Start with one simple target
Choose one skill such as recognizing numbers, matching amounts or solving a simple operation. Avoid mixing too many instructions at the start.
Keep play time short
Short challenges help children stay focused. Stop while the child is still interested so the activity can be repeated another day.
Talk about strategy, not only answers
Ask "how did you know?" so children practice explaining their thinking instead of only chasing the right answer.
Connect back to real objects
If the child gets stuck, return to objects they can hold such as counting sticks or tokens before moving back to number symbols.