3 Ways to Build a Strong Foundation
Kindergarten Math in Your Homeschool: 3 Ways to Build a Strong Foundation
When it comes to homeschooling, laying a strong foundation in math during preschool and kindergarten is so important. These early math years set the stage for a lifelong love of learning and the confidence to tackle more complex concepts as your child grows.
I admit, I went a little overboard in doing preschool and kindergarten math with my kids, and I probably started earlier than was necessary. I knew a homeschooling mom whose children were several years older than mine, and she was moving along a bunch of early learning material, so I snatched it all up. My little ones weren’t even out of diapers when I started them on counting buttons, doing math blocks, and math flash cards, (and that was just the math).
Thankfully, my children and I all survived those over-ambitious years, and along the way I learned to take it down a notch and just enjoy and play with my kids sometimes. It’s a challenge to find the right balance. It’s common these days to err on the side of thinking, My child will learn math eventually, and miss out on some great seasons of early learning in teaching their kids preschool and kindergarten math.
The truth is, a solid foundation in math and numbers is so important, and it doesn’t have to be tedious. In fact, at that age, it shouldn’t be boring. So, let’s explore how you can help your young children build number sense and gain early math skills through hands-on activities, as well as by choosing the right curriculum that will support your homeschool journey through those early years and beyond.
1: Build Number Sense in Everyday Life
Number sense is the foundation of all mathematical learning. In simple terms, it’s the ability to understand and work with numbers. For your littles, this might look like:
- Recognizing numbers and counting objects.
- Understanding that numbers represent quantities.
- Learning basic addition and subtraction with visual or tactile aids.
You can help your young kids build number sense in everyday activities, taking advantage of those “teachable moments” that arise throughout the day. Do things like count steps as you climb the stairs with your preschooler, compare groups of objects to identify which has more or less when out shopping, or sort items by size or color during clean-up time.
These activities are not only practical but also naturally engage your child in learning early math concepts.
2: Introduce Math Concepts with Hands-On Activities
Children learn best through play and exploration. Hands-on activities help make abstract ideas come to life. Here are a few ideas to assist in teaching preschool and kindergarten math:
- Counting Games: Use blocks, buttons, beads (or even cookies!) for counting practice. Create simple patterns with colors or sizes, and then have your child add to those patterns. (Use simple patterns and counting for your younger children. Once they master the basics, try more complex patterns or do counting by twos, fives, tens, etc.) You can also use pattern printables.
- Measuring and Comparing: Let your child measure ingredients while cooking. Working with your kids in the kitchen gives children a terrific introduction to math concepts such as percentages: half a cup of milk, a quarter teaspoon of baking soda. You can also create a fun discovery project by giving your child a ruler or measuring tape and have her compare the lengths of everyday objects—a chair, a rug, the coffee table, the cat.
- Shape Hunts: Go on a scavenger hunt to find circles, squares, and triangles around the house. What shape is the rug? How about the table? (Don’t be afraid to introduce more complex concepts such as three-dimensional shapes: This candle is a cylinder, and this one is a sphere—a circle that you can hold.)
- Math Art: Incorporate shapes and patterns into craft time. Build pictures with geometric shapes or make patterns with stamps.
The goal here is to make number sense a fun and natural part of your child’s world, which will make it easier for your child to step into more structured learning. And speaking of structured learning, let’s talk about finding a good kindergarten math curriculum.
3: Choose the Right Curriculum
When it comes to teaching math (or any subject for that matter), having a structured curriculum can make a world of difference. You want a curriculum or program that balances engaging lessons with clear instruction, providing the support you need to help your child succeed.
It’s also easier if you don’t have to keep switching up things by looking for a new math curriculum every year or so because what you have just isn’t working.
Why We Love CTCMath for Early Learners
One curriculum that stands out for its focus on building a strong math foundation is CTCMath. This online program is designed to guide young children through key concepts with clarity and ease. Here are some reasons why it’s an excellent choice for kindergarten math in your homeschool:
- Interactive Lessons: CTCMath uses short, engaging video tutorials that explain concepts in ways your little ones can understand.
- Self-Paced Learning: Your children can progress at their own speed, revisiting lessons as needed to gain proficiency and understanding.
- Practice and Feedback: Interactive questions and instant feedback help your child solidify understanding and build confidence.
- Parental Support: The program offers progress tracking, making it easy for you to see how your child is progressing.
- Flexibility: Whether your child is a beginner or ready for a challenge, CTCMath adapts to a student’s individual needs.
CTCMath helps homeschool parents ensure that math skills are introduced in a way that is both fun and foundational, preparing children for future success. And because CTCMath is a K – 12 curriculum, this solid foundation can continue through the rest of the homeschooling years without you having to search for a new curriculum every year or two.
(Here’s a podcast with Trish on the Top 5 Reasons to Use CTCMath!)
Kindergarten Math – Building a Strong Foundation
As a homeschooling mom (who has also taught other children and tutored off and on for years), I know the challenge that teaching math can often be. But building a strong foundation in kindergarten math doesn’t have to be complicated.
By teaching your kids to understand the concept of numbers and counting through everyday activities, engaging your child in hands-on learning, and choosing a solid curriculum (like CTCMath!), you’re providing that vital foundation upon which many skills can be built in the future.
I highly recommend that you take time to check out CTCMath and see how this excellent program can assist you in teaching your homeschoolers early kindergarten math and beyond.
