Most adults understand the significance of reading to young children, as it helps in bonding and developing empathy, emotional awareness, and vocabulary. However, the importance of early math skills is often overlooked. Research indicates that math skills at kindergarten entry are a strong predictor of academic success. According to researchers Alan Schoenfeld and Deborah Stipek, "those least prepared are disproportionately children of color and from low-income families," highlighting disparities in kindergarten readiness.
In New Jersey, less than 40% of students score at or above proficiency in math. Specifically, only about 48% of 3rd graders and 19% of 8th graders meet or exceed expectations on the New Jersey Student Learning Assessment (NJSLA). Children who aren't proficient by 3rd grade rarely catch up with their peers.
Parents and caregivers can support early math development without relying on worksheets or flashcards. Engaging children in "math talk" by integrating math into daily activities can be beneficial. Examples include counting everyday objects, comparing sizes, identifying patterns, recognizing shapes in a room, measuring ingredients while cooking, or counting scoops of ice cream.
Tools like Bedtime Math offer engaging ways to incorporate math into children's routines. This free app combines reading with math questions for different challenge levels. Using it even twice a week can lead to significant gains in math achievement. Other recommended apps include Khan Academy Kids, PBS’ Peg + Cat, and Kahoot! Numbers.
Despite the prevalence of calculators and computers, basic math literacy remains essential for everyone to make informed decisions in everyday life. As Sara Thom suggests, “Let’s raise our next generation to be mathematically confident critical thinkers.” Early exposure to math through conversations can set the foundation for future success.
