Developing a positive relationship with mathematics early on can have a powerful and lasting impact
When young learners experience success, enjoyment, and a sense of belonging in mathematics (both at home and in the classroom), they’re far more likely to stay confident and engaged as they progress through school and into adulthood.
Creating this foundation begins with meaningful early experiences: opportunities to explore, to take risks, to feel supported, and to see themselves as capable mathematicians.
Each success, no matter how small, reinforces their confidence and strengthens the skills they need to grow.
Research consistently shows that students who enjoy mathematics or feel a sense of pride in their progress tend to achieve more over the long term.
Positive emotions fuel persistence, and each successful experience reinforces a student’s belief that they can be a capable mathematician. This is why cultivating a love of mathematics early on is so critical: it helps prevent the all-too-common cycle of students thinking, “I’m just not a math(s) person.”
Across the world, education systems are recognising the importance of strong analytical and numerical skills, especially as data and problem-solving play an increasingly central role in modern life and work. Building confidence early gives students the foundation they need to thrive in these environments.
With this in mind, here are seven strategies to help spark curiosity, confidence, and joy in mathematics – so learners feel eager and enthusiastic about engaging with the subject as they grow.
1. Use the language of mathematics in everyday situations
One of the most effective ways to build early mathematical understanding is to connect mathematics to real-world experiences.
When teachers seize these natural, everyday ‘teachable moments’, they help students recognise mathematics as meaningful, useful, and all around them.
Look for opportunities to introduce or reinforce mathematical language – such as comparisons, quantities, position words, or descriptive attributes – as students explore, play, or converse.
Simple comments like “fast,” “high,” “bigger,” “closer,” or “more” can open the door to rich mathematical thinking.
For example, if a student says, “Look, that bird is flying so fast and high!” you might extend the moment by asking:
- How high do you think the bird is flying?
- Is it higher than our school building?
- How fast do you think it’s going?
- Do you think the bird is flying faster than a car?
These small conversations help students build confidence with mathematical vocabulary while developing curiosity and reasoning.
2. Provide a variety of learning materials and approaches
Young learners benefit from experiencing mathematics in multiple ways.
Offering diverse tools, activities, and modes of exploration allows students to discover how they learn best – while keeping mathematics engaging and accessible.
Here are several ways to support rich early learning experiences:
- Hands-on exploration: Encourage students to investigate patterns, shapes, or spatial relationships using real objects, building materials, or natural elements.
- Collaborative activities: Learning mathematics together fosters communication, problem-solving, and shared reasoning.
- Mathematics-themed books: A diverse collection of picture books – whether explicitly mathematical or not – helps students encounter mathematical ideas through stories, illustrations, and language.
- Technology-enhanced learning: Digital tools can support experimentation, investigation, and immediate feedback in ways that complement hands-on learning.
- Games and gamified tasks: Game elements such as goals, challenges, and rewards can motivate learners while building fluency and confidence.
