Math Kids: Math Games For Kids

This is the earliest step of the maths ladder, aimed at children before the point where arithmetic becomes about sums. It starts with recognising numbers, which is a genuine skill in itself and one adults forget having learned: understanding that the shape 7 corresponds to a quantity of seven things is not obvious, and it comes before anything else can. Counting follows, then simple addition and subtraction presented as puzzles rather than as sums to solve. Several mini-games cover the same ground in different forms, which suits an age group whose attention lasts a few minutes and who lose interest in any single activity quickly. Moving between games keeps the session going while the underlying practice continues. The presentation is bright and rewarding, because at three and four years old the reason a child continues is that it feels good, not that they understand the value of numeracy. Difficulty rises gently so a child is not stopped by something they are not ready for, which is what turns a young child off a subject for years. It is aimed at toddlers, preschoolers, kindergarteners and first graders, and it is entirely free, with the daily short session being the pattern it is designed around.