Counting Giggles: Making Maths Fun and Natural in Nursery Settings

For many of us, the word "maths" conjures up memories of numbers, equations, and perhaps even a bit of confusion. But for children in nursery settings, maths begins long before formal lessons — through play, song, stories, and laughter.

At this foundational stage, learning numbers and patterns can be exciting, intuitive, and joyful. The key lies in making maths feel as natural as language, woven into everyday experiences in a way that feels more like discovery than instruction.

Laying the Groundwork for Lifelong Confidence in Maths

Nursery schools play a crucial role in shaping a child's early relationship with numbers. At schools in New Malden, educators use an imaginative and hands-on approach to introduce maths concepts through daily routines and engaging activities. Whether it’s counting blocks while building towers, identifying shapes during snack time, or sorting toys by colour and size, these playful moments are where mathematical thinking begins.

Rather than sitting children down to memorize digits, teachers embed counting and reasoning into every part of the day. This consistent, low-pressure exposure ensures that maths becomes second nature — something to explore and enjoy, rather than fear.

Making Maths Meaningful Through Play

Young children are naturally curious, and they love to play. That’s why using games, rhymes, and interactive storytelling is one of the most effective ways to teach early numeracy. Classic nursery rhymes like “Five Little Ducks” or “Ten in the Bed” turn counting into music, rhythm, and fun repetition, reinforcing numerical sequences without the need for formal instruction.

Play-based learning also encourages trial and error — a vital component of mathematical reasoning. When a child builds a tower that keeps falling over or tries to share fruit evenly among friends, they begin to grasp problem-solving and simple arithmetic in a hands-on way.

The Role of Environment and Routine

The nursery environment itself plays an important role in making maths approachable. Visual aids like number lines, shape posters, or sorting stations help reinforce key concepts. Teachers carefully craft spaces that invite exploration, using classroom objects and materials to prompt counting, grouping, and categorising.

Even routines like setting the table or lining up to go outside become opportunities to talk about “how many,” “more than,” or “less than.” These natural contexts help children see maths as part of real life — not just something in a textbook.

The environment at Westbury House School is one where maths isn't confined to worksheets or rote memorization. Instead, it is explored through practical activities that make every lesson an adventure. This approach fosters curiosity and builds the strong mathematical foundations that children will carry with them through their education.

Supporting Every Child’s Pace and Style

Every child is unique in how they learn, and good nursery maths practice reflects that. Some children respond best to visuals, while others thrive through movement or conversation. Skilled educators personalise their approach, offering a variety of activities to appeal to different learning styles and ensure that each child can engage confidently.

Positive reinforcement, patience, and encouragement are essential. It’s not about getting the right answer immediately but building the confidence to explore, question, and try again — all skills that lead to success not only in maths but across the curriculum.

Conclusion

In the best nursery settings, maths is never a chore — it’s part of the laughter, play, and discovery that fill a child’s day. By making maths natural, meaningful, and fun, nurseries help children build a solid foundation in numeracy without fear or pressure. It’s in these early years that future mathematicians, engineers, and problem-solvers are born — often while giggling through a counting game or singing about numbers.

With creative teaching, supportive environments, and the freedom to explore, nurseries nurture a love for maths that will stay with children for life. And it all begins with one simple, joyful step: learning to count with a smile.