Introduction to Milestone Maths Level A

Milestone 1

Before you get started with Milestone Maths, the only purchase you must make is to get a set of physical Sumstix. Yes, you could technically make a paper or cardboard set but they would be very fiddly for little fingers. Making them bigger is not the answer because the lengths are actually quite important to their function. Once you have a set of Sumstix in your mitts, you’re ready to begin!

The very first milestone in Milestone Maths is getting to know Sumstix. We want your kid to be comfortable with this resource because it will be used a lot in the first two years of their mathematical education (if you continue with Milestone). The great news is that there’s absolutely no stress with this Milestone as there’s really no right or wrong way to do it. It’s all about play and that’s usually the one thing kids do best!

The workbook exercises are designed to be invitations to play. Think of them as ‘puzzles’ rather than ‘lessons’. There’s no right or wrong way to explore, so feel free to let your child set the pace! In case you’re stuck for ideas, here’s a couple to start you off:

• You can print off one set on heavy weight paper or even cardstock and put them in plastic sheet protectors and let your little one use them as ‘puzzles’, doing whichever takes their fancy as often as they like.

• You can use the sheets that prompt the child to colour some elements the same way but at some point I would suggest printing a copy on plain paper so that your child can practice colouring with crayon. This is a great way to develop their fine motor skills!

Lesson Structure

Begin each session with a free play time with the Sumstix. This can be as long or as short as you feel is appropriate but a good time to aim for is 5-10 mins. The book work (if you do it) should generally take around the same time.

The only rule at this point is: Do not let the child play with the Sumstix freely through the day. If Sumstix are kept as a “special maths toy” you will find engagement in later lessons much easier to maintain. You’ll also reduce the risk of lost Sumstix by always being present with them during “maths time.”

Game and Activity Ideas

Since the main aim of this milestone is for your child to become familiar with the Sumstix, free play is the main activity they will engage in. If your child needs a little extra encouragement to explore try these prompts:

• Can you find me the longest stick?
• What colour is the shortest stick?
• Close your eyes. [Place a rod in their hands] Can you tell me what colour this stick is just by feeling it?
• How tall a tower can you build with the sticks? You don’t need to stack them end-to-end. Can you find a more stable way to build a tower?
• Which stick is longer than a red stick but shorter than a yellow stick?
• Can you make a house [rocket, flower, arrow, etc] with the sticks?

Ready to play?

Download the worksheets for Milestone 1 below.

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I am gradually releasing all of Milestone Maths Level A for free on this blog. To see all we have so far, check the index page here.