Scribbles to Masterpieces: 5 Ways to Nurture Your Kid’s Fine Motor Skills.

As parents, we are keen observers of our children’s progress. We memorize all their firsts: their first word, the first time they sit or stand, the first time they say mom or dad, and so on. In the first year of their lives, they will also start developing motor skills. What motor skills you ask? Have you observed toddlers grasping objects, reaching for faces, rattling their toys, and other such actions? Those are some of the motor skills that kids develop.

Motor skills are of two types, gross motor skills and fine motor skills. Gross motor skills are the movements we make using the large muscles in our arms and legs, like standing, walking, and running. On the other hand, fine motor skills or dexterity involve coordinating muscles in the brain and nervous system to control the movement of other small muscles in the hands, fingers, eyes, and lips. Developing these skills enables children to undertake activities like tying shoelaces, buttoning a shirt, grasping a spoon, and eating and holding objects.

5 Activities That Boost Your Kid’s Fine Motor Skills

1. Building with Blocks

Building with blocks is an excellent workout for your child. By using their hands to grasp, position, and balance the blocks, kids strengthen their hand muscles, improve hand-eye coordination, and develop spatial awareness. They also practice decision-making and problem-solving as they build different structures. Whether they’re building structures or just stacking blocks, this is a fantastic preschool activity for your kids to enhance their fine motor skills while having a blast.

2. Painting

Painting is a fun and creative way to help preschoolers develop motor skills. You can encourage your kids to use their hands, sponges, strings, brushes, and other materials while painting. Using their hands to spread paint, squeeze the sponge, and hold brushes strengthens muscles and improves coordination.

3. Cutting Shapes

Using safety scissors to cut different shapes helps kids practice hand-eye coordination and focus, as they carefully use their scissors along the lines marked on the paper. As they practice cutting regularly, they build hand strength and control. With each snip, preschoolers sharpen their hand-eye coordination and get ready for bigger tasks like writing and drawing.

4. Puzzles

Puzzles offer a dynamic platform for preschoolers to refine their motor skills. Picking up puzzle pieces and placing them in the right place exercises their finger dexterity, problem-solving skills, and overall brain development. Puzzles from their favorite cartoon or Disney princess can easily capture their attention and help them enhance their focus and concentration.

5. Tangram

Tangram is a Chinese puzzle game consisting of seven geometric shapes put together in the shape of a square.

In this game, kids need to arrange these geometrical shapes to create shapes and figures using all seven pieces. Tangram puzzles are not only entertaining but also serve as a valuable tool for developing spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and dexterity, making them popular educational toys for children and adults alike.

While these preschool activities can be included in your kid’s routine at home, there are structured early childhood education programs that make these tasks easy and fun. One such program is i-Maths, a dedicated program for preschool activities that fosters the development of cognitive skills, motor skills, confidence, creative thinking, and a fondness for math. 

Why are Fine Motor Skills Important?

Every parent like yourself wants their child to be independent and confident over time. Fine motor skills lay the foundation for important activities like writing, buttoning clothes, zipping a zipper, twisting a doorknob, eating with utensils, and others. These are simple and basic tasks, but they play a big role in their daily routine. 

These motor skills are also important for cognitive development, enhancing coordination, concentration, hand-eye movement, and other problem-solving abilities. They’re the building blocks for future academic success and will also enable your child to enjoy hobbies like playing a musical instrument, arts and crafts, playing video games, and so on.

Here is a reference chart of your preschooler’s fine motor skill milestones. This is only a point of reference, as each child is different and progresses at their individual pace.

The i-Maths childhood education program is a well-researched program for kids that is based on their cognitive development and learning patterns. At i-Maths, we employ fun preschool activities like the ones mentioned above and more to enhance your kid’s progress academically and beyond. Our goal is to lay a strong educational foundation and stimulate early brain development through fun and joyful mathematical exploration. 

Harness your child’s strengths at an early age. Enroll them now in a globally successful childhood education program that adds a fun and creative twist to their learning journey.

Education through Storytelling: Transforming the Way Children Learn

Is Storytelling a good teaching method for children?

Once upon a time…………………………

Opening routes to endless possible incidents and tracing back the nostalgia of our favorite stories, this phrase seems synonymous with the art of storytelling! Stories have long been recognized as powerful tools for engaging young minds and imparting knowledge in memorable ways. An ancient art form that has transcended generations, cultures, and civilizations, storytelling at its core, is about weaving narratives that captivate audiences, evoke emotions, and convey messages or lessons. They resonate with us because they reflect our own experiences!

You can explore:

In recent years, the art of storytelling has found a relevance in the field of education. Unlike traditional methods of instruction that often rely on lectures, textbooks, and memorization, inculcating the practice of storytelling in preschool education offers a more dynamic and interactive approach to learning. By incorporating narrative elements such as characters, plotlines, and settings into preschool activities, educators can transform the way preschoolers learn into relatable, meaningful, and fun experiences. 

Benefits of Storytelling in Education

“If you want your children to be smart, tell them stories. If you want them to be brilliant, tell them more stories”

– Albert Einstein

Einstein, the famous theoretical physicist, through his words, correctly indicated the effect that stories can have on children. How many of you still remember your childhood tales? We’re sure the number is resounding! Ever wondered why, even after decades, you still remember the plot of even a short story? That’s exactly how storytelling impacts minds! The human mind is more receptive and likely to understand narrative structures which have definitive beginnings and ends. Because of these reasons integrating storytelling into preschool education can yield significant results.

