The Importance of Early Mathematics for Pre-K/TK Students

Math is much more than reciting numbers and learning facts. It’s developing an intuitive understanding of number relationships, patterns, and basic mathematical concepts that will build as children grow. The benefits of introducing and developing mathematics understandings and skills with young children are far-reaching. 
Here’s why early mathematics matters.

1. Foundation for Future Learning: Early math skills are strong predictors of later academic achievement—not just in math but also in reading and science (MacDonald & Carmichael, 2016). 
2. Cognitive Development: Math promotes logical thinking, problem solving, spatial awareness, sequencing, and the ability to recognize patterns and relationships. 
3. Everyday Relevance: Math is everywhere—counting steps, sorting toys, comparing sizes or quantities—so early exposure helps students make sense of the world and makes learning feel relevant and meaningful.
4. Mathematics, Language, and Reasoning Connections: Mathematics is tied to language development and cognition. Talking about numbers, shapes, sizes, and quantities strengthens vocabulary and supports verbal communication. Math discourse helps develop both mathematics and language skills, which is especially important for English Learners.
5. Confidence Building: When children are comfortable with numbers and foundational math concepts, they are less likely to develop math anxiety as they grow older. Early success in math builds confidence and a positive attitude toward learning. 

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Practical Strategies for Promoting Mathematics in Pre-K and TK

As educators, there are many ways we can support the development of early mathematical understandings. The key is to recognize that for young children, the best way to learn is through play and physical and emotional engagement. Here are a few strategies to integrate into your classroom: 

• Exploration: Engage children in exploration using building blocks, sorting games, and puzzles. Activities like counting the number of toy cars or grouping blocks by color or size naturally foster math concepts as students explore and make sense of the classroom environment and their world. 
• Sing Number Songs and Rhymes: Songs like “Five Little Ducks” or “Ten in the Bed” introduce rhythm and repetition, reinforcing counting and number recognition. Rhyming and singing also enhance students’ memory and make learning fun. 
• Use Visual Models and Manipulatives: Encourage students to use math manipulatives like cubes or counting bears, and everyday objects like buttons or erasers, to explore math concepts independently. They will deepen their understanding as they connect concrete experiences to abstract mathematical ideas.
• Model Mathematical Language: Introduce and use terms such as more, less, greater than, fewer, first, last, between, and after. These words are important not only for math but also for communication and reasoning. 
• Embed Mathematics in Daily Routines: From counting the number of students present in the classroom to discussing the shapes of familiar objects, daily routines offer countless opportunities to develop and reinforce mathematical ideas. Encourage students to notice numbers and patterns in the world around them—in the classroom, outdoors, or even in books.

Early mathematics is not just about teaching numbers. It's about helping students see the world as a place filled with patterns to find, questions to ponder, and limitless exciting possibilities.

Want to learn more? Check out BRIGANCE for early childhood and special education. 

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