Math skills are a critical component of the early development of young children and a predictor of later success in school.
Nebraska Extension is proud to sponsor a program called Math at Home (MATH) for families with children three and four years of age. Through this program, families will discover how they can build upon their child’s playful and natural curiosity by incorporating math-related activities into their daily routines. It’s important to know, that fostering math development doesn’t have to feel like one more thing to do or include workbooks.
The MATH Program involves a one-hour informational session to introduce parents to the program, discuss the importance of early math, and answer questions. Parents will be given a math play kit at this time with a variety of math related items to use in their home.
Following the informational session, parents will receive weekly text message tips for one month suggesting specific ways they can create a nurturing math environment and engage their children in math activities all in the comfort of their home.
As a bonus, families completing the program and providing additional feedback via an electronic survey will receive $10 in compensation.
So, you might be thinking, this sounds awesome, how do I get involved? Currently sessions are in progress in Hartington and Wynot. Another opportunity to participate is Thursday, Jan. 27 in Wakefield. The informational session will run from 6 - 7 p.m. If you are interested in participating at this location, reach out to Sarah Roberts, Early Childhood Educator in Dixon County at (402) 584-3830.
As parents, you are your child’s first teacher. Contact Jackie Steffen at jsteffen2@unl.edu or (402) 254-6821 to learn more about the MATH at Home program to build your confidence in talking with your children about math.