1. Increases Effective Engagement

Engagement is a crucial criterion for effective education and storytelling serves as a potent tool to captivate young minds. While imparting education, engaging students in preschool activities with the aid of narratives rich in characters and plots, educators can spark curiosity, sustained attention, and encourage active participation during the activity.

2. Gives Space to Imagination

Imagination is the cornerstone of creativity and innovation, and storytelling provides a fertile ground for its cultivation. When, through fun preschool activities, students encounter imaginative narratives and fantasy worlds, they are exposed and encouraged to think beyond conventional possibilities and come up with unique ideas while developing critical-thinking skills. Learning concepts through narrative structures serves as an effective approach to education. 

3. Instills Empathy

Children, especially preschoolers’ minds, are very receptive. They are exposed to various emotions at this stage, including empathy. Along with many others, empathy is a vital skill that promotes understanding and compassion. Through the exploration of diverse characters, perspectives, and experiences of stories, children experience empathy and learn to walk in the shoes of others. Thus integrating storytelling in early education helps little ones develop a deeper sense of understanding for others.

4. Enhances Memory Retention

The narrative structure of stories provides a framework that helps preschoolers organize and encode information effectively. By embedding key concepts and ideas within the engaging storylines, one can create a memorable learning experience for children which leaves a contextual and lasting impression on students’ minds.

5. Building Language Skills

Language proficiency is one of the fundamentals to success and storytelling plays a pivotal role in developing language skills. The preschool activities carried out through the storytelling method expose children to rich and varied vocabulary through which they can expand their own language skills and improve their reading comprehension. These learnings in turn help children to express themselves with increased clarity and precision.

cartoon image of a teacher storytelling children

The Role of Storytelling in Teaching Math

How do you imagine a math class? A set of questions, waiting to be solved and ultimately leading to an answer – This is the general notion of how a numeric-based class would function but the addition of storytelling can alter this conventional belief! Storytelling offers a unique and effective approach to teaching math by transforming it into an engaging subject.

For your little ones, blending mathematical concepts into interesting activities can transform their learning experience, taking it a level higher.

Math activities for preschoolers when integrated with the art of storytelling can help children understand how math can be applied everywhere around them. 

This also helps in bridging the gap between theoretical math concepts and their applications in real life, thereby deeper the understanding of your toddler. 

But how can we, as parents and educators, incorporate storytelling in the kindergarten curriculums?

Practical Strategies for Incorporating Storytelling in Math Education

1. Story Problems

Traditional math world problems can be less engaging. By transforming these into narrative scenarios, educators can contextualize math concepts within real-life situations that resonate with children. Thinking of ways using which the story characters can subtly tackle the embedded math problems in stories encourages them to apply their math skills practically.

2. Collaborative Storytelling

Math activities for preschoolers that encourage students to come together, think creatively, and weave interesting mathematical plots ensure active participation and unique learning approaches against the traditional ones. By working together to create and share their own math narratives, they also develop communication skills, teamwork, and a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

3. Assessing Learning through Stories

In place of traditional tests and quizzes, adopting alternative assessment methods such as storytelling-based assessments or presentations will allow children to demonstrate their mathematical understanding creatively.

Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel-Peace Laureate, said, “Storytelling is a powerful tool that can be used to teach, to inspire and to change the world.” 

Certainly, a story-based learning approach moves children into the world of imagination while acquiring new skills which simplifies the education process and makes it more effortless for them!

Through the various math activities for preschoolers, at i-maths, we understand the need for new and enhanced teaching methodologies. Setting strong foundations at early ages through effective teaching methods, such as storytelling, ensures that children build upon strongly laid concepts and pave the path to their success! If you also searched for an ‘early learning center near me’, especially for math programs, i-maths is the place for you! 

Book a free info session now!!

Life Lessons for the Little Warriors: Kung Fu Panda Style

i-Maths Banner Text: The Scroll of Secrets: Life Lessons from The Dragon Warrior. www.i-maths.ca

Kungfu Panda-4 just released recently and if you have already watched it with your little masters, you probably know that they loved every bit of it. If you haven’t watched it yet, we bet that you’ve been coaxed enough to make plans to watch the movie with the little ones. Either way, the movie is packed with excellent life lessons for all of us and we would like to recap some of them in Po’s style. Here’s hoping that by now you already know who Po is. (Hint: He’s the loveable protagonist of the movie).

6 Life Lessons Your Little Warriors Can Learn from Kung Fu Panda

1. Embrace Your Uniqueness

Right from the beginning when Po is chosen to be the Dragon Warrior, everyone has some expectations from him. They want him to fit into this preconceived profile of how a dragon warrior should be. But that’s not Po’s style. After some internal debates, he realizes that his strength comes from being himself and that’s the first step in his journey towards becoming the Dragon Warrior.

Your-Real-Strength-Comes-From-Being-The-Best-‘You-You-Can-Be

 

Children encounter different situations every day which may cause them to doubt themselves or make them conceal their real personalities. As parents and educators, we need to constantly encourage them to embrace their uniqueness. It’s their uniqueness that makes them special, and there is nothing that they need to hide. 

2. Respect For Others

Respect is the cornerstone of all interactions we have and relations we make. In Kung Fu Panda movies, we witness how Po is respectful to his master and all his teammates. The virtues of empathy and kindness need to be instilled in children through everyday interactions. Teach them the value of respect through simple gestures like taking turns to talk, listening to others, and speaking politely. These small acts will lay the foundation for bigger meaningful lessons in life.

