Kindergarten Math Activity

If you ask yourself which is the ultimate kindergarten math activity for preschoolers, I can tell that such an activity does not exist!

There are many good kindergarten math activities, although not all of the activities are appropriate for every child.

In order for the activity to be suitable and appropriate for your child two main conditions must be met:

1. The activity must suit the ability level of the child.

2. The child has to enjoy the activity.

In addition, the more the child enjoys the activity, the more he will request to participate in it.

How to Choose the Ultimate Kindergarten Math Activity?

Recently I was invited to a family dinner party. My cousin arrived with his wife and son Ron, who is 5 years old. Before dinner I sat next to Ron and began talking. Ron told me about his friends, about his preschool and what he learns about there. In addition he told me that he knows how to solve mathematical sums, and was extremely proud of himself (and rightly so!).

I couldn't resist and asked if he wanted to play a game. He agreed enthusiastically. We began playing the game "guess the number". Initially, I chose the number and he had to guess which number I had chosen, after which we switched roles. We both extremely enjoyed the game.

During the game, I discovered what Ron actually knew and what he had not yet mastered. Instantly, I thought of the next kindergarten math activity for him. However dinner time arrived all too soon and we were forced to cease our activity, but not before Ron made it clear that we would commence our activity after dinner.

Once the meal had ended we were unfortunately not able to continue with our activity. Ron's mother approached me and asked "What have you done to my child? He is looking for you!" and then she added "I have never seen him enjoy a math activity to this extent!"

I told her about the activity and suggested an additional math activity to her, one that would strengthen the areas that he had not yet mastered.

Matching the activity to Ron's ability level combined with the enjoyment of the activity turned this simple activity into the ultimate kindergarten math activity for this specific child.

Get acquainted with the knowledge and abilities of your child, and match the activity to his preferences. If your child loves games, play with him. If your child loves worksheets, provide him with them. If he prefers mind challenges, challenge him. What's important is that the child enjoys the activity and is able to progress at his own pace without any unnecessary pressure.