There’s no need to wait until school to start teaching your child early math skills. Research has shown that math skills learned in early childhood can have a lasting impact on a child’s success in school and beyond. For preschoolers, some of the most important math skills include number recognition, counting, and sorting. These skills lay the foundation for more complex concepts like addition and subtraction. Therefore, parents and caregivers need to provide opportunities for children to practice these early math skills.  

Here are eight reasons why early math skills are so crucial for preschoolers:

Early math skills are predictive of later academic success

Studies have shown that children who have strong early math skills are more likely to excel in school than their peers who do not have such strong skills. The more they are exposed to math-oriented activities, the easier it will be for them to understand more complex math concepts later on.

Be sure to provide plenty of opportunities for your child to practice early math skills, such as counting, sorting, and identifying numbers. Introduce them to numbers in developmentally appropriate ways because it’s never too early to ignite a love for math!

They can strengthen problem-solving abilities

Preschoolers with strong early math skills are better equipped to handle problem-solving tasks than those who do not have the same level of skills. This is because early math skills take more than just learning how to count and add. It involves learning how to identify patterns and relationships, too.

For example, when children are sorting objects by color, they recognize a pattern. When counting, they identify a relationship between numbers and quantities. These skills will help them tremendously when encountering more complex problems later in life.

They can improve memory and concentration

Math also involves memorizing facts and information. Therefore, harnessing your little one’s early math skills can also help improve their memory and concentration.

When children count, they memorize the order of numbers. When they are sorting objects, they are committing specific attributes to memory. These early math skills help improve a child’s ability to remember things, which will be beneficial in school and beyond.

They can develop critical thinking skills

Many people believe that math is nothing more than a set of rules and procedures to be memorized. However, early math skills lay the foundation for critical thinking. For example, simple addition and subtraction problems require kids to learn how to break down complex problems into smaller steps. This ability to break down and solve complex problems is essential for success in school and the workplace. 

They can improve fine motor skills

Developing early math skills also involves a lot of fine motor skills. For example, when kids count objects, they often use their fingers to point to each object as they count. Or, when they sort objects, they use their hands to manipulate the objects.

All of these finger and hand movement helps improve fine motor skills, which are essential for tasks such as writing and drawing.

They can promote creativity

You might not think of math as a creative activity, but early math promotes creativity in young children. Early math is all about exploring, discovering, and trying new things. When children are given the opportunity to explore early math concepts, they often come up with creative solutions to problems.

Theycan foster a love for learning

When children are exposed to early math concepts in a fun and engaging way, it can help foster a love for learning. Math can be very intimidating for some, but if kids learn early on that math can be fun, they are more likely to develop a positive attitude towards the subject.

Consider introducing math concepts through play. There are tons of great math games and toys that your child will love. So bring on the math games! Not only will they be having fun, but they will also be developing the confidence they need to succeed in math.

They can lead to success in school and beyond

Early math skills lay the foundation for success in school and in life. Children who have strong early math skills are more likely to do well in math class and are more likely to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

It’s never too early to start developing your child’s early math skills. You can set your child up for a lifetime of success by starting now!

Here at Young Scholars Academy, we aim to create an engaging learning environment, filled with meaningful fun activities that create such big memories, your kids will happily remember throughout the years!

We pride ourselves in the quality of our establishment and maintain an environment that is clean, safe and loving for all. Our classrooms provide every child a place where they can explore, discover and enjoy learning through kinesthetic experiences.

 

The first few years of your baby’s life are a special time for you both to bond and get to know each other. However, you may need to return to work or resume your regular activities, which may mean transitioning your little one to a childcare setting. While we want them to be happy and safe and to have all the opportunities available to them for their growth and development, the decision to leave them in a childcare setting isn’t as easy as it sounds. But the good news is there are some things you can do to help ease the transition for both of you. 

Talk about it ahead of time

Being left in a new, unfamiliar environment can be daunting for your little one. Help your child get ready for the transition by talking about it ahead of time. Explain what will happen, who they will be with, and what they will be doing. Encourage them to ask questions, too. This will help them feel more comfortable and confident about the new situation. It will also help ease their anxiety and give them a better understanding of what to expect.

Schedule a visit

If possible, schedule a visit to the childcare facility a few weeks before sending your little one to a childcare center so your child can get familiar with the surroundings. This will help reduce any anxiety they may have about being in a new place.

Get to know the staff

It’s important that you feel comfortable and confident with the staff taking care of your child. If you can, get to know them ahead of time and learn about their qualifications and experience. Take time to ask more questions and learn more about their programs and activities. This will help you feel more comfortable leaving your child in their care. It will also help put your mind at ease knowing your child is in good hands.

Pack their favorite things

Pack your child’s favorite things, like a blanket or stuffed animal, to help them feel comfortable and secure in the new setting. These items will also give them a sense of familiarity and help ease any anxiety they may have about being in a new place.

