Mathematical precursor skills begin to develop in the first few years of life and lay the foundation for learning mathematics in school. Some parents believe their child is particularly gifted if they can count to 20 before starting school. However, simply reciting a series of numbers does not demonstrate a true understanding of numbers and quantities. A real sense of numbers only develops when children understand the quantities associated with each number. For example, a child recognizes that the number 3 represents three fingers, three plates, or three dots on a die. A deeper understanding of quantities develops through hands-on counting activities. The more frequently children connect quantities with number words, the more confidently they will later be able to visualize numbers in their heads – without using fingers or counting cubes. Mathematical precursor skills also include distinguishing quantities as more or less, ordering objects by size, and recognizing patterns such as red-blue-red-blue. These skills later help in school with understanding number sequences, addition, and subtraction. The following suggestions offer simple, playful activities to support your child’s mathematical development in everyday life.