Introduction

Many young learners express frustration with mathematics early on in their school experience. It’s not uncommon to hear children say things like, “I’m not good at math,” or “Math is too hard.” Often, this isn’t because the content is beyond their ability, but rather because the way math is introduced does not align with how they naturally learn.

Mathematics, at its core, is about recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making sense of the world. These are things young children do all the time — when they build with blocks, share snacks evenly, or create their own rules in games. The disconnect often arises when the methods used to teach mathematics shift from meaningful, tangible experiences to abstract procedures and memorization.

This article explores how playful, movement-based, and visually engaging experiences can support deeper and more joyful math learning for children aged 5 to 10 — a period when attitudes about learning often become deeply ingrained.

Understanding How Children Learn

Before we consider how to redesign math learning, it’s worth pausing to understand how young children approach new ideas.

Children in early and middle childhood learn best when they can:

• See and manipulate objects
• Move their bodies
• Ask questions and experiment
• Engage in repetition through play
• Receive feedback in real time

This learning is not linear. It is iterative, exploratory, and often social. Children thrive in environments that allow for trial and error, creativity, and emotional safety — characteristics that are often at odds with traditional mathematics instruction focused on speed, correctness, and quiet individual work.

The Role of Play in Math Learning

Play is not a break from learning. For young children, play is how learning happens. When play is structured intentionally, it provides a powerful foundation for mathematical thinking.

Examples include:

• Sorting and classifying toys by color or size
• Counting steps while walking or jumping
• Using blocks to understand shapes, symmetry, and spatial reasoning
• Role-playing as shopkeepers or builders to explore measurement and money
• Creating rhythms with claps or drums to explore patterns

These are not just activities; they are rich mathematical experiences embedded in familiar, enjoyable contexts. To compliment this learning, using a math mobile app such as boldungu can be handy in enabling more understanding of math. Such apps give more content, help transition from play to actual formal math well linked with learning experiences.

Through play, children develop foundational skills like estimation, comparison, sequencing, and logical reasoning — often without realizing they are “doing math.”