Importance of math for children

Math is an often-disliked subject, but remains an important part of our daily lives. With all the technology that exists today, it’s easy to rely on a computer to do math for us. But this does not imprint any positivity on the younger generation for the subject, nor the skill required to use it.
It’s important to introduce math to children at early ages. We overlook a lot of the math that comes up in our daily lives – from estimating arrival times to simply counting the seconds when we brush our teeth. Introducing kids to simple things like counting when they want something, or even sharing toys with a sibling or friend, can show them how math is present in so many areas of their lives and make them think in different ways.
Math is often introduced to children in ways we may not even recognize. Many children’s books include counting in subjects that interest the child, like with fun characters an everyday objects, and these can inspire interest in the child and cater to a way the appeals to their particular interests. With technology, there are many virtual programs can introduce kids to math with fun graphics, sounds, and games that are math-centred or involve mathematics in some way which keep their attention, instead of simply fostering reliance on such technology to do the work.
By introducing math to children at a young age this gives them an easier transition into the education system and actually doing math in schools. Instead of having math be a foreign entity, the child is able to relate to it, and maybe even enjoy it. Research suggests that by introducing math to kids in earlier developmental stages in engaging ways will promote positive experiences in mathematics.

These positive mathematical experiences, however, also create more creative, imaginative, and inventive qualities in children, far outweighing simply the benefits of answering math problems or counting. It has been suggested that implementing effective and challenging curricula for children while still catering to each child’s educational and mathematical needs will help foster these mental developments.