Numbers are used to describe quantities, to count, and to add, subtract, multiply and divide. Understanding numbers and knowing how to combine them to solve problems helps us in all areas of math.

Count everything! Count toys, kitchen utensils and items of clothing as they come out of the dryer. Help your child count by pointing to and moving the objects as you say each number out loud. Count forward and backwards from different starting places. Use household items to practice adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing.
Sing counting songs and read counting books. Every culture has counting songs, such as
“One, Two, Buckle My Shoe” and “Ten Little Monkeys”, which make learning to count –
both forwards and backwards – fun for children. Counting books also capture children’s
imagination, by using pictures of interesting things to count and to add.
Discover the many ways in which numbers are used inside and outside your home. Take
your child on a “number hunt” in your home or neighborhood.
Ask your child to help you solve everyday number problems. “We need six tomatoes to
make out sauce for dinner and we have only two. How many more do we need to buy?”
Practice “skip counting”. Together, count by 2’s and 5’s. Ask your child how far he or she can count by 10’s. Roll two dice, one to determine a starting number and the other to
determine the counting interval. Ask your child to try counting backwards from 10, 20 or
even 100.
Make up a game using dice and playing cards.

IC Imagine Public Charter School

Lower School Math

Understanding Numbers

Understanding Measurements

Understanding Geometry

Understanding Patterns

Card Games

Curriculum Materials