By Colleen O. Oppenzato and Herbert P. Ginsburg From lullabies to cleanup songs to pop music earworms, we know that many families like to sing together. Not only is singing a pleasure, but it can also be used to help children learn math. Singing songs with math content woven throughout…

by Barbrina B. Ertle Learning to count groups of things is a key early math skill. It can also be a lot of fun for young children! Here are some strategies to practice counting groups of things. 1. As children begin to learn counting, model how to count each thing…

By Michèle Mazzocco, Sarah Pan, and Jasmine Ernst Around Valentine’s Day, heart-shaped pictures appear in many homes, classrooms, and community spaces. Take advantage of these images to help children explore key early math concepts about shapes, lines, and symmetry. This exploration supports children’s understanding that shapes have distinct features and…

By Jasmine R. Ernst and Michèle M. Mazzocco Strengthen early math skills at home or school with this fun snowflake design activity. All you need is paper (such as computer, construction, or scrap paper), scissors, and something to write with. …

By Deborah Stipek and Cynthia E. Coburn

By Kelley Durkin and Dale C. Farran Key Points: DREME created a set of Preschool Math Center Activities that are easy for teachers to set up and fun for children to do. The activities build math and executive function (EF) skills and promote student engagement and peer collaboration. Developed with…

By Sarah Eason, Ariadne Nelson, Susan Levine, and Amy Claessens Key Points: Talking about math promotes the development of children’s math skills. Caregivers can look for opportunities to ask children to explain their math thinking. Using hand gestures can help children connect what they’re hearing with what they’re seeing. “Let’s play blocks…

By Sarah E. Pan and Michèle M. Mazzocco Key Points: Decorating jack-o’-lanterns offers opportunities for children to explore early math concepts like shape, size, and measurement. You can do this activity with things commonly found at home and in classrooms — no pumpkin required. Whether creating Halloween decorations for your…

By Rachel Olson, Michèle Mazzocco, and Sheila Williams Ridge Key Points: There are many benefits to supporting early math learning outdoors. Caregivers and teachers can help develop young children’s math skills without taking over their outside playtime. See examples of how to incorporate nature into math teaching in this short…