MILO & Friends

MILO & Friends promotes early math learning for kids ages 2 - 5. Discover why early math is important and where to begin.

Early Math Matters

Early math scores predict future success

Across multiple studies, Kindergarten math entry scores were the strongest predictor of academic and career achievement. Early math skills were stronger predictors than any other variable, including early reading scores, attention skills, socioemotional behaviors, SES, and gender.

Talking to kids about math mediates gaps

Studies show that caregivers' spatial language predicts math entry scores for students entering kindergarten. However, 93% of caregivers say they don't have the knowledge or resources to do math with kids ages 0-5. Even small changes in how we talk to children can help.

Math with toddlers can be simple and fun

Everyday activities can become math learning for young kids. Sort and count things like toys and snacks. Compare differences in size in the objects around you. Identify shapes and count how many you see. For more ideas about how to practice math with kids explore the resources on this page.

Research Behind MILO & Friends

Early Math at Home

Download and print some conversation cards and start talking about simple math concepts at home.
Cartoon moose with antlers and a smile on an orange background.
Mealtime (PDF)
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Cartoon-style white bird with yellow beak and feet on a solid blue background.

Laundry (PDF)

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Cartoon red panda with a white belly standing on two legs against a purple background.

Neighborhood (PDF)

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Cartoon ladybug with red and black spots on a green background.
Hora de Comer (PDF)
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Cartoon black and white lemur with a striped tail on a solid red background.
Lavadero (PDF)
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Cartoon pink pig standing on a yellow background, facing forward with a smile.
Vecindario (PDF)
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Blue speech bubble with ello; orange text reads Everyday Language & Learning Opportunities.
The MILO and Friends program collaborated with the ELLO (Everyday Language & Learning Opportunities) and Friends program on artwork. Visit the ELLO and Friends website for more information.

Resources for Parents & Caregivers

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Math Games

Playing board games like "Happy Bunny" with your child, aged 2 and up, can help them learn a variety of early math skills. If you would like more information about math-focused games, contact:

Clarence Ames
Research and Implementation Manager
[email protected]

Happy Bunny Game Conversation Cards (PDF)
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STEM Action Center Math Board Games List (PDF)
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KSL News Story on Math Games
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Free Books

The Utah STEM Action Center has partnered with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to provide free books and resources to families of early learners. When you read and talk about math while you play with your kids at home, you are building resilience, kindergarten readiness, family connections, and foundations for future success.

This program is currently available in Garfield, Iron, Piute, Sevier, Washington, and Wayne counties.

Free Books
Un niño sonriente sostiene un panel colorido para un proyecto de ciencias