How to Build Early Math Skills - A Guide By Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley

 In this blog, Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley offers a secure and proven way of introducing basic mathematical concepts to young children, for both parents and educators.

Introducing mathematics to young children can be tricky. If not approached in the right way, a child can become averse to the concept. The key to building early math skills is adding the element of fun with learning. 

Kinder Ready Tutoring follows an intricate strategy of arrays and skip counting to build math skills, using tools like whiteboards and counting games. 

What Are Arrays?

An array consists of rows and columns in which numbers are organized. Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley believes that this is a powerful tool that provides visual translation to an abstract concept. Because of this, young children see math in action in front of them, helping them grasp the concept easily. 

An example of using arrays is arranging 4 rows of stickers, with each row containing 3 stickers. Ask the child to count, and help him ease into the concept of 4 x 3 = 12. 

For young children, arrays provide the concept that counting is not only one by one; it can be in the form of groups. This also forms the basis of multiplication, a concept to be introduced after arrays.  

Skip Counting: By 1s, 2s, 3s, and 4s

Another strategy used by Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready is skip counting. This is a great technique that ultimately builds mathematical fluency. When introducing the concept of skip counting, the element of fun can easily be included which leads to maximising the comprehension by young learners. 

Skip counting can be introduced by 1s. As a starting point, this can be done by counting out loud when clapping or hopping. This builds confidence in the children and the positive reinforcement by parents or educators strengthens the drive for learning. 

Next, by 2s. This is a great point to introduce the concept of even numbers. It can be practiced using paired objects (for example, socks or gloves). A small, fun game can be introduced to see how fast they can get to 20 or 40. 

Skip counting by 3s or 4s can be a bit tricky for young children.Educators and parents can help in this regard by using whiteboard and arrays, to arrange numbers in rows and columns. 

When children have understood the concept of skip counting, educators, guided by Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley, should introduce fun games to strengthen the concept. The games or exercise help reinforce pattern recognition. 

The Magic of Whiteboards - Among Other Techniques 

Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready says one of the best tools educators can use for young learners is whiteboard. A simple reason for this is the concept of erasing a “mistake”. Children need to understand that it is completely okay to experiment and make mistakes. The freedom a whiteboard provides encourages students to think outside the box and be confident.

A child’s brain works best when it is stimulated through play. Play-based learning is an effective technique for the introduction and reinforcement of new concepts. For example, the concept of skip counting can be reinforced through games like marching and chanting. 

Final Thoughts 

Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley believes in preparing children to thrive not just academically but also socially and emotionally. For introducing basic mathematical concepts, arrays and skip counting can be taught in a fun way that helps the children understand the concept. 

Using tools like whiteboards and games, tricky concepts can be made easy for young learners - preparing them for a life of curiosity and confidence, with a passion for learning.