3. Embrace Change

Po reminds us to live in the moment and embrace life with all its ups and downs. Staying fixated on a particular lifestyle or habit may not always be the best and when the time comes, we need to embrace change and be ready to adapt.

Yesterday-is-History-Tomorrow-is-a-Mystery-but-Today-is-a-Gift.-Thats-Why-They-Call-it-The-Present

 

Discuss any potential changes or shifts in schedules with your preschoolers and teach them to navigate transitions with grace and positivity. Whether it’s starting a new year at school, the first day at a new preschool activity, or moving to a new neighborhood, encourage them to approach new experiences with an open heart and a new sense of adventure. 

4. Power Of Persistence

Po is a constant reminder that success is not only about the skills and resources you’re born with. It hugely depends on your hard work and persistence. When faced with new challenges, Po doesn’t give up; He keeps getting on his feet, no matter how many times he falls.

“There is No Secret Ingredient”

Explain to your little ones the value of persistence, and how determination and resilience will go a long way in helping them achieve their goals. Whether it’s mastering a new skill, learning math, or joining preschool activities, persistence goes a long way.

5. Believe In Yourself

Po, a noodle maker, thinks that he took on more than he could chew, in the initial phase of becoming the Dragon Master. However, his constant belief in himself, through the ups and downs of his quest is what made Po the true Dragon Master.

“There is No Charge for Awesomeness…or Attractiveness.”

Instill confidence in your little ones by reminding them they are capable of greatness. With a dash of determination, even the most difficult tasks can be achieved. Encourage them to dream big, pursue their passions, and defeat their fears with confidence and gusto. 

6. Never Stop Learning

Po’s journey from novice to Dragon Warrior is an ongoing Odyssey. We witness his growth and transformation in every phase of his life. He doesn’t sit tight and relax once he’s a Dragon warrior but is always on a quest to acquire more knowledge and wisdom in his journey to become a better warrior every day.

Theres-Always-Something-More-To-Learn-Even-For-A-Master

 

Educate your child that learning never stops. We always have something new to learn, a new skill, a new hobby, a new subject, and the list goes on. Encourage their curiosity by answering their questions, or asking them new ones. Curiosity will help them conquer fears and inhibitions, more than bravery.

Start Your Child’s Quest to be a Math Warrior!

In the world of preschool activities and early childhood education, the teachings of Kung Fu Panda serve as guiding stars, illuminating the path to enlightenment and self-discovery.  

At the i-Maths early learning center, we guide and assist your little ones on the quest to be a math warrior and achieve overall development in their early years. Our specially designed preschool activities promote enthusiasm and fun in your child’s learning process by including activities like learning through purposeful play, exploration and experimentation, presentation, and through application of mathematical and critical thinking.  

Learning starts at an early age, and with the best guidance from i-Maths, your preschoolers will develop an affinity for learning. Enroll your child for an enriching educational experience that will help them meet their math at every stage of their life.

Spring into the Counting Action with Nature: 7 Fun Preschool Activities for Mathematical Exploration!

i-Maths Banner Title: This Spring, find the Joy of Counting in Nature: 7 Activities to Teach Counting! www.i-maths.ca

“Nature is the source of all true knowledge”

These words of Leonardo Da Vinci, reflect the timeless truth of our Mother Nature! In the aspect of preschool learning activities, the world of nature offers boundless opportunities of exploration, fun and education. The wonders of the outside intersect with the preschool activities of counting and building the number sense. Your little ones’ faces will lighten up when they discover the magic of counting in the natural splendor around them! 

Here are the 7 ways of teaching counting skills using nature!

 7 ways of teaching counting skills using nature

#1 Counting Seeds and Stones

As children set out to learn, the bloom of spring also creates a positive environment, facilitating the growth of these young buds. To begin with the exploration of preschool learning activities, the foundational practice of sorting and counting can fascinate children. When given a mixture of various seeds or stones, they engage in a tactile experience that not only refines their counting skills but also enhances their cognitive skills through categorizing and sorting. 

#2 The Leafy Arithmetic

Igniting mathematical curiosity with the beauty of nature’s foliage, using leaves is another one of the various preschool activities through which children can learn the art of counting. Mathematics lessons can be made playful with the leaves of various shapes, sizes, and hues. When the little champs learn to differentiate them and count each segment, counting goes beyond numbers and blends with fun learning. Along with counting, it will also help them enhance their fine motor skills and the sense of visual discrimination.

#3 Tree-Ring Math

Another fascinating preschool learning activity is the ‘Tree-Ring Math’. Through this activity the age-old secrets of the huge tree become a means of numerical proficiency. Counting the concentric circles of the tree’s trunk, children learn counting in an exciting manner and are also exposed to concepts like time and change. Such hands-on experiences increase the recall value of concepts and help them form a strong base to the subject of mathematics.

#4 Math with the Flowers

Who knew that the vibrance of the spring season could become a tool for the preschool activities of counting! While the flowers bloom, children can enjoy the spirit of the season as they spring into the action of learning how to count! Through activities like counting petals, comparing sizes, and arranging flowers into patterns, your kids will not only develop their counting skills but will also enhance their spatial awareness and attention to detail. With nature, learning mathematics becomes fun too!

#5 Every Step Counts

The pebbled or stoned roads of nature aid the preschool learning activity of counting. By laying out pebbles in patterns or trails or taking children to such, already existing walkways, engages their senses while honing their counting skills in a playful and interactive way. As they walk and count along these pebble pathways, they also develop their gross motor skills and a sense of spatial awareness. Thus, in this manner, every step they take advances them towards building a strong foundation in mathematics. 

