Math Out Loud
– Playtime
While playing at home or in a park, there is much mathematics to point out and describe.
In the playground
Count the children, the number of swings, the number of steps, or anything else. Comment about where there is more of one thing than another.
On the swings
Pushing your child on the swings is a perfect opportunity to count with your child. With each push, count “1, 2, 3, 4, 5.” After your child starts learning how to count to 5, counting down from 5 is also a good idea. Start or end at 0 sometimes.
Point out the circles, curves, straight lines, triangles, and rectangles in the play area. Talk about how some things are over, under, between, or on top of other things.
At home
Compare sizes when building with toys or blocks – Which tower is the tallest; Can you make two towers the same height? Describe and compare the sizes, numbers, colors of your toys, animals in pictures, or things you can see outside. If you are making a jigsaw puzzle, describe the shape and color of the piece you need.