This does not mean that your child will be coming home with rows of sums or even worksheets. So what will they be doing?
The answer lies with the new approach to teaching number to children. Gone are the days when very young children were expected to cope with sums that had no meaning for them. Today your child will be learning about number by doing practical activities and from enjoying their experiences. The idea behind this is that children will have a real 'feel' for number and feel instinctively at home with problem solving.
What type of activities will my child's nursery be doing?
The Foundation Stage curriculum that your child's nursery is likely to be following encourages children to learn through play. This means that your child may play games, help to count out beakers at snack time or sing counting rhymes.
Nurseries may also combine physical activities with number - for example, 'how many steps does it take you to cross the garden?' Look out, too, for times when your child has been doing cooking, as the chances are they were encouraged to count and use number. You may also find that your child's nursery will be combining number and technology. Programmable toys such as floor robots not only are great fun, but help children to learn that by punching in some numbers, they can control the toy.
My child can write and read some numbers. Should she be given sums?
While you may find it reassuring to see that your child can do some sums, eventually a child may find it boring and dull. Sums can be very repetitive for young children and the danger is that sums carry no meaning for them.
This can turn children off maths. It can also narrow their mathematical focus as they search for 'ticks'. You can, however, extend your child's mathematical thinking by setting practical problems, for example there are four of us in the family, but only three plates are out. How many more do we need? This type of problem-solving is not only fun, but it also encourages children to use number actively.
How can I help my child at home?
There are plenty of relevant games and activities that you can do at home with your child. Look out for simple games such as snap and picture lotto.
Games where children are matching are very helpful and you will probably find that your child is quite quick to point out who has the most cards or who is winning. Games which involve dice can also be useful, although don't expect that your child will always be able to recognise the number shown.
In the same way, you may find that your child needs some help with board games where counting is involved. Counting out the number of squares to move your counter to is quite a skill.
The key is to make sure that counting and learning about number is fun. Be ready to play at your child's level and, if necessary, abandon or adapt the rules so that your child enjoys the game.
Using everyday opportunities
As well as playing games with your child, look out for opportunities around the home for counting to take place. You may, for example, count the number of stairs or the number of cans that need to be put away after a shopping expedition. If you make a habit of counting when your child is around, you will be surprised at how quickly they will begin to join in. Don't worry if your child mixes up their numbers or misses out some as they count.
Learning the 'labels' is already an excellent first step. And who knows? Maybe one day your child will be Chancellor of the Exchequer.