Prepare for separation

When it’s time to say goodbye, do it with confidence and assurance. Let your child know that you will be back to pick them up soon and that they will be taken care of in the meantime. There’s no need to prolong your goodbye or make it overly emotional. Just a quick hug and kiss will do. This will help your child feel more confident and secure about being left in the childcare setting.

Be flexible

Be prepared to be flexible with your schedule, especially in the beginning. There may be days when your child will have difficulty adjusting to the new routine and needs some extra time to transition. If this happens, try not to get too frustrated or upset. Just be patient and understanding, and give them the time to adjust. Eventually, things will settle down, and they’ll be back to their usual self.

Stay positive

It’s important that you stay positive about the whole experience, both for your sake and your child’s. If you’re feeling anxious or stressed about the transition, your child will likely pick up and feel the same way. So try to stay calm and positive, and focus on the excitement of all the new things your child will experience in childcare.

Be involved

Last but not least, stay involved in your child’s life even when you are not with them. Find out how the staff is doing and what they are doing each day. You will feel more connected to your child and their experiences in childcare. Additionally, it will show your child that you care about them and are interested in what they do even when you are not with them.

Entrusting your little one to a childcare facility can be tough for any parent. But with these tips, you’ll both be ready for this new adventure!

Young Scholars Academy daycare has a wide and wonderful variety of programs to help you with all of your childcare needs! We have childcare programs for children age 6 weeks to 14 years! Visit us to learn more!

 

Promoting good reading habits in the early years of your child’s life can benefit them in more ways than one. Not only will it give them a head start academically, but it will also allow them to develop a love for reading that can last a lifetime. Sadly, not all kids are born with a natural affinity for books. Some have to be taught early on that reading can be fun. If your child falls into this category, there are several things you can do to make reading more enjoyable for your early reader! Take a look at this list!

Start with books that are interesting to them

One of the best ways to make reading fun for your early reader is to encourage them to read books that pique their interest. If your child is interested in dinosaurs, find some books about dinosaurs. If they like cars, look for books about cars. Making the book’s content relatable to their interests will help them engage with it more.

Make it a game

You can turn reading into a fun game by incorporating some friendly competition. See who can read the most words in a minute or try to find all the words that start with a specific letter. Whoever wins should get a prize or a reward in any form. This will not only make reading more enjoyable for your child. It will also help them to develop their skills at a faster pace.

Read together

Another trick to make reading fun for early readers is to read with them. Not only will this give you some quality time together, but it will also model good reading habits for your child.

Make it a habit to carve out time each day to cuddle up with your little one and enjoy a book together. Find a schedule that fits your own and your child’s daily routine. For example, if bedtime is the best time for you, make reading a regular part of the bedtime ritual.

Let them choose their books

Giving your child the power to choose which books they want to read will promote a love of reading in them.

Take them to the library or bookstore and let them browse through the children’s section. They’re bound to find something that looks appealing to them. Once they’ve made their selection, sit down and read it with them.

Visit the library regularly

Visiting the library regularly is a great way to make reading fun for young readers. Not only will they have access to a wide variety of books, but they’ll also be able to take part in library programs specifically designed for kids.

These programs usually involve storytime, crafts, and other activities that make reading more enjoyable for kids.

Encourage them to read aloud

Reading aloud is a great way to improve your child’s reading skills and it’s also a lot of fun! Start by reading a few sentences or pages from a book, then have your early reader read the next few. Take turns like this until you’ve finished the book.

Give them time to read

Don’t try to rush your child through their books. Let them take their time so they can fully enjoy the experience. Let them know if they want to linger on a certain page or reread a favorite part. The more time they spend reading, the more fun they’ll have with it.

Let them reread their favorite books

Rereading books is an excellent way for early readers to build confidence and improve their reading skills. So, if your child wants to read the same book repeatedly, let them! It’s all part of the learning process.

Make it a family affair

Make reading a family activity by setting aside time each day for everyone to read. Not only will this create a love of reading in your little one, but it will also be a great bonding experience for the whole family.

Reward their efforts

Finally, be sure to praise and reward your early reader for their efforts. It will show them how proud you are of their efforts. Rewards and prizes could be in the form of a sticker chart where they get a sticker for every book they read. Once they’ve collected enough stickers, they can redeem them for a prize. It could also be in the form of a small toy or a special treat. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something your child will enjoy.

Aside from its cognitive benefits, reading is an excellent source of fun and entertainment for early readers. By following these simple tips, you can help your child develop a love of reading that will last them a lifetime.

At Young Scholars Academy, our philosophy is to be a vital extension of your family, sharing love and concerns for your child as we work together to build a foundation for their happiness and success. Visit us and learn more!