Research suggests that early maths skills are a more accurate indicator of later academic success than early reading skills (Stipek, Schoenfield, and Gamby 2012). It is therefore of vital importance that children have a robust foundation in this subject and that parents and teachers understand the most effective way to teach maths to young children.

As educators, it is important that we don't fall back on traditional teaching methods (e.g. rote counting and memorisation) that may be easier to use but are quite detrimental to children. Rather than preparing them for maths, this approach may instead drive them away from their intuitive interest in problem-solving.

Please take some time to read the materials below which highlight the importance of a hands-on approach to maths and provide lots of practical ideas of ways you can support your children at home.