Kindergarten Math: how to help at home
What your child learns in Kindergarten math in the Ontario Curriculum, and simple things to try at home.
The Big Ideas this year
- A5 The Mathematical Processes: Apply the mathematical processes (i.e., problem solving; reasoning and proving; reflecting; connecting; communicating; representing; and selecting tools and strategies)
- A6 Number Sense and Operations: Use numbers and operations
- A7 Patterns and Relationships: Investigate repeating patterns
- A8 Data Literacy and Probability: Collect and display data to answer questions and communicate information, and explore probability in everyday contexts
- A9 Geometric and Spatial Reasoning: Describe two-dimensional shapes and three-dimensional objects, and the location and movement of people and objects
- A10 Measurement: Describe and compare the length, area, mass, or capacity of a variety of objects
Easy ways to practise math at home
- Count everyday things out loud: stairs, grapes, steps to the car.
- Sort laundry or toys into groups, then ask which group has more.
- Spot shapes on a walk: circles on signs, rectangles on doors.
- Make patterns with snacks or blocks (red, blue, red, blue) and let your child continue them.
What each unit covers
Numbers to 20
Counting to 20 forward and back from any number, recognizing small groups at a glance, and comparing two numbers.
Make 5 and 10
Using 5 and 10 as anchors (fingers, five and ten frames), finding how many more make 5 or 10, and breaking numbers into two parts.
Add & Take Away
Small story problems where some join or some leave (totals to 10), plus finding one more and one less.
More, Less, Same
Comparing groups by matching them one to one, seeing equal as balanced and unequal as unbalanced on a scale, and reading simple picture graphs.
Patterns
Spotting the part that repeats in patterns like AB, AAB, ABB and ABC, then predicting what comes next or what is missing.
Shapes & Sizes
Naming flat shapes and solid objects by one feature (sides, corners, rolls or not), and comparing things by size, height, length, weight and how much they hold.
Coins & Bills
Knowing what a nickel, dime and quarter are worth, and what a loonie, toonie, $5 bill and $10 bill are worth.
Likely or Unlikely
Describing everyday events as likely or unlikely, and comparing which of two or three things is more likely.
What the report card levels look like at home
- Level 1
- Just getting started with this idea. Short, regular practice with lots of support helps most.
- Level 2
- Understands parts of it and is building confidence. Keep practising the tricky parts.
- Level 3
- Has it! Level 3 is the provincial standard. Mixed review now and then keeps it strong.
- Level 4
- Applies it confidently, even in new or harder situations. Try challenge mode and real-life problems.
Your child’s teacher decides the level on the report card. Read the Ontario report card guide.
Common questions
How can I help my Kindergarten child with math?
Count everyday things out loud: stairs, grapes, steps to the car. Sort laundry or toys into groups, then ask which group has more. Keep sessions short, about 10 to 15 minutes, and stop on a success.
What does my child learn in Kindergarten math in Ontario?
The Ontario Curriculum Kindergarten math units include numbers to 20, make 5 and 10, add & take away, more, less, same, patterns, shapes & sizes.
Free printable Kindergarten math practice sheet
Questions from every unit, with an answer key.