Maths doesn't start in an exercise book. It starts on the stairs, at the dinner table and around a board game. Here is what research says about early number skills, and eight ideas that fit into a day in a few minutes.
Why play with numbers early?
An analysis of six long-term datasets (Duncan and colleagues, 2007) found that of the skills children had when they started school, early maths skills predicted later school achievement most strongly – ahead of reading-related skills and attention.
A joint position statement of the US associations of early years educators (NAEYC) and maths teachers (NCTM) says that every child aged 3 to 6 should have high-quality, challenging and accessible mathematics experiences. The key word is experiences: in play, not on worksheets.
The power of a board game
In a 2008 experiment by Siegler and Ramani, preschool children played a simple board game with numbered squares from 1 to 10 in a row, for four 15-minute sessions. Afterwards they estimated more accurately where a number sits on a number line. The same game with colours instead of numbers did not have this effect. The lesson for home: a simple board game with numbered squares, counting the moves out loud, goes a long way.
8 ideas for everyday life
- Counting stairs. Count up the stairs, and back down in reverse.
- Laying the table. "One plate and one spoon for everyone." Matching one to one is a foundation of counting.
- More or fewer? Who has more grapes? How could it be the same?
- Shape hunt. Look for circles, triangles and squares at home or on a walk.
- Patterns. Red-blue-red-blue beads: what comes next?
- Baking. Two cups of flour, three eggs: measuring is maths too.
- Quick estimates. How many steps to the door? Guess, then step it out.
- Board games. Numbered squares, moves counted out loud.
Things to keep in mind
- Keep it short. A few minutes is plenty, and it's good to stop while your child still wants more.
- Don't correct straight away. If they miscount, count again together.
- Use your hands. Counting on fingers and with objects is absolutely fine.
On Teki's Island of Numbers, short counting games are waiting, and many work on the rug with a few blocks. How Teki works
Sources
- Duncan, G. J. et al. (2007): School readiness and later achievement. Developmental Psychology, 43(6) – APA (read 24 September 2026)
- Siegler, R. S. and Ramani, G. B. (2008): Playing linear numerical board games promotes low-income children's numerical development. Developmental Science, 11(5) – ERIC (read 24 September 2026)
- Early Childhood Mathematics: Promoting Good Beginnings – joint position statement of NAEYC and NCTM (read 24 September 2026)
