Welcome back to our Supporting Development at Home series!
So far, we’ve explored the three prime areas of learning outlined in the EYFS: Personal, Social, and Emotional Development, Communication and Language, and Physical Development. We've also covered Literacy, one of the four specific areas of learning.
Today, we’re continuing our journey into the next specific area of learning!
Let’s jump straight into our guide to Supporting Development at Home: Maths.
Why Math Development Matters
Maths is a key area of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), helping children build problem-solving skills, logical thinking, and confidence with numbers.
Understanding concepts like numbers, shapes, patterns, and measurement helps children make sense of the world around them and will be vital all throughout school!
Strong early maths skills also contribute to better understanding of other subjects, including science and literacy.
How We Support Maths in Nursery
At nursery, children engage in playful, hands-on learning experiences that make maths fun and accessible. Some of the ways we incorporate maths include:
Counting songs and rhymes to develop number recognition e.g. Five Little Ducks
Sorting and matching activities to explore patterns and categories.
Building with blocks to understand shapes, sizes, and spatial awareness.
Measuring ingredients during baking and cooking to introduce concepts of weight and volume.
Outdoor play where children compare sizes, distances, and speeds.
Practical Ways to Support Maths at Home
You don’t need worksheets or formal lessons to support your child’s maths development – everyday activities provide great opportunities for learning! Here are some ideas:
Daily Counting
Count the steps as you walk up the stairs.
Ask your child to set the table and count the plates and cutlery.
Count toys as you tidy up together, e.g. ‘Let’s put away five cars.’
Shape Hunt
Look for shapes around the house, e.g. ‘Can you find something that’s a circle?’
Use playdough or building blocks to create different shapes.
Draw around household objects (cups, boxes) to explore different shapes.
Baking and Cooking
Let your little one measure ingredients using cups and spoons.
Compare sizes of fruit or count out portions.
Talk about time while baking – ‘We need to wait 20 minutes for our cake to bake.’
Sorting and Matching
Sort laundry by colour or type (socks, t-shirts, trousers etc.).
Match pairs of socks or shoes.
Organise toys by size or type.
Outdoor Maths Fun
Collect and count leaves, sticks, or flowers on a walk.
Compare sizes of puddles or shadows.
Use chalk to draw shapes or hopscotch with numbers.
Building Problem-Solving Skills
Play puzzles or building games.
Ask open-ended questions, e.g. ‘How can we fit all these toys in the box?’
Encourage estimating, e.g. ‘How many apples do you think will fit in this bowl?’
If you’re concerned
If you have any concerns about your little one’s development, please speak to your key person, nursery manager or health visitor.
They will be able to discuss any worries you have and, if necessary, come up with a plan to help your little one’s development both in and outside of the nursery.
Making Maths Fun and Engaging
The key to building math confidence is to keep it playful and natural. Use everyday moments to spark curiosity and encourage your little one to explore numbers, shapes, and patterns.
Remember, learning happens best when children are having fun!
By integrating maths into daily life, you’re helping your child develop essential skills that will support them as they grow.
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