While I’m very comfortable with reading to my children and exposing them to rich vocabulary and literature, I also want promote early math skills. Since I know early math knowledge is equally as important as reading, I’ve been very cognizant of terminology I’m using and activities I am doing with both of my kids, ages 2 1/2 and 17 months. In additon, I started looking for some fun math (and science) books for kids.
Three awesome books we’ve been reading together are: The Grapes of Math, Math Curse, and Science Verse (my book includes a FREE bonus CD which is fun to listen to in the car). I highly recommend checking these out if you haven’t already. I think they are a fun way to introduce kids to math and science through books. An added bonus is they’re funny too (Math Curse and Science Verse) and The Grapes of Math will help stimulate your brain too. Don’t worry, the answers are in the back of the book, but try them on your own first.
From the day they are born, children are mathematicians. Born with billions of brain cells they are human computing wizards! Children are constructing knowledge constantly as they interact mentally, physically, and socially with their environment and with others around them.My kids may not be able to add or subtract yet, but I know the relationships they are making and their interaction with a stimulating environment is promoting them to construct a foundation and framework for what will eventually be mathematical concepts.
Reading to children will always be important for promoting early literacy. Along with books and vocabulary, however, ensure that you are also exposing those budding brains to math terminology and concepts. The benefits will be lifelong and hopefully your children will thank you for it – someday.Your turn: Do you promote early math skills with your children? If so, how? What other math and science related books for kids would you recommend? Feel free to let me know in the comments.
