By: Katie Harrison


If you’ve noticed that your toddler niece or nephew has trouble in math, it may be related to their poor motor skills. A Norwegian study finds that two-year-old children with poor motor function are also likely to have poor math skills.

The University of Stavanger’s Norwegian Reading Centre study shows a correlation between motor skills and mathematical performance in young children. The results were published in the European Journal of Early Childhood Education in June 2015.

Associate Professor Elin Reikerås advocates that “It is important that teachers of small children are aware of these findings. It will be easier for them to identify children who may be at risk of having difficulties in understanding mathematics. This knowledge can ensure that teachers and staff are quicker to help and support such children with mathematics.”

The results of the study are also good for family members to recognize. If a toddler niece or nephew is exhibiting poor motor skills today, they can get the extra help they need to prepare for Kindergarten later.

Photo: oksun70
Published: September 22, 2015