Numeracy

THINK - MATH

With your support, preschoolers are developing their ability to understand and work with numbers

At A Glance

Numeracy is the ability to understand and work with numbers. Preschoolers use their numeracy skills when they count how many blueberries they have or recognize a number written in a book. We can support numeracy skills by counting objects, using number words, and by encouraging children to compare amounts.

What It Looks Like

A quick glance at ways you can support preschoolers' early math skills in numeracy

Encourage Thinking Fast

Ask children to quickly identify the number of objects in a small set instead of counting. Flash a card and ask them to ‘think fast’ like this educator does.

Model One-to-One Correspondence

Notice how this educator counts aloud and points to each object as they say the number. This type of modeling helps children see that numbers correspond to specific quantities.

Help Children Compare Quantities

Encourage children to compare quantities to find out which group has more, fewer, or the same amount, like this educator does.

SUPPORTING MATH SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS

I Know Numbers!

Written and illustrated by Taro Gomi, this book shows how people notice and use numbers throughout their everyday lives. It also explores the different meanings that numbers can hold.

SUPPORTING MATH SKILLS THROUGH BOOKS

One Family

Written by George Shannon and illustrated by Blanca Gomez, this story follows the lives of a busy family and offers many opportunities to count and find out “how many.”