#6 Shadows and Counting

Yes! The interplay of light and darkness can spark mathematical intrigue! Breaking the monotony of using various tools for counting, children can now themselves become an instrument which makes the preschool learning activity of counting fun. Children’s excitement will brim as they chase after their and their fellow friends’ shadows, counting each other’s elongated figures while they dance across the ground. Along with counting, it also exposes them to the sense of proportions.

#7 Birdwatching Math

Another exciting way to learn counting through nature is by engaging in birdwatching math. It involves taking children out for a walk on a bright sunny spring morning to observe the beautiful birds and listen to their chirping sound. While on this pleasant walk, encouraging them to count the number of birds they see either on branches or flying overhead. This can motivate them to be observant and thorough with their concept of counting. These preschool activities hone their counting skills and let them meet the beautiful creations of mother nature. 

At i-Maths, we value the learning experiences of our beloved preschoolers. Through unique preschool learning activities, we math for your child a fun adventure. As educators and caregivers, we continue to nurture this sense of wonder and discovery in our young learners, encouraging them to explore, question, and learn from the beauty that surrounds them, be it in the form of nature or your child’s regular environment. 

Designed to cultivate critical and creative thinking, i-Maths equips children with essential skills for problem-solving, recognizing patterns, and developing a strong number sense through various preschool activities. By participating in i-Maths, your child will embark on a journey of discovery, fostering a deep-seated passion for learning and mathematics. Book a free info session and enroll your child for the i-Maths program to prepare them for a promising educational journey!

The Benefits of Using Flashcards for Early Childhood Education of Preschoolers

i-maths Blog Banner: The Science of Memory Retention: How Flashcards Boost Early Childhood Education www.i-maths.ca

In the fascinating realm of early education, where inquisitive brains set out on the path of learning, the basic flashcard is an understated yet powerful tool waiting to be explored. Imagine the awe in preschoolers’ eyes when they explore early childhood education with this fascinating and interactive learning tool.

What are Flashcards?

Flashcards are a study tool used to help memorize and recall information. They consist of small cards with a question or key term on one side and the answer or definition on the other side. To use flashcards, students go through the cards, try to answer the question or recall the information, and then flip the card to see if they got it right. Flashcards are an effective way to learn vocabulary, historical dates, formulas, or any subject matter that requires memorization. They provide a portable, flexible way to self-test knowledge. They are commonly used by students as a form of self-study, but they can also be used in groups or classes as a quiz-based learning activity. Flashcards are a time-tested study tool for fast, focused learning.

Flashcards

The Science of Memory Retention with Flashcards

How Spaced Repetition Is Used in Flashcards to Improve Memorization

Flashcards can help children learn and retain information through spaced repetition. For example, imagine a 5-year-old is learning addition facts. The child is shown a flashcard with the problem “2 + 2 =___” and tries to answer “4”. After a short break, the “2 + 2” card is shown again, and the child successfully recalls “4”. As the parent intersperses more new flashcards into the pile, the “2 + 2” card keeps reappearing. With each repetition over time, the child becomes more secure in remembering that 2 + 2 equals 4. The time between each reappearance of the “2 + 2” card increases as the fact is mastered. The deliberate spacing and repetition of the flashcards trigger the child’s memory and reinforce retention of basic math facts. So flashcards leverage children’s quick cognitive growth through spaced intervals to ensure core knowledge sticks.

The Testing Effect – Self-Quizzing Improves Long-Term Retention

Even young children can get excited about quizzing themselves with flashcards. The process of actively retrieving information strengthens their memory and learning. For example, a 4-year-old is working on animal flashcards. When she flips over the card and sees “cow” printed, she excitedly says “moo” out loud. Getting the question right gives her a sense of achievement. Later, when she sees the “cow” card again, she feels motivated to correctly recall “moo”. The process of turning over the card, answering the question, and checking if she’s right makes learning fun and interactive. The testing effect means that retrieving the information, rather than just reading the flashcard, helps solidify it in her long-term memory. So even though flashcards feel like play, they provide valuable cognitive benefits for young children. 

Flashcards Activate Learning Through Active Recall

Preschoolers thrive in active learning environments. Flashcards, with their simplicity, encourage active recall, prompting these young learners to actively engage their budding memories and participate in the learning process.

Flashcard Strategies for Different Learning Styles

Color-Coding for Visual Learners

In the preschool realm, visual learners thrive on color-coded flashcards. The hues become a language, guiding these young minds through a spectrum of knowledge, making each learning session a visually captivating experience.

Explanations Narrated by Teachers for Auditory Learners

Auditory learners find solace in flashcards that incorporate explanations narrated by instructors. Hearing the information spoken aloud reinforces understanding, creating a harmonious fusion of audio and intellectual engagement.

Using Physical Flashcards for Kinesthetic Learners

The tactile engagement of physical flashcards resonates with kinesthetic learners. The act of holding and manipulating these cards transforms learning into a multisensory experience, engaging both mind and body.

Digital Flashcards – The Modern Twist to a Classic Study Tool

A child learning through digital flashcard

Apps and Programs for Easily Creating and Organizing Flashcards

In the digital era, preschoolers encounter flashcards in a tech-savvy format. Apps and programs designed for the younger demographic make flashcards easily accessible, opening a world of interactive learning possibilities.

