Later he will be able to count alone. Try putting clothespins into a large jar and counting as you drop them in, counting plates as you set the table, or counting toys that you are putting away in the toy box.

This will help your child realize that when you stop counting a given number of objects, that number represents the amount of items in a set. Place objects in a line, and have the child touch and count each one. Then add another object to the row and have her count again.

Use simple stories to introduce word problems. For example, "A mother bunny and her baby were eating carrots in a garden. How many bunnies are there? Soon another bunny came to join them. How many bunnies are eating carrots now?"