A guide: what to expect and when…..

Kids start learning math the moment they start exploring the world. Each skill—from identifying shapes to counting to finding patterns—builds on what they already know.There are certain math milestones most kids hit around roughly the same age. But keep in mind that kids develop math skills at different rates. If kids don’t yet have all the skills listed for their age group, that’s OK.

Here’s how math skills typically develop as kids get older.

Babies (0–12 months)

  • Begin to predict the sequence of events (like running water means bath time)

  • Start to understand basic cause and effect (shaking a rattle makes noise)

  • Begin to classify things in simple ways (some toys make noise and some don’t)

  • Start to understand relative size (baby is small, parents are big)

  • Begin to understand words that describe quantities (more, bigger, enough)

Toddlers (Ages 1–2 years)

  • Understand that numbers mean “how many” (using fingers to show how many years old they are)

  • Begin reciting numbers, but may skip some of them

  • Understand words that compare or measure things (under, behind, faster)

  • Match basic shapes (triangle to triangle, circle to circle)

  • Explore measurement by filling and emptying containers

  • Start seeing patterns in daily routines and in things like floor tiles

Kindy (Ages 3–4 years)

  • Recognise shapes in the real world

  • Start sorting things by colour, shape, size, or purpose

  • Compare and contrast using classifications like height, size, or gender

  • Count up to at least 20 and accurately point to and count items in a group

  • Understand that numerals stand for number names (5 stands for five)

  • Use spatial awareness to put puzzles together

  • Start predicting cause and effect (like what will happen if they drop a toy in a tub full of water)

Preschoolers (Age 5 years)

  • Add by counting the fingers on one hand—1, 2, 3, 4, 5—and starting with 6 on the second hand

  • Identify the larger of two numbers and recognise numerals up to 20

  • Copy or draw symmetrical shapes

  • Start using very basic maps to find a “hidden treasure”

  • Begin to understand basic time concepts, like morning or days of the week

  • Follow multi-step directions that use words like first and next

  • Understand the meaning of words like unlikely or possible