Early Maths
Apr 10, 2026
Scandinavians don’t teach early maths the way many of us do…
And I think they’ve got this one right.
They don’t rush 3, 4 and 5 year olds into sitting down to “do maths”.
Instead, they make maths relevant, meaningful and rooted in real life.

play

movement

nature

everyday routines

real experiences
So rather than constantly asking children to count on demand, record numbers or complete adult-led tasks…

counting pinecones

pouring and measuring

comparing stick lengths

noticing whose boots are bigger

sharing snack

baking and making food together

spotting patterns in nature

ordering loose parts by size, length or shape

counting jumps, steps and turns
Because before a child can truly understand the number 5…
they need to experience 5 in a way that actually means something to them.
5 stones.
5 jumps.
5 spoonfuls.
5 footsteps.
That’s what makes maths stick.
It’s not abstract.
It’s not disconnected.
It’s part of their world.
And that’s the bit we often rush.
We want children to record maths
before they’ve had enough time to actually live it.
That’s why so much of early maths should feel like:

exploring

noticing

comparing

ordering

building

moving

talking

playing
Not just “come and do your maths”.
Because some of the richest mathematical thinking is already happening in play…
if we’re willing to slow down enough to notice it.
Ready for a Slower, More Joyful Approach?
If you're feeling exhausted by the pressure to constantly plan, prepare and do more, I want you to know that there is another way.
Discovering Hygge transformed not only my teaching, but how I viewed childhood itself.
It taught me that children don't need endless activities, packed schedules or constant entertainment.
They need connection.
They need wonder.
They need time.
And perhaps, so do we.
That's exactly why I created my FREE 30-minute training.
In this gentle but powerful session, I'll share the three simple shifts that helped me create calmer days, deeper relationships and a more joyful way of teaching and living.
You'll discover:
🌿 How to create more calm without doing more
🌿 Why less often leads to deeper learning
🌿 The Scandinavian secrets that transformed my approach to childhood
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By the end of the training, you'll feel inspired, refreshed and equipped with practical ideas to bring more calm, connection and joy into your days.
✨ Click here to watch the FREE training now.
https://www.hyggeintheearlyyears.co.uk/blank-page-c59b8933-2688-43eb-8483-215520b9c3ac
I can't wait to welcome you.
Kimberly 🤍
Founder, Hygge in the Early Years™
Have you tried my FREE Introduction to Hygge Training yet?