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New research suggests that talking about simple math during everyday interactions with your child can help them develop a stronger understanding of math concepts.

A recent meta-analysis by researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of California, Irvine reviewed 22 studies from 2010 to 2022 and found a strong link between parents’ math talk and children’s math abilities, particularly during preschool, according to an article in The Hechinger Report.

In these studies, researchers observed parent-child interactions in homes, schools, and museums, recording instances where parents brought up numbers or shapes. They then tested the children’s math skills and found that those who scored higher often had parents who incorporated more math into their conversations.

This link was most pronounced between ages three and five, indicating that early childhood is critical for building math skills. During these years, parents who naturally incorporated math concepts into conversations had children with stronger math abilities. For example, simply asking a child to count objects during everyday activities or discussing the shapes of items can create a foundation for math success. In contrast, parents who did not engage in as much math talk tended to have children with lower math achievement.

Interestingly, this connection between math talk and math achievement diminished as children got older, likely because formal school instruction plays a more significant role in their learning. However, the early foundation provided by parents seems to set the stage for future math success.

A Simple and Accessible Tool

It’s important to note that none of these studies definitively prove that math talk alone improves math skills. Families who engage more in math talk may also have other advantages, such as higher income, more education, and access to enriching experiences like museums or extracurricular activities.

However, the researchers believe that math talk is a simple, accessible way for parents to boost their children’s math abilities without the need for specialized tools or tutoring. “What the research is showing at this point is that talking more about math tends to be associated with better outcomes for children,” explained Alex Silver, a psychologist at the University of Pittsburgh who led the meta-analysis. “It’s an easy way to bring math concepts into your day-to-day life that doesn’t require buying special equipment or setting aside time to tutor your child and teach them arithmetic.”

The studies also suggest that parents should aim to keep math talk natural and integrated into their everyday activities rather than turning to flashcards or structured exercises. Children seem to benefit most when parents bring up math concepts as part of their normal conversations. For example, while preparing dinner, a parent might ask, “We need two eggs, but we’re doubling the recipe. How many eggs do we need now?” These kinds of interactions can make learning math fun and playful, which helps young children engage with the subject more meaningfully.

Six Ways You Can ‘Talk’ Math at Home

Incorporating “math talk” into everyday life can be an easy and natural way to support your child’s early math development without the need for structured lessons or workbooks. By simply engaging in conversations about numbers, shapes, and patterns, parents can help lay a strong foundation for math skills that will benefit their children in school and beyond. Here are some practical tips for incorporating math talk into daily activities:

• Count Objects in Everyday Life

Make counting a fun and frequent part of your day. Whether you’re at home, in the car, or out shopping, ask your child to count objects around them. For example:

• “Let’s count how many apples we’re putting in the bag.”
• “How many books are on the shelf?”
• “You have three toy cars; how many do you have if we add one more?”

This encourages early number recognition and helps children understand basic addition and subtraction in real-world contexts.

• Discuss Shapes and Spatial Relationships

Talking about shapes and spatial relationships is another great way to bring math into everyday conversations. Use playtime or everyday objects to engage your child in discussions about shapes, sizes, and positions. For instance:

• “This plate is round. Can you find something else that’s shaped like a circle?”
• “Let’s build a tower with these blocks. Which block is bigger? Which one is smaller?”
• “Where should we put this box? Should it go under the table or next to the chair?”

These conversations help children develop spatial reasoning skills, which are important for understanding geometry later on.

• Involve Kids in Cooking

The kitchen is an ideal place for math talk. Cooking requires measuring, counting, and thinking about fractions, so it offers plenty of opportunities for natural math conversations. You can involve your child by asking questions like:

• “We need to measure two cups of flour. Can you help me pour it?”
• “The recipe says we need half a cup of sugar. What do you think half looks like?”
• “Let’s set the timer for 10 minutes. What time will it be when the timer goes off?”

Cooking together not only introduces math concepts but also makes math a part of your child’s routine, showing them how math is used in real-life situations.

• Play Number and Shape Games

Games are a fun and effective way to reinforce math skills. Simple games like “I Spy” can easily be turned into math-focused activities:

• “I spy with my little eye something that has three sides. What could it be?”
• “I spy something that has four corners. Can you find it?”

Board games that involve counting spaces, adding scores, or recognizing patterns (like dominoes) are also great ways to build math talk into playtime.

• Ask “How Many?” and “What’s Next?” Questions

Encourage your child to think mathematically by asking questions that involve prediction and problem-solving. These questions can help them understand numbers in relation to sequencing and operations:

• “You have four crackers. If you eat one, how many will you have left?”
• “We’re going to pick up three friends. How many people will be in the car altogether?”
• “What comes after the number six when we count?”

These types of questions challenge children to think critically about numbers and can spark conversations that enhance their understanding of math.

• Talk About Time

Time offers another opportunity to introduce math concepts to children. Discussing hours, minutes, and even days of the week can help your child develop a sense of sequencing and duration. You might say:

• “It’s 10 o’clock now. How many more hours until lunchtime?”
• “Let’s see how many minutes it takes to walk to the park. We’ll start the timer!”
• “Today is Monday. What day comes next?”

These conversations help children understand the concept of time, while also building their counting and sequencing skills.

Samantha Scott is the Infant Curriculum Coordinator at our West Cobb campus. A passionate educator who loves children, Samantha has been with Parker-Chase for five years. It’s a job she loves and says she is meant for.

“I’ve always loved kids and knew that I wanted to work with them, especially younger children,” Samantha says. “Working with infants has always felt like something I was led to do.”

