Mini-Session 7: Count with Me

Josefina Bojorquez

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Not Enrolled
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Free
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In this session, parents will view videos and engage in discussions that\ demonstrate math is everywhere in the world around them. Fun play and learning activities will be shared to show parents how they can take advantage of daily routine activities that will help their children have fun while doing math. This session also includes the Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors Count With Me Bingo game, available for purchase in our online store: https://staging.ap-od.org/shop/.

Popular Saying: A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

As a result of this session, participants will:

  • Recognize that the jobs of the future have changed, and math is as important as reading for future school and work success.
  • Gain knowledge about the importance of early math skills.
  • Have fun with math opportunities found everywhere and every day by

Background

From the moment children are born, they are curious! They explore with their eyes, mouths, and their hands. Little ones are natural-born mathematicians and scientists who actively learn and collect information (or data) throughout their day. Like reading, math is a tool, and one that can be developed and honed early in life.

Children begin to learn and develop early math skills from the moment they are born.  As it turns out, early math skills are just as important as early literacy skills – in fact, research suggests that early math skills are even more important than early reading or early social skills. Researchers have found that the amount of math children learned before they start kindergarten is important in determining their ability to finish high school and get a good job. In fact, the careers of the future are shifting, with estimates from the US Department of Education suggesting that the number of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) jobs will grow dramatically.

What is exciting is that research has also shown that parents can make a big difference in their children’s math learning. Parents as their children’s first teachers, and their homes as their first school, have great influence on the development of their children’s early math skills. Parents can convert everyday activities and simple games into fun and exciting opportunities to help their children develop the critical early math skills they need.

The key to helping children learn these early math skills is to make it fun and engaging. Games, apps, and activities, building on children’s natural curiosity, and asking questions will often make learning about math enjoyable and not a chore. More importantly, it will help children develop the confidence that they can do math!