Features like Spaced Repetition and Shuffle Help Maximize Effectiveness

Digital flashcards can maximize learning for preschoolers. Features like spaced repetition help kids review cards at the perfect timing to boost memory. The flashcards start showing a new concept frequently. As your child masters it, the repeats get spaced farther apart. Shuffle options mix up the order of flashcards for variety. This prevents boredom plus forces kids to truly recall instead of relying on order. So digital flashcards adapt and customize timing and order for each young learner’s needs. This flexibility results in faster mastery and retention.

Ability to Integrate Graphics, Audio, and Video

Preschoolers, surrounded by digital stimuli, benefit from flashcards that integrate graphics, audio, and video. These multimedia elements enhance engagement, creating an immersive learning experience.

Flashcards for All Ages and Skill Levels

Flashcards evolve in tandem with a child’s educational journey. As preschoolers transition to elementary school, middle school, and beyond, the flashcard content adapts to match their advancing curriculum and coursework complexity. This ensures the study tool seamlessly integrates into each new academic level. Flashcards introduce the concept of test prep early on. As students grow, flashcards become invaluable for standardized test and exam preparation. The variety of subjects, quiz formats, and competitive games keep flashcards engaging for learners of all ages. Whether mastering addition in elementary school or studying formulas for a high school physics exam, flashcards provide customized, interactive study aids. They nurture a lifelong love of learning and set students up for academic success at each stage.

The Takeaway – Flashcards Are an Essential Early Childhood Education Tool

Simple Yet Powerful Tool When Used Effectively

In conclusion, the unassuming flashcard emerges as a simple yet powerful tool when displayed effectively in early childhood education.

Promotes Active Recall Through Self-Testing

By promoting active recall through self-testing, flashcards instill a sense of ownership over learning, empowering preschoolers to engage with knowledge actively.

Fosters Long-Term Retention of Key Concepts

In the tender years of preschool, flashcards lay the foundation for long-term retention, ensuring that early exposure to early learning concepts becomes an enduring part of their cognitive landscape.

Flexible for All Ages, Subjects, and Learning Styles

From the vibrant world of preschool to the intricacies of higher education, flashcards remain flexible companions, adapting to diverse subjects, learning styles, and the evolving needs of young learners.

Designed by experts in early childhood education, i-Maths uses interactive flashcards to make learning engaging and effective. With vivid graphics, fun sounds, and interactive games, i-Maths covers all the key pre-math and science basics your preschooler needs to build critical foundational skills.

Give your preschooler the best start on their academic journey with the research-proven benefits of i-Maths flashcards. Sign up today and unlock your child’s potential in math, science, and beyond!

How Math Literacy in Early Childhood Education Affects Lifelong Learning Abilities

i-Maths Banner Text: How to build your child’s math foundation www.i-maths.ca

Research and studies demonstrate that developing strong math skills during early childhood education has a significant impact on a child’s future academic performance and lifelong learning abilities. Developing strong math competency between ages 3-5 strongly predicts later achievement and performance in math, science, and overall academics including reading. Enhancing early math skills lays a critical foundation for success across subject areas. And hence building math literacy early on equips children with foundational skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and understanding abstract concepts that aid learning across all subjects. This likely reflects the links between early math knowledge and improved executive function, reasoning, and other cognitive abilities key to learning.

Math Learning Supports Overall Cognitive Growth

Exposure to mathematical concepts naturally stimulates the developing mind’s curiosity and pattern-recognition abilities. The sequential nature of numbers, shapes, patterns, etc. promotes logical thinking skills. Early math learning experiences also build tenacity, setting children up for success when encountering new or challenging problems. Fostering positive attitudes towards math from the start gives them the confidence to persist.

How to Build a Positive Relationship With Math From the Start?

Creating positive early experiences is key to nurturing lifelong math literacy. Providing developmentally appropriate math learning through games and hands-on activities makes it an engaging subject rather than a source of frustration. Using stories and imaginative play to introduce foundational concepts creates positive associations with math from the beginning.

Gaining familiarity with numbers, quantity, and basic operations

Repeated exposure to numbers, numerical symbols, and their relationships is essential in early childhood. Learning to match quantities to written numerals, count up or down from different starting points, and add and subtract small amounts concretely, all contribute to number sense and arithmetic fluency. Hands-on experience with mathematical operations, even basic addition using fingers or blocks, builds essential number familiarity and intuitive understanding.

The Brain Benefits of Early Math Learning

1. Strengthening neural connections through repeated practice and experience

Early math learning strengthens neural connections, laying a foundation for more advanced concepts later. Like infants’ babbling supports language development, basic math experiences wire the brain for mathematical thinking.

2. Improving working memory, focus, and concentration skills

The cognitive effort involved in early math learning also builds working memory, focus, and concentration. Holding quantities in mind, sequencing patterns, and other foundational skills require focused attention. Regular practice with age-appropriate math tasks strengthens a child’s capacity to apply sustained mental effort. Carrying out multi-step activities likewise improves concentration while nurturing self-confidence and satisfaction in mastering new skills.

Everyday Opportunities to Promote Math Literacy

1. Cooking, shopping, calendar time, sorting laundry by shape or color

Parents and teachers can turn daily activities into easy, engaging math lessons for young learners. Cooking provides opportunities to compare amounts, estimate measurements, and count ingredients. Calendar activities reinforce sequencing, patterns, and numeracy. Categorizing laundry by shape, size, or color reinforces classification and spatial thinking. Running errands can provide practice with numbers, money, and basic arithmetic in the context of real-world situations.

