Math Jam: What is my child learning during KinderJam?

          There is so much emphasis on reading with young children, math skills are often forgotten about.  Rote counting, one to one counting, number recognition and number value are some of the math skills practiced during a typical KinderJam class.  Each skill is separate and will be achieved at different ages, but all are building blocks for future skills like adding, dividing and algebra. 

Rote counting is the ability to count in consecutive order.  Practice rote counting with your child in the car or while waiting in line.  Much like learning the words to a song, your child will learn the order of the numbers and may be able to count very high.  Many preschoolers will show you how well they count by counting very fast. As your child masters rote counting, remember to count to 20 or higher to prevent the conception that 10 is the last number (like Z is the last letter). This skill is a prerequisite skill to one-to-one counting and therefore must be mastered first.

One to one counting is the ability to point to objects and count them one at a time.  Practice this skill while playing with toys, pushing your child on the swings, waiting for food to come at a restaurant.  You’ll be surprised how many things can be counted!  Some preschool children will want to display their rote counting skills by counting fast.  However one-to-one counting takes more observation and isn’t about counting to the highest number.  Watch your child as he counts to make sure he isn’t counting objects twice or skipping numbers.

Number recognition is the ability to name a written number.  Playing cards, reading license plates, writing numbers in sand and naming house numbers during a walk are great ways for children to work on this skill. Choosing numbers at random instead of in order will ensure your child isn’t demonstrating their rote counting skills.

Number Value is the most difficult skill for a young child to master.  It involves matching a written number with the correct amount of objects. KinderJam practices this skill during the Number song when the child and parent hold up fingers while the instructor shows the number card.  

Come to your next KinderJam class prepared.  After practicing each skill at home, your child will enjoy the math songs so much more. “The Number Song” and “Counting All the Shapes” will come alive in a new way.  Always remember that you are your child’s first and best teacher. Now that you know the skills to practice, you can make learning a jammin' good time at home.