Karelien Kriel's Math Lit Shop: Creating Mathematically literate children by having some Math fun

Although I started my shop with the focus on the high school subject Mathematical Literacy I've decided to add Junior Maths to my website.

I keep on hearing how bad South Africa's rating are concerning Mathematics - even (or especially?) on Primary school level.

The important thing is to make Maths fun while children are small. I like to make colouring pages with numbers (or other Math stuff) on it. Then the focus is on enjoying the colouring and not on Maths.

Moms and Dads, here are some tips on how to start enjoying Maths at an early age:

Having stairs in your house is a bonus. Not only does it make you fit but you can also count out loud with your child every time you go up or down the stairs.

You don't have to be rich to help them understand basic concepts. Take all your cutlery from the drawer and mixed it together. Put it on the floor or carpet. Then give your child the cutlery tray and let him sort the cutlery into knives, forks, tablespoons and teaspoons.

Just sneak a Maths page in while they are colouring in other pictures.

Don't criticize. Make suggestions. For example, if your child colours in 3 crocodiles and then trace the number 4 symbol, say "Oops! That doesn't look like a 3 to me. Let's try again." [with a friendly and encouraging voice.] Praise her whenever she get anything right and tell her what a clever girl she is. [Or clever boy. I hate typing him / her all the time so I choose one sex per idea.]