EDUCATION & SCHOOLS

Fun resources help early learners with math and reading

Jan 27, 2023, 6:17 PM | Updated: 8:20 pm

SALT LAKE CITY — We all know reading with our children is important, but experts now say math scores are actually better predictors of reading literacy.

Clarence Ames, research and implementation manager at the Utah STEM Action Center, has made it his mission to help parents become more aware of the importance of teaching early math skills to their young children.

“If we can help parents become more aware of important early math concepts, their children will be set up for success when they head to kindergarten,” Ames said.

The state agency recently created the MILO (Math Introduction and Learning Opportunities) and Friends campaign. It is designed to help close this gap and provide fun and engaging resources for caregivers.

“Most parents know that it’s important to read to their young kids, and we hope that this program will let them know that it’s just as important to do math with their young kids,” Ames said. “We are making math fun for Utah families!”

Since the campaign launched, the center has held “math nights” at local preschools, where they show parents and caregivers how specific board games incorporate early math skills such as counting, shapes, patterns, and matching.

“The games that we’ve selected, we’ve tested with preschoolers, and when preschoolers see them, they get excited,” Ames said. “With ‘Happy Bunny,’ they are excited about opening the box, rolling the dice and pulling out carrots. And that is what brings joy to mathematics.”

Dozens of parents and their preschoolers packed the gymnasium at Liberty Elementary for a recent event put on by the center.

Omar Reza said his daughter Marjorie, 5, enjoyed learning about the materials handed out to families and is excited to add the new board game to her collection.

“She picked it up really quick. She was the one that was telling me the instructions,” Reza said. “She likes to be competitive!”

Reza is hopeful that “Happy Bunny” will help their daughter build a strong foundation in math and reading.

“Giving her the tools will help her succeed at the other things she wants to accomplish later in life,” he said.

In addition, the center partnered with Salt Lake County Parks and Recreation to design a series of signs for Wheeler Farm. The signs have simple math activities that parents can do with their 2 to 4-year-olds, such as comparing the sizes of chickens and turkeys, and identifying triangles and circles in nearby objects.

The center is always looking to partner with organizations hold “math night” events. If you are interested in hosting or are a parent who wants to get your hands on these games and resources you can click here for more information.

Utah STEM Action Center is a division of the Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement tasked with advancing STEM education best practices in Utah. It was created by a legislative directive in 2013.

KSL 5 TV Live

Education & Schools

Weber State University Main Campus (KSL TV)...

Luke Seaver

Utah System of Higher Education moves to scrap in-state college application fees

The Utah Board of Higher Education voted Friday to eliminate in-state college application fees, according to a press release from Trisha Dugovic, director of communication for the Utah System of Higher Education.

2 days ago

(Courtesy of the Parr family)...

Shara Park

Family of Isabelle Parr celebrates her life on the anniversary of her death

A Holladay family is offering forgiveness to the driver of a hit and run accident that took the life of UVU student Isabelle Parr.

2 days ago

...

Mary Culbertson and Lauren Steinbrecher, KSL TV

Potentially 45 preschoolers and 10 adults exposed to carbon monoxide at American Prep Academy

Five toddlers and five adults were taken to the hospital after being exposed to carbon monoxide at American Preparatory Academy.

3 days ago

(KSL TV)...

Lindsay Aerts

Student accused of attacking Kearns High teacher has special needs, district says

The Granite School district is now investigating what it calls an “egregious” attack on a teacher in the classroom. That teacher is said to be recovering, as is an Assistant Principal and a resource officer who assisted the teacher.

3 days ago

Board with Kearns High School name...

Lauren Steinbrecher

Police: Student put teacher in chokehold, attacked others in Kearns High classroom

A disturbing fight in a Kearns High School classroom Tuesday ended with a student in juvenile detention after police said the student put a teacher in a chokehold, before assaulting two other adults as they tried to free the teacher in front of students.

4 days ago

The Jordan School District is kicking off this year’s charity fundraisers this week. Each school...

Karah Brackin

Jordan School District kicks off annual charity fundraisers this week

The Jordan School District is kicking off this year’s charity fundraisers this week. Each school picks out its own charity and students put in work to fundraise.

5 days ago

Sponsored Articles

Stylish room interior with beautiful Christmas tree and decorative fireplace...

Lighting Design

Create a Festive Home with Our Easy-to-Follow Holiday Prep Guide

Get ready for festive celebrations! Discover expert tips to prepare your home for the holidays, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for unforgettable moments.

Battery low message on mobile device screen. Internet and technology concept...

PC Laptops

9 Tips to Get More Power Out of Your Laptop Battery

Get more power out of your laptop battery and help it last longer by implementing some of these tips from our guide.

Users display warnings about the use of artificial intelligence (AI), access to malicious software ...

Les Olson

How to Stay Safe from Cybersecurity Threats

Read our tips for reading for how to respond to rising cybersecurity threats in 2023 and beyond to keep yourself and your company safe.

Design mockup half in white and half in color of luxury house interior with open plan living room a...

Lighting Design

Lighting Design 101: Learn the Basics

These lighting design basics will help you when designing your home, so you can meet both practical and aesthetic needs.

an antler with large horns int he wilderness...

Three Bear Lodge

Yellowstone in the Fall: A Wildlife Spectacle Worth Witnessing

While most people travel to this park in the summer, late fall in Yellowstone provides a wealth of highlights to make a memorable experience.

a diverse group of students raising their hands in a classroom...

Little Orchard Preschool

6 Benefits of Preschool for Kids

Some of the benefits of preschool for kids include developing independence, curiosity, and learning more about the world.

Fun resources help early learners with math and reading