Kindergarten is usually the first encounter a student has with formal math instruction. It is no different for homeschool children. The decision about how to approach Math instruction is critical. This involves choosing or creating an effective curriculum, making it fun and engaging, and paying attention to sequence and pace. It is also important to consider how you will troubleshoot any problems your young scholar will encounter as he or she attempts to think mathematically.

What Math Topics Should be Covered in a Kindergarten Curriculum?

An effective kindergarten math curriculum should include the following components:

- Counting at least to 20;

- Counting backward from 10;

- Number recognition;

- Equality, less, more;

- Writing numbers;

- Shape recognition.

Basic addition and subtraction are also helpful to expose children to two-digit numbers, money, time, and measurement at a very basic level.

What Techniques is Best When Teaching Young Children Math?

Young children learn best through play. It is important to make sure their learning is fun and engaging. A kindergarten math curriculum should include the use of manipulatives that young children can combine, build with, and use for the best development of number permanence. This does not necessarily require the purchase of an expensive set of materials. Homeschool families should heavily consider using everyday items to aid in instruction.

What Are Some Ways to Make Math Fun for Kindergartners?

Using manipulatives and counting everyday household items works very well for young students. Go for a walk and use the world around them to develop their math thinking. Count the stairs, trees, sidewalk blocks, houses, and cars. Songs, games, and rhyming are all very effective strategies for teaching math to kindergarten age children.

What if a Child isn't Progressing as Quickly as Others in Math?

There are many resources for early intervention strategies. However, repetition and highly engaging activities are among the most effective. Students who feel successful and have fun tend to do better and are more willing to keep trying when they encounter difficulties. Try breaking instructions down into very short segments. Regardless of your strategy, do not panic. Students need to feel safe to explore and that it is ok to fail a few times before they understand things.

How Long Per Day Should be Spent Teaching Math to a Kindergartner?

Opinions about the length of math instruction for kindergartners vary widely. Some do not think children that young should receive formal math instruction at all, opting for more organic means of learning mathematical concepts. On the opposite end of the spectrum, there are those who believe that 80-90 minutes of instruction is appropriate. In short, it is up to the homeschool family. Keep in mind that young children have very short attention spans. Pay attention to your child. Be careful not to turn them off of math altogether. Remember, the more positive they feel about learning, the more likely they are to succeed.
There are many possible approaches to homeschool math for kindergartners. After choosing a method or curriculum for doing math homework online that fits for you and your child, remember to keep instruction fun. Be careful not to worry too much or panic when your child experiences difficulty in the learning process. Make sure your curriculum matches local requirements do some research to see what others are doing to increase the success of their instruction.