This is the first in a two-part series. The debate over what early math should look like and what should be included in the Common Core State Standards for math is one of the most contentious in ...

Early math doesn’t have to be worksheets and drills — research shows play-based games can build strong numeracy, problem-solving, and spatial skills in young children. From counting with nature to ...

It is just as natural for young children to think mathematically about their world as it is for them to use language. They develop mathematical knowledge as they manipulate objects and reason about ...

Preschool math doesn’t have to be about drills—it can be joyful, hands-on, and part of everyday life. From building towers with LEGO to jumping on numbered spots, playful activities help kids grasp ...

On a recent morning in South Seattle, Kristin Alfonzo challenged her preschoolers to make the number 7 using beads strung across two rows of pipe cleaners. One 5-year-old boy slid four beads across ...

In pre-kindergarten, children ages 3-5 develop a basic understanding of numbers and counting, and connect both to the idea of “how many.” Pre-k math tips work on recognizing, grouping, and comparing ...

April 9, 2026 - Some students are attracted to the small student population, the accessible rent prices and the research opportunities at UC Merced. A group of California parents and preschool ...

The popularity of my recent Psychology Today blog post (Preschool Isn't Prep—It's Prime Time for Brain Growth) underscored something powerful: a growing wave of parents and educators are rethinking ...