Maths
Maths is also a fundamental area of learning; essential for a child's future academic success. However it is also an easy one to slot into daily activities at home, you are probably already supporting your child's learning without realising.
Counting: We can encourage counting the number of chicken nuggets on a plate, or the stairs as we walk up, even counting to "time" how fast they can get dressed or put on their shoes.
Recognising number: While out for a walk notice the door numbers or speed signs around you.
1 to 1 correspondence (counting one object and saying one number name): We can do this by helping to set the table and making sure everyone has a knife and fork etc. or maybe by packing a picnic and getting an apple and a drink for everyone.
Some other amazing activities you can do at home which supports mathematical development are:
- Baking
- Bingo
- Cooking
- Sorting objects
- Doing jigsaw puzzles
- Building with blocks
- Playing board games
There are also some great online games linked below to help support children.
But the most important is being positive and encouraging!
As teachers we hear a lot of "I wasn't very good at maths when I was at school" from parents, however your child is far more likely to enjoy and excel in maths if you model a positive, can do attitude when supporting and encouraging them at home.
Physical Development
It's so important to give our children time and space to be active and get out of breathe every day.
By popping along to either the Blue or Red Park after school you can encourage your child to develop their gross motor skills, core strength and shoulder/arm muscles. Doing the monkey bars or climbing up a rope will help them to strengthen muscles they need for writing.
Got a spare few minutes but don't really want the children to just be watching the TV or playing on a tablet?
Why not give some of these a go? It's great fun for the children or to do as a family.