Supporting early mathematical thinking is the focus of a national, experimental curriculum that targets preschool-age children. But Prentice Starkey, a professor of education at the University of California, Berkeley's Institute of Human Development, says supporting children's early math skills is not exclusive to the classroom. There are many occasions just in the normal daily routine to support math in children. For example, for parents preparing a meal, there's some measuring involved in that.
Children love to help with that.
Setting the table involves putting out enough places and the right numbers of things in place. There are a lot of opportunities to support math in little ways. Parents can take advantage of them if they're thinking in math. As for children thinking in math, Starkey says they have a natural interest. There are games that support math - board games and counting books.