2. Pointing out shapes, patterns, numbers, and counting in daily life

Surrounding children with math talks about shapes, sizes, patterns, and quantities encountered in their environment helps solidify these concepts naturally. Counting stairs, identifying shapes of traffic signs, and looking for patterns in the grocery store display – all help children recognize the math embedded in their everyday world. Simply verbalizing observations models mathematical thinking: “Your shoes have dots in a line – that’s a pattern!”

Choosing the Right Tools and Strategies

1.Using visuals, manipulatives, puzzles, blocks, board games

Concrete learning tools provide critical hands-on experience to build math understanding in young learners who benefit from actively engaging with concepts. Colorful pictures, blocks, puzzles, measuring cups, and visual calendars make abstract ideas tangible. Manipulatives like counting bears, pattern block pieces, and balance scales help children physically represent mathematical relationships as precursors to symbolic equations. Simple board games reinforce counting, numerical sequencing, shape recognition, and other fundamental skills through play.

2. Rhymes, songs, movements, and stories to make math tangible

Rhyming, singing, dancing, acting out stories – these active, play-based experiences embody math concepts in ways young children easily grasp. Chants, songs, and rhymes that reinforce counting, rhythmic patterns, shapes, etc. aid memorization while connecting math to fun musical activities. Kinesthetic math storytelling through puppetry or drama engages young learners through narrative, emotion, and physicality to convey more abstract ideas.

Give Your Child the Math Foundation for Future Success with i-Maths

If this blog resonated with you as a parent or educator, empower the children in your life with the early math skills needed to thrive both in and out of the classroom. i-Maths provides engaging, developmentally appropriate math lessons and activities designed specifically for preschool to 1st grade. Book a free info session today to learn more!

11 Ways to Spark Preschoolers’ Math and Social Skills!

i-Maths Blog Banner: 11 Ideas for Preschool Math Activities through Peer Collaboration www.i-maths.ca

Developing foundational number skills and an understanding of mathematical concepts begins in early childhood. Preschool is an optimal time for children to engage in hands-on math learning activities that make numbers, shapes, patterns, and problem-solving enjoyable.

Incorporating math into daily preschool activities and lessons provides a strong basis for math success as children progress through elementary school. Just as importantly, preschool math activities that involve peer collaboration allow young children to learn from each other while developing essential social-emotional skills.

Working together on math activities allows preschoolers to develop essential collaborative and social skills while exploring mathematical concepts. When children partner up or work in small groups on math games, experiments, and hands-on learning, they learn how to share materials instead of fighting over them. Taking turns is an important lesson, whether they alternate rolling a die or operating a measuring tool. Communicating effectively is also a skill preschoolers can practice during peer math activities as they explain their thinking, agree on strategies, and describe observations.

Having a partner or teammates for math problems encourages preschoolers to exchange mathematical ideas and methods. When children describe their problem-solving approach step-by-step to a peer, it strengthens their understanding. Hearing or understanding different strategies from classmates also expands their mathematical thinking. For example, if one child counts out loud using their fingers while another child moves objects into rows to count, they learn from each other. Working collaboratively on math activities creates a meaningful context for preschoolers to engage in mathematical thinking and peer learning. It teaches them to value others’ perspectives in solving all the problems creatively. Whether building numbered block towers or playing shape bingo, preschoolers develop essential math knowledge while practicing relationship-building skills.

Here are 11 fun ideas for preschool math activities that promote early math skills as well as social interaction and teamwork:

1. Shape sorting containers 

Gather different colored and shaped blocks, beads, cubes, and other manipulatives. Have children sort items by color, shape, or size. This encourages geometric thinking, classification, and discussion.

2. Simple pattern blocks 

Provide colored pattern blocks and have preschoolers collaborate to copy or extend patterns shown on pattern cards. Ask them to describe what comes next. Patterning involves logical thinking skills.

3. Measuring classroom objects 

Equip preschoolers with rulers, yardsticks, and measuring tapes to practice measuring the lengths and heights of classroom furniture, toys, books, and other items. Have them compare and discuss size.

4. Counting collections 

Children can gather collections of items like rocks, sticks, plastic animals, and buttons and practice counting the objects. Working with a partner lets them explain their counting strategies.

5. Math games and puzzles 

Provide games that involve numbers, shapes, patterns, or logical thinking. Puzzles and games allow for turn-taking and mathematical discussion as children work together towards a goal.

6. Nature math hunts 

Head outside together and let children collect natural objects like flowers, acorns, pinecones, leaves, etc. Have them sort, count, and compare their findings back in the classroom.

7. Simple cooking recipes 

Follow easy recipes together that involve measuring ingredients, counting spoonfuls, and discovering fractions. As children take turns adding ingredients, introduce math vocabulary.

8. Block building 

Supply blocks of different sizes and shapes for open-ended building together. Encourage preschoolers to identify shapes, patterns, sizes, and quantities as they collaboratively create structures.

9. Number hopscotch 

Use masking tape to create a hopscotch board with numbers. Children take turns tossing a marker onto the board and hopping along the spaces, identifying numbers they land on.

10. Math art projects 

Incorporate shapes, patterns, symmetry, and numbers into arts and crafts. Preschoolers can work together to replicate mathematical designs or create their own.

11. Number line ups 

Have children line up side by side and assign each child a number in sequence. Then practice skip counting by calling out different intervals. Stress teamwork and listening skills.

