In math, students are given opportunities to investigate, predict, and communicate their thinking and reasoning as they learn various mathematical concepts. Connecting math concepts to the real world is something that is encouraged and valued. While students are engaged in their learning they will use many manipulatives, participate in discussions, and perform some paper and pencil tasks. Concepts introduced include numbers, computation, data analysis and statistics, probability, geometry, measurement, and patterns. Although all concepts are important, our focus will be on number sense.
Current research has shown us that there are six levels of understanding mathematics. In the Kindergarten program students will be involved in investigations that will foster and promote these six levels. The six levels are described below:
Intuitive - This is what students come with. It is what they intuitively know and understand about numbers.
Concrete - Students use manipulatives to demonstrate their thinking.
Pictorial - Students create pictures or visuals to demonstrate their thinking.
Abstract - Students use numbers and symbols to demonstrate their thinking.
Application - Students make connections and apply concepts to new situations.
Communication - Students communicate their thinking through words.
Math Web Sites for Teachers
By the end of Kindergarten, children should be able to:
1. Establish one-to-one correspondence counting objects to 12
2. Order and compare numbers to 20.
3. Count to 50.
4. Demonstrate addition with manipulatives
( sums of 10 and under)
5. Demonstrate subtraction with manipulatives
( subtracting from 10 and under)
6. Break apart numbers 10 and under in many different ways.
7. Identify common shapes in the environment: circle, triangle, rectangle, and square
8. Create two different types of patterns for three or more repetitions.
9. Use nonstandard units to measure objects
10. Explains their mathematical thinking with pictures, words, or numbers.
