$Math in Kindergarten$

The Most Important Factor For School Readiness

In 2007, research data from six longitudinal studies covering over 36,000 preschoolers was analyzed to determine factors important for school success in children preparing for kindergarten. According to Northwestern University researcher Greg Duncan, "We find the single most important factor in predicting later academic achievement is that children begin school with a mastery of early math and literacy concepts."

The idea that an understanding of math and language fundamentals helps children do better in schools is not surprising. However, the degree to which early math skills play a role is. "The paramount importance of early math skills - of beginning school with a knowledge of numbers, number order and other rudimentary math concepts -- is one of the puzzles coming out of the study," said Duncan.

According to the research, solid early mathematics skills are the strongest predictor of future academic success; greater than early reading skills, attention skills, and socioeconomic factors!

So what early math skills are most important?

The research focuses on "school-entry math skills" such as understanding small numbers (up to 30), quantities, and simple shapes. In addition, being able to count, compare, sort, and describe objects (up to 30) are considered core kindergarten math skills. Learn more about kindergarten curriculum standards in math here.

A host of online tools are available to help young children improve their math and reading skills and technology has made great strides in the past several years in areas related to children's educational software. However, many of the technical advances may be overwhelming for young learners. Websites with 3D graphics and online virtual worlds ("edutainment") may be a useful tool for older children looking to build skills while having fun on the computer. Younger children can be easily distracted by the overuse of technology in many of these programs.

On the other end of the spectrum are learning packages that are little more than online worksheets, offering little value above their paper counterparts. While it is important for young children to gain familiarity with the use of a computer, it is equally important that they are able to use software designed just for them.

KinderIQ offers research-based learning software for preschool and kindergarten children that combines fun online questions with play-to-learn activities made especially for young learners. In addition, performance feedback is provided immediately so parents and caregivers can focus on the most important areas that will help children prepare for success in school. Try it for free and begin mastering early learning fundamentals today.

Be sure to check out our latest digital report, Ready For Success In Kindergarten, for additional information on getting ready for school.

Kindergarten Testing Explained

There was a time not that long ago that when a child turned a certain age, they simply went to kindergarten, whether they had any pre-school behind them or not. Now you may find that they need to take a kindergarten test. (continue reading)

Three Early Childhood Writing Activities

Many children begin writing or "play writing" well before they can read even the simplest words. Here are three early childhood writing activities you can use to guide your child's writing enthusiasm and help develop their creative talents. (continue reading)

Assessing Early Literacy Skills

Think your child may be ready to start reading? A child with a head start on reading and literacy has a greater chance of success in the first years of school and is more likely to finish college compared to children who begin to read at a later age. (continue reading)

Expanding Vocabulary with Rhyming Games

Rhyming is one of the first skills that children can practice to start understanding letter-sound-word relationships and can be a fun way to expand early vocabulary by building on familiar word patterns that children are already comfortable with. (continue reading)

Reading To Your Child - 10 Reasons To Do It

Few dispute the benefits of reading aloud to young children, and there are many reasons that reading to children is important. Here are 10 of the best reasons to make a habit of cracking open a book with your child on a daily basis. (continue reading)