Most people envision early reading as a marker of a particularly smart kid. While reading has previously been a major indicator of intellectual and educational success, new research indicates that math skills are more important than reading in predicting future academic success.
In fact, now experts are stating that early math skills need priority in early childhood classrooms, not reading.
Here is what the science reveals about how math helps young children.
Math Indicates Future Academic and Career Success
According to several studies, “Early math skills foretell higher aptitude in high school math and higher rates of college enrollment… [and for] both males and females, mathematical precocity early in life predicts later creative contributions and leadership in critical occupational roles.”
Math Develops Logical Thinking
Dr. Jie-Qi (Jackie) Chen has said “Math is the language of logic.” Children who learn math concepts early in life have a head start on analytical and logic skills because part of math is figuring out which is the best way to solve the equation.
Math Improves Problem-Solving Skills
Since math is all about solving the equation, it makes sense that math improves your child’s problem-solving skills. Children who can solve math problems early in life will not only be better at math in school, they will solve everyday problems easily.
Math Teaches Perseverance
Math is a struggle for most kids, and perhaps the greatest lesson learned from math is perseverance. Math teaches that repetition is imperative to success, and that there is great pleasure in accomplishing a skill. The earlier children learn perseverance, the more resilient they will be in the real world.
Math Develops Flexible and Creative Thinking
Math promotes flexible thinking because math equations can often be solved in more than one way. You can also use various mathematical operations to check your answer. Using creative and flexible thinking at an early age strengthens the brain to perform more challenging mental tasks later.
How Do I Start?
You may feel inspired to incorporate math into your daily routine, but how do you start?
This is dependent on your child’s age and current math knowledge. While it’s important to teach numbers, math is more than numbers.
Some creative ways to incorporate math skills include:
- Sorting shapes and colors or other toys (e.g. crayons from markers)
- Strategically choose board or card games that include math, like Chutes and Ladders
- Talk about the weight, size, shape, and height differences between objects
- Use Dulpos, LEGOs, or blocks with geometric shapes to build visual literacy
- Practice patterns through pattern games
Math Skills at Bright Start Louisville
Bright Start Louisville teaches many early childhood math skills, as well as providing math-centered games, puzzles, and toys that develop your child’s brain so they receive all the benefits of early math skills.
It can be hard to include your child’s math skills during a busy day. Thankfully, you can rest assured that your child receives age-appropriate and fun math skills at Bright Start Louisville.
Bright Start Louisville offers exceptional childcare to children six weeks to 12 years old. We’re proud to offer a fun and educational preschool program that prepares your child for kindergarten per state educational standards.
If you’re looking for excellent childcare that gives your child a head start in life, contact Bright Start Louisville today!