We have already discussed the importance of developing a good math foundation for your preschoolers. The first, best, and easiest way to incorporate math into your child’s early years is to incorporate math into the reading you already do with your child. It’s never too early to start reading to your child, and it’s never too early to add math concepts to that reading.
There’s no need to run out and buy a bunch of preschool math books, though you can mention to your friends and family that math-related storybooks would be a great gift idea. You probably already have books with mathematical concepts. For example, Goldilocks and the Three Bears is a wonderful story to introduce mathematical concepts. Allows early counting. It has size comparisons to too small, too big, and just right. It has a one-to-one combination with the little bear and the little bed. You certainly won’t use this terminology, but as you read you can point to these concepts. three blind mice, Three Little Pigs, three little kittensY Five little monkeys jumping on the bed are other good examples you may already have.
Before you spend a lot of money on books, I suggest you check out your local public library. You can check out books, read them with your child, and if the book seems to be one of those books that your child wants you to read over and over again, THEN you can buy it. Certainly use your library before buying anything you haven’t read from online sources.
If you’re interested in purchasing your own math-related books, I have several suggestions. I am a huge fan of the Dr. Seuss books. Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb enter large numbers. Ten apples up! It’s a good counting book. One fish, two fish, red fish, blue fish It is good for counting and colors. Horton hears a who! it even introduces the concept of infinity. Many other Dr. Seuss books contain number concepts, colors, and shapes to read with your child.
You may have read or heard about Baby Einstein. If so, you should know that having your young child watch the videos is a very bad idea! Research shows there should be NO SCREEN TIME for children under two years and very limited time for the oldest child. However, baby Einstein my first number book is a wonderful example of what an illustrated book of numbers should be.
sesame street book ABC and 1 2 3 is also an excellent illustrated book related to mathematics.
When considering the purchase of math picture books, there are a few things to consider. The book should be colorful, interesting to you, and make sense, not just rhyme. Don’t assume that because it’s about numbers it’s a good book. For example, I found a book called One two Three! by Sandra Boyton. I actually got confused while reading! One line read “…and when you want to explore, the number you need is FOUR.” WHY? What does four have to do with exploring? Another page said “Seven is perfect for a play.” Again, I questioned what that meant. Any book you choose should be something you can talk about with your child. Choose books that you can read with enthusiasm. If a book doesn’t make sense to you, don’t buy it. I want to reiterate that you don’t need to buy a lot of number-related books because you can find number concepts like counting and making comparisons in just about any book.
As you read to your child, you should work on what is called “the language of space.” This refers to words like front, back, above, below, above, below, in front of, behind, first, last, in, on, corner, edge, surface, etc. These are all important concepts for your child to understand when they start school. They can’t line up behind the blue line if they don’t know what ‘behind’ means.
When you read to your child, be sure to:
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Hold your child on your lap.
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Let your child know how much you enjoy reading time together.
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Read every day.
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Get involved with the story. Read with great enthusiasm and expression. Use different voices. Be active by pointing to things on the pages. Ask questions.
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Pay attention to your child’s responses. Know when to put the book away. If your child loses interest, do something different.
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Be prepared to read the same book over and over again and be enthusiastic each time.
Above all, make reading FUN!
