Research:
Our newsletter provides more detail about our research findings and how you can use them at home. Newsletters are in pdf format.
The 2013 newsletter offers an update on the most recent project assessing the development of number skills and spatial skills in preschool children.
The 2011/2012 newsletter offers feedback for parents based on the findings of the study assessing the development of early numeracy skills in children that speak different languages.
The 2010 newsletter is an update of the findings from the analyzed data. It describes math experience at home, the importance of place value and three knowledge areas important for gaining mathematical skill.
In 2007, the series wraps up with news about the relations between fingers and math in young children. It also describes the multiple pathways to arithmetic success. View 2007 newsletter.
The 2006 newsletter is about arithmetic in Kindergarten and developing arithmetic fluency in children, including playing on the MathBrain site.
The 2005 newsletter focus is on flexibility and the relation between parent home activities and math performance.
The 2004 newsletter focuses on children’s counting abilities and how they relate to addition and general math performance.
Short articles about a wide-range of topics on children’s literacy and numeracy development can be found on the website of the Encyclopedia of Language and Literacy.
Home Math
Our research shows that many parents make reading a priority at home, but don’t do much formal math. Teaching your children at home does appear to improve their math performance.
- Home math activities & Links.
- Math Fluency practice at home & Links.
- Preschool Number Games & Links.
Counting
We’ve found that how fast children can count is related to their accuracy at addition and math performance. So count everything! Count the fish in the pond. Count the dishes, the clothes, Lego, dolls, and fingers.
Games
The Count Me In team recommends board games, card games, and other activities where math happens naturally. Board games with dice provide lots of counting practice and practice with simple addition.
Sports
Spatial skills may be a factor in why girls and boys differ in math performance. Sports may help your child develop their spatial skills.
Reading
Reading skills are related to math performance, particularly with word problems. Help your child learn to read at home and read with them to develop their vocabulary.
