Numeracy is the ability and confidence to use mathematics in daily life.

You can help your child to build numeracy by noticing and talking mathematically about everyday things around you!

The following information is available as a brochure to download and print (PDF 417KB).

Babies

From the time your baby is born they are exploring their world. They use mathematical thinking as they crawl toward objects or try to fit between things. Saying what they are doing helps them to match words to their movements, like “You are up high,” “Roll over and over,” and “Hide under the rug.”

There are many things you can do at home to encourage numeracy learning for babies.

Toddlers (2 to 3 years)

During this time your toddler’s brain is growing and forming new pathways. By talking with your toddler as they touch and play with real objects you will be helping them make meaning of mathematical ideas. They will soon begin to use mathematical words to describe what they are noticing and doing.

There are many things you can do at home to encourage numeracy learning for toddlers.

Preschoolers (3 to 5 years)

During this time your child’s brain is undergoing great changes. As they play with other children they are hearing and using mathematical words to solve a problem. They may be describing, sorting and comparing which is the biggest or which group has more. When you think ‘out loud’ your child will learn from the way you solve a problem.

There are many things you can do at home to encourage numeracy learning for preschoolers.

This information has been translated into:

• Arabic (PDF 444KB)
• Hindi (PDF 486KB)
• Nepalese (PDF 464KB)
• Persian (PDF 457KB)
• Vietnamese (PDF 347KB)
• Punjabi (PDF 350KB)
• Chinese (PDF 387KB)

For more ideas take a look at the GreatStart activities.