Math Skills Brush-Up with Kids Academy: Getting Ready for Kindergarten
June 17, 2026
As your child prepares to enter kindergarten, it’s important to remember that there are many things that you can do at home to set them up for success in math. While many skills will be taught explicitly by your child’s teacher during the school year, there are important prerequisite skills that will give them a step up to starting kindergarten.
In this article, we’re covering all the math skills your child can master to be 100% ready for school. You’ll also find links to free learning resources that will help you in preparing your child for kindergarten math.
1. Using Number Sense
Number sense refers to the intuitive understanding of what numbers represent and how they relate to one another. Try pointing out quantities of objects and explaining that numbers represent these quantities – for example, if there are three pencils on a table, point out the quantity by counting each pencil (1, 2, 3) and explaining that there are a total of three pencils.
You can also help your child by guiding them to practice counting by 1s up to five, ten, or even twenty! Consider using one or more of these digital resources when practicing:
Quiz: Match Numerals 1-3 to their Quantities
2. Comparing Quantities
Once your child is comfortable with counting on by 1s and naming quantities in a set, consider extending their skills to comparing quantities. To prepare for kindergarten math, present your child with two groups of objects. Ask your child to look at the two groups and determine which has less/fewer and which has more.
If your child is comfortable comparing quantities using concrete objects, consider moving to a representational model using pictures rather than actual objects.
Here are some digital resources that will help your child reinforce and practice their comparison skills:
3. Adding and Subtracting (Using Concrete Models)
While understanding addition and subtraction is not required for the beginning of kindergarten, you can help your child begin exploring this concept by adding or subtracting 1 to a number. Using manipulatives (concrete objects such as cubes or game markers), create a set (group) and have your child identify the quantity (how many). Next, add one more object and ask for the new total – “What is 1 more than _______?” You can repeat the steps by taking one object away – “What is 1 less than ________?”
Consider using digital resources below to reinforce and practice skills.
Quiz: Adding 1 More with Cubes
Quiz: Subtracting 1 Using Cubes
4. Identifying Basic Shapes
Geometry is a branch of math that extends from preschool through high school. Start early with your child by helping him/her/them identify basic shapes, such as circles, squares, triangles and rectangles. Point out the attributes (characteristics) of the shapes that make them similar or different.
Once your child is able to identify basic shapes upon sight, consider having your child sort them into groups and explain their thinking – what rule was followed to decide on categories?
Consider using Kids Academy’s digital resources to reinforce and practice skills.
Quiz: Identify 2D and 3D Shapes
5. Recognizing Patterns
Being able to recognize simple patterns in shapes, objects, or colors allows students to recognize a rule and apply it. You could use silverware to create a pattern for your child to identify – for example: knife, fork, knife, fork, knife, fork. Ask your child to identify the part that repeats (knife, fork) and explain that this part is called the core. If your child is able to identify the part that repeats, ask them to continue the pattern – what comes next?
Further challenge your child by providing different patterns or even asking your child to create his/her/their own pattern! Build upon the skill of identifying simple shapes (see above) and use them to create patterns, naming each shape as you go.
Below are some online resources to practice pattern recognition.
Quiz: Identify, Duplicate, and Extend Patterns
So… what’s the most important skill for kids entering kindergarten?
Beyond learning the mathematical skills above, the best thing you can do for your child entering kindergarten is to encourage the following:
- Be persistent. Math isn’t easy, but it’s worth it! Remind your child that new skills aren’t always going to land the first time they are practiced. Students need to have grit and determination to persevere through challenges.
- Pay attention. You can’t learn from others if you aren’t listening attentively! Help your child build attention stamina by increasing time spent on activities and listening to your teaching. You are your child’s first teacher, and you set the expectation for how they will behave and learn in school!
- Stay positive. Encourage your child to try new things, take risks, and remain committed to learning even when it’s tough. Having a positive, open-minded outlook will help your child be successful in kindergarten and beyond!
