Beth Simon (assisted by ChatGPT)
Math might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about babies and toddlers. But believe it or not, math learning starts in the earliest years of life—and it happens through play, routines, and warm adult interactions.
The Infant/Toddler Environment Rating Scale, Third Edition (ITERS-3) encourages teachers and caregivers to include early math and number activities in their daily routines and playtime. This helps children begin to understand ideas like numbers, size, shape, and patterns—even before they can talk or count.
In this post, we’ll explore what kinds of math and number materials are best for infant and toddler classrooms, and how you can have meaningful math conversations with little ones throughout the day.
Why Early Math Matters
Early math is about much more than numbers. It includes:
- Matching and sorting
- Noticing shapes and patterns
- Understanding size and quantity
- Beginning to count
- Comparing objects
These early ideas help young children develop problem-solving skills, language, and thinking abilities they’ll use later in school and life.
Math and Number Materials for Infants and Toddlers
Infants and toddlers learn with their hands, eyes, and ears. They need materials they can touch, explore, and move around.
Here are some developmentally appropriate math materials for this age group:
For Infants:
- Rattles and toys that make sounds when moved (teaches cause and effect)
- Nesting cups or stacking rings (teaches size and order)
- Soft blocks in different sizes or shapes
- Mirrors (helps with self-recognition and spatial awareness)
For Toddlers:
- Shape sorters and chunky puzzles
- Stacking blocks or towers
- Counting bears or simple sorting toys
- Large beads for stringing
- Baskets of objects to sort by color, size, or type (e.g., balls, cars, animals)
- Measuring cups or spoons in pretend play
These materials don’t need to be high-tech or expensive. Even everyday objects—like plastic lids, spoons, or socks—can be used for matching and counting games.
Math in Daily Routines
Math doesn’t only happen during playtime. It can happen throughout the day. Here are a few examples:
- During diapering: “You have two socks. One, two!”
- At mealtime: “Let’s give you three crackers. One, two, three.”
- During cleanup: “Can you put all the red blocks in this basket?”
- In line or transitions: “You are first. Now it’s Mia’s turn—she’s second!”
Using these small moments helps toddlers learn that math is part of everyday life.
Talking About Math with Infants and Toddlers
Conversations are just as important as materials. Even babies who don’t speak yet are learning from what you say.
Here are ways to talk about math with young children:
1. Use Simple Math Words
Introduce basic words like:
- More, less, same
- Big, little, tall, short
- Round, square, circle
- First, next, last
- One, two, three
2. Count Out Loud
Count fingers, toes, toys, steps, or snacks. For example:
- “Let’s count your toes—1, 2, 3, 4, 5!”
- “We need two spoons. One for you, one for me.”
Even if a child can’t say numbers back, they are listening and learning how numbers go in order.
3. Match Words to Objects
Help children connect words with things they see:
- “You put the big block on the little one.”
- “You have three cars. Let’s line them up.”
This helps them understand quantity and size.
4. Repeat and Play
Babies and toddlers love repetition. Try songs and finger plays like:
- “One, Two, Buckle My Shoe”
- “Five Little Ducks”
- “This Little Piggy”
These rhymes build number sense and help children hear patterns in language and counting.
What ITERS-3 Looks For
The ITERS-3 encourages teachers and caregivers to:
- Provide a variety of math and number materials that are easy for children to reach and use
- Use math words and concepts during play and routines
- Support children as they explore early math ideas in their own way
It’s not about drilling numbers—it’s about giving children chances to explore, discover, and talk about math in everyday life.
Final Thoughts
Math doesn’t have to wait until preschool. Infants and toddlers are already learning math when they stack blocks, sort toys, sing songs, and hear you count.
By offering the right materials and using simple math talk every day, you’re helping children build a strong foundation for future learning. The goal isn’t to teach them to count to 100, it is to help them notice patterns, understand quantities, and develop a love of learning.
With your support, even the youngest children can grow into confident little mathematicians!