Use fact families for teaching and learning basic math facts. Primary students spend a lot of time learning addition and subtractions facts. Do not view the facts as separate concepts, but see them as a family of related quantities. While learning that 2 + 3 = 5, also learn that 5 - 3 = 2. Fact families help establish the relationship between the numbers, and leads to mastering fact retrieval skills.
Talk about math. Learn the basic facts through conceptual understanding, and not through memorization. Write and tell stories using operations, such as addition and subtraction to understanding how quantities become bigger with addition, while parts of larger quantities are removed with subtraction. Use drawings to make visual representations of numbers, to see the operations in action.
Look for patterns. Algebraic understanding at an early age, is developed through the use of patterns. Observe number charts to see how counting by 2's leads to the same number sequence on the chart. (0,2,4,6,8) Start with a triangle and continuously add one more side, to see how polygons can be formed and learned. Repeat geometric shapes to fill an area to understand attributes and develop spatial reasoning skills . Pattern recognition and extension skills are early predictors of success in algebra and geometry.
Develop problem solving strategies. Use mathematical concepts and skills to solve problems. Introduce complex activities that require the application of what has been learned. Represent the problem visually, or restate the problem orally. Devise and execute a strategy to solve the problem using reasoning skills. Determine if the problem is solved, or continue to find alternate strategies until a solution is found. Finally, explain how the answer was found.
Look for real world applications of math. Estimating skills are helpful while grocery shopping. Measuring skills are useful in cooking and baking. Telling time and measuring time helps to plan activities. Look around for examples of geometric shapes.