Team up with the teacher
If your child attends preschool, be sure to check in with the teacher so you can coordinate your at-school and at-home math instruction. Parent orientation sessions, parent-teacher conferences, and even volunteering in the classroom (and observing the action) provide great opportunities to learn about the school’s math program and see firsthand how your own child is learning. Ask the teacher what aspects of math your child understands and where he or she is struggling. Then ask how the teacher is addressing any difficulties — and how you might do the same at home. Review the work and projects your child brings home from school and discuss them together.
Homeschooling your preschooler
If your child doesn’t attend preschool and you’ve opted to teach him or her at home, you should learn about the kindergarten math standards in your state, so you can tailor your teaching to prepare your child to meet those requirements. Contact your state department of education to learn more. And, ask your public school district (or private elementary school) what math skills they require incoming kindergarten students to know.