Utah State Program Empowers Parents in Early Math Education

The Utah STEM Action Center is implementing a statewide initiative called MILO & Friends, aimed at empowering parents to actively engage with their preschoolers in math-related activities. Clarence Ames, who leads research and implementation for the state agency, is at the forefront of this effort, conducting outreach sessions with parents across Utah. During these sessions, Ames addresses the common parental sentiment of "I'm not a math person," acknowledging the widespread "math trauma" that many adults experienced in their own education. He emphasizes that this apprehension often leads parents to believe they are unqualified to teach math to their young children, deferring such instruction solely to educators once children enter kindergarten.

Ames argues that early exposure to mathematical concepts, even before formal schooling begins, is "super important." He posits that parents are a child's most influential first teachers and can play a crucial role in fostering a positive relationship with mathematics from an early age. The MILO & Friends program seeks to alleviate parental anxiety and equip them with practical strategies and confidence to incorporate math into everyday interactions with their children. This approach aims to build a stronger foundation for mathematical understanding and reduce the likelihood of children developing similar negative associations with the subject.

During a recent outreach event at Plymouth Elementary School in Taylorsville, Utah, Ames guided parents through a cooperative math game called Happy Bunny. This game is designed to help children practice simple math skills in a fun and engaging way. Parents were provided with copies of the game to play with their children immediately following the presentation, demonstrating a hands-on approach to learning. The event was facilitated by the Granite School District's family engagement program, which has been collaborating with the STEM Action Center for the past three years to strengthen the connection between families and educational institutions.

The Granite School District's family engagement program is dedicated to fostering robust partnerships between schools and the families they serve. This collaboration with the Utah STEM Action Center underscores a shared commitment to improving educational outcomes by involving parents directly in their children's learning journey. Ames, who self-identifies as an "early math evangelist," believes that by demystifying math and providing accessible tools, parents can become effective partners in their children's mathematical development, ultimately contributing to a more positive and successful educational trajectory for the next generation of Utah students.