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When math activities involve peer interaction, they help preschoolers develop social skills and reinforce early math learning in an applied, engaging way. Hands-on collaborative math activities lay the foundation for more formal math instruction children will receive in kindergarten and beyond. 

i-Maths uses interactive games and tools to build strong math skills for preschool to primary grades in a fun, immersive way for comprehensive learning. Enroll your child in i-Maths and let them learn through play!

10 Fun Ways to Help Preschoolers Develop Early Math Skills

i-Maths Blog Banner: Make Math Fun! Find out ways to boost your preschooler's maths skills now withi-Maths. www.i-maths.ca

As a parent, you play a key role in building your preschooler’s math skills to set them up for math success in elementary school and beyond. But math doesn’t need to be tedious for little learners. Preschoolers can develop essential early math skills through fun, engaging everyday activities.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 playful ways to support your preschooler’s overall development at home through fun, engaging everyday activities. You’ll discover how to involve your preschooler in cooking, reading, playing games, and more, which can support important skills like counting, sorting, recognizing shapes, and understanding patterns. Follow these tips to confidently boost your preschooler’s math learning in ways they’ll love.

  • Count everything

Take opportunities throughout the day to count objects with your preschooler. Count stairs, toys, food items, birds at the park, etc. Make counting a natural part of your conversations and playtime with your kids.

  • Compare sizes

Use descriptive words like big/small, tall/short, long/wide, etc. to compare objects. Ask questions like, “Which tower is taller?” This builds skills in spatial relations and size comparisons.

  • Sort objects

Encourage sorting by size, shape, color, and other attributes. Sorting helps preschoolers identify patterns and categorize objects. Provide blocks or other items to sort in different containers.

  • Play board games

Simple games like Chutes and Ladders, Candyland, and Hi-Ho Cherry-O allow preschoolers to count spaces, recognize numbers, and take turns. This teaches counting, numerical sequencing, and shape recognition.

  • Sing counting songs

The repetitive nature of counting songs helps preschoolers memorize number sequences and sequential patterns. Songs like 5 Little Ducks and 5 Little Monkeys are fun activities for math practice.

  • Read picture books

Many picture books use numbers, shapes, patterns, and counting concepts. Spotting these math references while reading helps build awareness and exposure. The Very Hungry Caterpillar is a classic example.

  • Cook together

Cooking involves an understanding of texture, smells, size comparisons, and counting. Let preschoolers add ingredients, taste and smell, and observe transformations. Describe the processes you are demonstrating.

  • Play math games 

Roll dice and move counting bears along a number path—practice number recognition with memory cards. Or go on a shape hunt inside and outside your home.

  • Engage in arts and crafts 

Craft activities like bead stringing, painting shapes, and connecting dots help strengthen fine motor skills and shape knowledge. Describe shapes and patterns as you craft together.

  •  Incorporate math into daily routines

Count each food item on their plate, the number of stairs to bed, their age using fingers, etc. Integrating math language into daily activities provides support for learning.

Following these tips will give your preschooler a strong foundation in early math. Engage their curiosity through play-based activities that naturally build math skills at their own pace. With your encouragement, preschoolers will gain confidence in math and develop a lifelong love for discovery and learning.

If you’re looking for more structured ways to build strong math skills in your preschooler, check out the i-Maths website.

i-Maths employs engaging and interactive lessons to teach young children essential math topics such as addition, subtraction, counting, shapes, patterns, and more. The programme was specifically created by specialists to correspond with the school curriculum. This engaging program brings math to life through stories, games, and hands-on activities that make learning math fun!

With i-Maths, you can:

  • Foster a love of math in your preschooler from an early age
  • Encourage math skills mastery through repetitive, multi-sensory lessons
  • Track your child’s progress with award certificates upon lesson completion
  • Access to i-Maths kits and resources to supplement learning

Give your preschooler the best head start in math with the proven i-Maths program. Learn more about how i-Maths can help build a strong foundation of early math skills your child will use for life.

Enroll your child in i-Maths today to find the right program for your little math whiz!

7 Holiday Activities for Your Little Ones!

Blog Banner: 7 holiday activities for your little ones free printable funsheets download now

The holiday season is here, and while the kids are on a break from school, it’s the perfect time to infuse some fun into their learning journey with i-Maths! We believe that learning can be an adventure, and what better way to spend the holidays than by exploring the world of numbers, shapes, and patterns in exciting and engaging ways?

Whether you’re hosting a family get-together, a virtual party, or just looking to add a sprinkle of merriment to your holiday celebrations, these games are sure to create unforgettable moments. 

Let’s make this holiday season both joyous and educational for your little ones!

Add an extra dose of joy to your child’s winter break through these fun activities listed below. Don’t forget to download our printable holiday worksheet at the end of the blog!

1. Snowflake Symmetry Craft

Encourage your child’s creativity and understanding of symmetry with a snowflake crafting session. Provide them with white paper and child-safe scissors, and let them fold, cut, and unfold to reveal beautiful symmetrical snowflakes. Not only is this a fantastic art project, but it also playfully introduces mathematical concepts.

2. Gingerbread Geometry

Who says geometry can’t be delicious? Bake some gingerbread cookies together and turn them into a geometry lesson. Discuss shapes as you cut out the cookies and explore the concept of area and perimeter as you decorate them. It’s a tasty way to learn and bond as a family!

3. Holiday Math Bingo

Create a holiday-themed bingo game with numbers, shapes, and festive symbols. Make it a family affair by involving everyone in the game. Bingo not only reinforces number recognition but also adds an element of friendly competition to the holiday celebrations.

