What Math Basics Should Every Child Have Learned by the Age of Ten?

We all interact with math from the minute we step out of the womb. Sure, we don’t hop right into solving equations and algebra from the cradle. However, even babies are surrounded by math. It’s in their favorite toy clock or in a carefully measured spoon of baby formula.

As we can see, math is an integral part of our world. That is why Brighterly and other edtech platforms are constantly trying to help young learners build a strong relationship with the subject. If you have a kid, age 10 is when you need to pay special attention to their math performance. Kids begin to explore more complex math topics in Grade 5 (the approximate grade for 10-year-old kids).

In most cases, young learners tend to hit certain math milestones at the same time. But what exactly are these milestones? Let’s find out, shall we?

1. Toddlers (1-2 years)

As you can probably imagine, not a lot of math lessons take place in the first two years of a child’s life. There aren’t many online math programs for kids that can be introduced at this stage. Nevertheless, toddlers still manage to achieve essential math milestones. For instance, they’ll begin to understand the concept of numbers and how to use fingers to depict their age. 

At this stage, they’ll also know how to recite numbers. However, they’ll most likely skip or forget some information along the way. By the age of 2, toddlers may also begin to match basic shapes such as triangles and circles. 

2. Preschoolers (3-4)

In preschool, kids typically begin to link abstract concepts to the real world. For instance, a toddler knows how to match basic shapes. On the other hand, a preschooler knows how to recognize shapes in the surrounding objects. At this age, a typical preschooler might be obsessed with sorting objects by color, shape, or size. They’ll also be able to count up to 20 and gain a basic understanding of numerals. 

Kids at this age also begin to understand the principle of cause and effect, which will come in handy in studying advanced math. 

3. Kindergarteners (4-5 years)

Ages 4-5 hold even more math milestones for the average young learner. Your child’s counting skills should be a tad more advanced at this phase. They should be able to count with two hands and start exploring double-digit numbers. They’ll also be able to identify the larger of two numbers.

However, their math milestone isn’t only limited to numerals. They’ll also begin to explore basic geometry, such as copying or drawing symmetrical shapes on their own. 

4. Grades 1 and 2

If you thought kindergarten was an exciting phase, you’d definitely love first and second grade. These grades involve a revolutionary shift in your child’s math knowledge and skills. Here, your kid will begin to predict and create their own patterns. They’ll also learn how to count to 100 by ones, twos, fives, and tens. They’ll learn basic addition and subtraction and will be able to read simple bar graphs.

But that’s not where it ends. A significant milestone for first and second-graders is knowing the differences between two and three-dimensional shapes. 

5. Grade 3

In Grade 3, kids typically begin to work with money. They also deeply understand place value at this stage and can solve problems with decimal points. But that’s not even the best part yet. More interestingly, they’ll be able to create number sentences or equations from word problems. 

6. Grade 4 and 5 (10-year-old kids)

So, what math basics for kids should your child have learned by age ten? For starters, they should have hit all the milestones listed above. In addition, they’ll start applying math concepts to the real world and completing long divisions. In Grade 6, they’ll move beyond these milestones to begin learning introductory algebra in preparation for the world ahead.

Final Thoughts

Wondering what math skills and milestones are expected of an average 10-year-old? The timeline above explains it all! However, it’s important to note that children aren’t a monolith. They develop math skills and knowledge at different speeds and in their unique ways.

If your child hasn’t reached a particular milestone yet, it’s okay. Just be as supportive as you can, and it will all fall into place!