We use math all the time, every day, often without noticing or being aware we are using math concepts. We sort silverware, match socks, use words of measurement such as ‘a lot’ or ‘more,’ and set a table using 1:1 correspondence.

We give directions using spatial terms and use sequencing in understanding our daily schedule and planning how we will manage our time.

Being aware of these daily math moments opens opportunities to naturally introduce your child to math concepts without buying anything or setting aside time in an already busy schedule.

Here are four common routines that involve teachable math concepts and ways to encourage continued exploration in daily activities.

Yardwork

Trimming back plants, pulling weeds, and watering flowers invites many opportunities to practice concepts of size, measurement, categorizing, counting and spatial concepts.

• Demonstrate how to dig a weed and model digging out the entire root. Talk about the length of the root and the size of the hole you dug. See who can get the biggest root!

• Bring a vase and a watering can outside. Demonstrate how to measure what you pour and fill the vase partially full (draw a line on the vase if a visual is helpful for the child). Use a measuring tool such as a ruler, ribbon or stick that shows how long a flower needs to be to fit in the vase. Allow your child to choose flowers that are long enough and let them cut the stems if they are able.

• Sort weeds into different buckets based on specific attributes such as long and short roots or small and large weeds. When looking for weeds, use spatial terms such as in/on, under/over, between, etc. For example: “I see a weed under the tree and in the flowerpot.” Count how many roots you found.

Mealtime

Setting the table, serving food and washing dishes offer chances to practice concepts of quantity, 1:1 correspondence and spatial concepts.

• Count out the utensils, plates and cups needed to set the table. Demonstrate how to give one of each item to each space with a chair or a placemat (whatever defines the place setting).

• Demonstrate measured pouring with a small pitcher and cup. Serve food using size and quantity terms. For instance: “Take one roll and two big scoops of potatoes.”

• Set the table the same for each space, creating a pattern. Use spatial terms such as next to, on, above, etc., with instructions like, “Put the silverware on the napkin.”

Grocery shopping

Counting fruit and vegetables, weighing produce, and collecting items on the grocery list invites opportunities to practice concepts of quantity, shape, size, and measurement.

• Invite your child to pick out a set number of apples or other fruit. Weigh the fruit and use terms such as ‘a lot’ or ‘more.’ You might say “five pounds of apples, that’s a lot!” or “I think we need some more.”

• Estimate how much the produce might weigh and see how close you can get.

• Show your child where to find the price of an item and ask how much they think something is.

House cleaning

Folding laundry, washing clothes and sweeping the floor bring concepts of size, shape, quantity and spatial relations into play.

• Fold washcloths into rectangles then squares and towels from rectangles to squares.

• Match socks using concepts of size and color and 1:1 correspondence.

• Demonstrate measurement when adding soap into the washing machine and how to adjust the setting to large or small load.

• Tape a square on the floor using painters’ or masking tape. Demonstrate how to sweep dirt into the square. You can change up the shape or have more than one shape to sweep into.

With any of these daily tasks, you’ll need to model and demonstrate. Activities that are part of routines tend to naturally evolve.

You may notice your child finds other opportunities to use measurement or explore quantity in ways you didn’t think of. While you show how to fold a washcloth into a square, your child may figure out how to turn it into a triangle. They may become more aware of the numbers on the ruler and measure all the plants in the yard and everything in the house. Notice these moments and comment on ways to keep going! When these moments arise, encourage curiosity and ask questions: “I wonder if that washcloth could be a trapezoid?” or “I wonder how tall that tree is? How could we measure something so big?”

As your child discovers more math concepts in their everyday life, so will you. Keep sharing the moments — they matter.