4. Christmas Pictionary

Put a holiday twist on the classic drawing and guessing game. Create a list of Christmas-related words or phrases, and let the artistic talents shine as players try to convey the holiday spirit through their drawings

5. Ornament Memory Game

Test your memory skills with an ornament memory game. Gather a variety of Christmas ornaments and lay them out on a table. Allow players a few moments to memorize the ornaments, then cover them with a cloth. See who can recall the most ornaments, adding a festive twist to the classic memory challenge.

6. Santa’s Sack Hunt

Organize a scavenger hunt with a Christmas twist. Hide small gifts or holiday-themed items around your home and provide clues that lead participants to each hidden treasure. Make it more exciting by incorporating holiday trivia or challenges at each location.

7. Stocking Guessing Game

Fill a stocking with small holiday-themed items and have participants take turns feeling and guessing the contents. Include items like jingle bells, mini ornaments, or even a small candy cane. The one with the most correct guesses wins a festive prize.

This holiday season, add playfulness to your child’s learning with these entertaining games. May your holidays be filled with warmth, laughter, and delightful games!

Print and Do Worksheet

To make your holidays even more enjoyable, we’ve prepared a special print-and-do worksheet! [Download Worksheet]. This worksheet is designed to enhance your child’s math skills playfully and interactively. 


At i-Maths, we believe that learning should be a joyful experience. This holiday season, let’s make every moment count by blending play and learning. Download our worksheet, try out the suggested activities, and embark on a holiday adventure filled with laughter, discovery, and the magic of i-Maths. Wishing you and your family a season filled with happiness, learning, and wonderful memories!

Learn how hands-on-learning through preschool activities can help students in passive learning

i-Maths, Banner Text- The Neuroscience of Play: how Passive Learning Shapes a Child's Brain, www.i-maths.ca

We often underestimate the power of passive learning in a child’s development phase—a subtle yet influential force shaping the intricate pathways of a child’s brain forming essential skills that stay for a lifetime. In this blog, we will explore the neuroscience behind passive learning, exploring how this seemingly effortless process plays a pivotal role in sculpting the foundation for a child’s future success.

Decoding Passive Learning in Early Childhood

Passive learning, contrary to active engagement, involves the absorption of information without the child consciously striving to learn. It’s the essence of seemingly effortless learning that occurs in everyday moments, from observing actions to absorbing information from the surrounding environment. Going into neuroscience, we discover that passive learning engages neural circuits responsible for memory and pattern recognition, laying the groundwork for future cognitive abilities. 

The early years of a child’s life stand as the most formative period for learning. During this critical developmental phase, the brain is exceptionally receptive to stimuli and experiences. The inherent plasticity of a young brain allows for the establishment of neural connections, forming the basis for lifelong learning and intellectual development.

Benefits of Passive Learning in Early Childhood:

  • Development of Curiosity

Passive learning nurtures a natural curiosity, fostering a love for exploration and discovery.

  • Observational Skills

Children develop keen observational skills as they passively absorb information from their surroundings, enhancing their understanding of the world.

  • Improved Attention Span

Through passive engagement with the environment, children learn to sustain attention to various stimuli. This practice supports the development of a longer attention span, which is crucial for academic success later on.

  • Natural Development of Motor Skills

Passive learning often involves activities that contribute to the development of fine motor skills. For example, playing with building blocks or handling art materials enhances hand-eye coordination and manual skills. 

  • Cognitive Framework

Activation of neural circuits associated with memory and pattern recognition establishes a robust cognitive framework, providing the scaffolding for advanced cognitive abilities such as problem-solving and critical thinking.

The Role of Play in Passive Learning

At the heart of passive learning is the child’s ability to learn through play. Play, in all its glorious forms, becomes the vehicle for passive learning, allowing children to explore, experiment, and naturally absorb information. From imaginative play to unstructured exploration, these activities stimulate neural connections and contribute to the development of crucial cognitive skills. Understanding the neuroscientific underpinnings of play unveils its profound impact on the architecture of a growing brain. 

The Neuroscience of Memory Formation 

Passive learning, particularly through play, blends into the process of memory formation. Neuroscientific studies reveal that passive exposure to stimuli during play activates the hippocampus—the brain’s memory center. As children engage in passive learning experiences, their brains decode information effortlessly, creating a rich reservoir of memories that become foundational for future learning endeavors. 

Shaping Success: The Long-term Impact of Passive Learning 

Beyond the immediate joy of play and the subtle nature of passive learning lies a compelling narrative—the long-term impact on a child’s success. The neural connections forged during passive learning experiences form a strong base for future cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills, and adaptability. It lays the groundwork for a resilient, curious, and intellectually capable individual ready to face the complexities of the world. 

By recognizing and optimizing the effectiveness of passive learning and early learning, parents play a crucial role in supporting a child’s intellectual potential. 

i-Maths as an Early Math Enrichment Program promotes passive learning as the method of teaching foundational math skills. Our experienced instructors bring math to life through an array of engaging math activities for preschoolers. Picture your little one exploring mathematical concepts through interactive and fun games and play. From counting adventures with playful characters to hands-on activities that make math tangible, i-Maths transforms the learning experience into a captivating journey. The program not only teaches foundational math skills but does it in a way that sparks curiosity and excitement in the little ones. Join i-Maths today and watch as your child discovers the world where math is not just educational; it’s an adventure filled with fun and exploration. Give your preschooler the gift of learning math through play! Enroll Today!