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It is important to support the development of numeracy skills, as we do language and literacy skills, starting early in life. Achievement gaps in math and science appear before kindergarten. Early math skills are essential to children’s school readiness and later learning. Research tells us that early math skills are the best predictor of later success in school. In fact, preschoolers’ math skills predict both third grade reading and math scores. In contrast, preschoolers’ early reading skills only predict later reading scores. This may be because math concepts are connected to other learning domains. For example, learning the names for shapes also develops language skills. Sorting sticks by size supports physical development. And making age comparisons during pretend play supports social emotional development. Math is integral to all learning. And children have a natural interest in it! Let’s look at some ways you can support children’s math development as they explore.