During her time with Parker-Chase, Samantha has become a leader in her role as the Infant Curriculum Coordinator, and she inspires other teachers with her dedication to early childhood education and commitment to seeing every child prosper.  Samantha is an example of how Parker-Chase provides newer teachers with experienced mentors who share their passion and knowledge for teaching so that all our teachers can become caring nurturers and great educators.

“It’s nice now to be able to help lead and teach my teachers to then be better leaders for their students,” Samantha says. “And I get to hug and love on babies all day, so that’s a plus!”

Watch the video below to meet Samantha!

 

 

With a deep history, diverse population, and varied topography, Georgia has been the setting of many books, including some of the best-known classics in American literature. With such a rich literary status, it’s no surprise that many children’s books take place in the Peach State.

With September being National Literacy Month, we took the opportunity to compile a list of children’s books that take place in Georgia, one of Parker-Chase Preschools’ two home states (We’ll make a list for Texas, soon!). We found books ranging from delightful fiction to captivating biographies and everything in between. Check out the list below and find a book you and your child would like to read together for National Literacy Month! Each book is appropriate for children of all ages, including toddlers, preschoolers, pre-kindergarteners, and school-age children.

 

Georgia Music

by Helen V. Griffith

This book tells a bittersweet tale about a young girl’s bond with her grandfather. During the summer, her mother takes her to visit her grandfather in Georgia for the first time. While there, they grow close while working in his garden and, as the title suggests, play music together. The story then turns bittersweet when the grandfather becomes ill and must leave his home to live with his daughter and granddaughter in Baltimore. But the grandfather misses his Georgia home. Wanting to cheer him up, the girl recreates the feeling of his home through music. Published in 1986, The New York Times published a glowing review of Georgia Music at the time, describing it as “a book to treasure.”

 

And the Tide Comes In… : Exploring a Georgia Salt Marsh

By Merryl Alber

Written by Dr. Merryl Alber, a marine science professor at the University of Georgia, And Tide Comes In tells the story of two girls who explore the wonders of a Georgia salt marsh. Rich in information and illustration, the book fosters an appreciation for salt marshes and underscores their significance in the broader environmental context. This book is an excellent way for children to learn about Georgia’s unique natural habitats.

 

Draw What You See: The Life and Art of Benny Andrews

By Kathleen Benson

Benny Andrews was born and raised in rural Georgia to a sharecropper family. Despite his humble upbringing, he grew up to become one of the country’s most important visual artists whose work is considered to be a significant part of the Civil Rights era. In Draw What You See, children learn about Andrews’ life and how he overcame obstacles to pursue his artistic dreams and eventually realize his goals. Readers will also see some of Andrews’ work in the book, which Andrews himself illustrated.

 

The Life and Times of the Peanut

By Charles Micucci

Among Georgia’s most famous exports, the peanut is right up there with Outkast. And The Life and Times of the Peanut by Charles Micucci provides an in-depth look into the history, cultivation, and uses of Georgia’s legendary legume. With its fascinating mix of scientific facts, history, and trivia about peanuts, parents will love reading this book with their children.

 

Deep in the Swamp

By Donna M. Bateman

Set in the Okefenokee Swamp, this rhyming and counting book teaches children about the wide range of animals living in the storied wetlands. Bateman’s rhyming prose was set to zydeco-style music by musician Amy Miles, which helps for a fun read-and-sing-along activity.

 

We hope you enjoy these books. Happy National Literacy Month!

As the holiday season approaches,  the stress of traveling is inevitable. Traveling alone can be nerve-racking but traveling with toddlers takes that stress to another level. The best way to get through a trip with your little ones with as little stress as possible is to be prepared.

Here are some tips to help you do that!

1. Plan your flights smartly.

The airline and flight time are two important factors that should be considered when you’re flying with children.  If you’re looking to save money, keep in mind that certain airlines allow babies and toddlers to fly for free in the United States if they’re under the age of 2.

When it comes to traveling with children, the most optimal time to travel is overnight. Not only are overnight flights a great way to save money but it gives you the opportunity to go through airport security with less trouble. According to Skyscanner.com, these flight times can also “reduce your risk of a delayed flight, which can be a real hassle when you have a young one.” Toddlers are also most likely to fall asleep on an overnight flight, which reduces your stress on how you’ll keep them entertained.

2. Give yourself time.

Leaving the house at least 2-3 hours ahead will be your biggest advantage. Toddlers don’t understand the uneasiness that comes with traveling, and often want to do things like go to the potty or eat a snack at the most inconvenient times. The extra time allotted will give you enough time to fulfill your child’s needs before boarding your flight.

3. Pack things you might need.

When traveling, you can never be too sure of what will happen, so it’s crucial to bring along snacks, medicine, diapers and extra clothes. Many airlines don’t provide complimentary snacks for their passengers, so it’s best not to rely on them. Be prepared with a variety of your child’s favorite snacks.

Many children get motion sickness on the plane, so remember to pack medicines. According to the Mayo Clinic, children 2-years-old and up can take Dimenhydrinate (Dramamine) to prevent motion sickness symptoms. And children above 6 can take the antihistamine diphenhydramine (Benadryl), approved for kids 6 and older, may also prevent symptoms.

4. Provide entertainment.

Keeping your child entertained during long trips will make the trip much more enjoyable for the both of you. Toddlers especially don’t like to sit still and like to throw random tantrums. Make sure to take a few books, a coloring book, a toy, and a tablet with apps and movies already downloaded on it.

 

At Parker-Chase

At Parker-Chase, we believe that traveling with your children is a great way to spark their curiosity and catch their interest in exploring the world around them. Traveling with toddlers can be fun and rewarding if you go prepared.