Ways to Get Your Child to Use Math Concepts to Solve Everyday Problems

Ways to Get Your Child to Use Math Concepts to Solve Everyday Problems


Your child has been learning many simple math concepts, and she is now able to use them to solve everyday problems. She may try to build a block tower as tall as she is. If her cup is almost empty, she may come to you saying that she needs a pitcher of water so she can make it full again. She may complain if she notices that a friend or sibling has more snack than she does. She may also tell you when one thing is heavier than another. All of these scenarios reflect an ability to think mathematically and are leading her down the road to understanding future math concepts.

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Play Tips:

How can you support your child’s development of this Reasoning and Problem Solving skill at this age? It’s as easy as 1-2-3.

  1. Model math terms. Try to use words that describe quantity or location (i.e. spatial understanding), such as “more” and “less” or “above” and “below.” This will expose her to these terms and encourage her to use them and to more about these concepts.
  2. Ask questions about quantities and relationships. When looking at two or more objects, ask questions that get your child to contrast and compare the objects. For example, ask “Which apple is bigger?” or “Which child is the tallest?”
  3. Use math to solve real problems. Get your child to use math in real, everyday situations by asking her to solve simple problems. For example, you could ask your child “Are there enough crackers for all of us to have another one?” Or, you could ask her if there are any glasses on the table that are empty. Once you start thinking like this, you will see simple math problems for your child all around!

(Playful Bee is launching our new DIY Preschool from Birth program! Click here to enroll.)

Developmental Milestones:

Has your baby achieved the following Reasoning and Problem Solving developmental milestones yet? If yes, check off all the skill(s) he has already mastered to date using Playful Bee’s developmental milestones tracker. It’s absolutely FREE and easy to use, just click HERE!

  • Uses mathematical thinking to solve problems.

Playful Bee

Education Team at Playful Bee
Playful Bee is an e-Preschool that delivers inquiry-based preschool learning from the classroom to your home. Our preschool curriculum was created by our talented team of rock star teachers. With years of hands-on preschool and Kindergarten teaching experience, they've developed a high-quality preschool experience that is convenient-to-use and easy-to-teach by you, grandparents, or your nanny at home.

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