DK First Maths is a practical exploration of numbers shapes and patterns that will help you to introduce children to some fundamental concepts in mathematics. By working through this book together you can help your child to understand how maths is used in everyday life. Try to take every opportunity to show your child the relevance of maths at home or at school. Encourage your child to play with the puzzles and games in this book so that he or she can begin to take pleasure in thinking about mathematical ideas and to view maths as fun. It is important that children learn about number bonds the names and characteristics of shapes standard measures and how to handle maths information but also vital that they learn to use maths as an intellectual and practical tool. By prompting children to use their own methods for working things out and their own words to voice their thoughts and suggestions you can help them to realize that maths is not always about establishing one right answer. Using the ideas in this book can help your child to gain confidence and positive feelings about maths that will lead to success in school work. More importantly your child may discover mathematics to be profoundly enriching throughout his or her life.