PreK / Kindergarten math sets the stage for math success later in a young one's academic journey. And, a child who learns to love math is much more inclined to excel in it. Here are 3 steps to naturally get kindergarteners and preschoolers on the right track to math mastery.

3 Step Pathway to Math Success

 

1. Preschool | Kindergarten Math- Do NOT Compartmentalize math, but naturally weave it throughout the day.

 

Math does not belong in a 20 minute time slot. In fact, it doesn't necessarily need to have a time slot at all. It can naturally weave throughout the school day.

As a former preschool and kinder teacher and later a homeschool mom, I learned this hard fact through experience.

Just because a child can write the number 4 does not mean that they understand the true meaning of the number four, that it means 4 items or 4 thoughts or 4 places. We need to take the abstract numeral 4 and bring it down to concrete terms for the 4 and 5 year old.

Math needs to be naturally worked into the school day, and integrated with other subjects for the best results.

For learners to truly grasp math concepts, here are a few ideas:

IN THE CLASSROOM-

When students line up, discuss the ordinal numbers, 1st- 2nd-3rd etc. Let your learners hold place cards with the ordinals written on them.

For counting practice, count the students as they walk out/in the door. Write the number on a card and place it on the wall, changing it as needed.

When grouping learners, talk about dividing groups into equal numbers for an introduction of fractions.

Create a graph on the wall every day, with criteria such as how many students are wearing pants, dresses or skirts. Or else create graphs about personal preferences.

For number sense, which is critical to math success, always use manipulatives with young ones to represent a number. That is how the abstract concept of a number becomes concrete in the mind of a little one.

 

AT HOME-

Buy your child a watch and count the minutes waiting in line at the post office or store.

Use cash instead of that credit or debit card all the time, and count up the change for a grocery transaction.

Label store items when you get home with price tags and play store for money sense.

Count out small items in bags and label them with numbers to practice number sense.

2. Preschool | Kindergarten Math - Ditch the worksheets as much as possible.

 

It is not about completing those two workbook pages every day. As an example, just because they complete those pages doesn't mean that they understand number sense.
Okay, I know worksheets have a place, but they should be used sparingly with the younger ones. Believe me, the rest of their schooling will have plenty of worksheets!
One exception here is when students are practicing their fine motor skills, such as when they are drawing a line from one point to the other, or learning to write a number.

 

3. Preschool | Kindergarten Math - Use the grade level textbook more as a guide, and keep math activities engaging!

 

If you are in the classroom, of course, you need to adhere to the structure of the textbook. But don't get stuck sticking exclusively to the book. Make sure that you weave in some engaging assignments that will help your learners truly "get" the math concepts. A lot of times those engaging ideas can be found in the margins of the teacher edition of the textbook.
In a homeschool situation, I would recommend buying a used copy of a grade level textbook or guide to give you an idea of what should be covered during the school year. What is nice in this type of situation is that you can mix up the order of introducing concepts in many cases. A note here, don't be surprised if your Pre K or Kinder finishes the curriculum in record time, as some of my own children did. If so, just keep on going, as long as your child is enjoying it. A benefit of homeschooling to be sure.

A fun way to practice number sense, the building block of future math success...

Boost number sense with this matching game puzzle which I have created for your learners.

Free for you, no strings attached. Give it a try.

Not only will these puzzles help your learners practice their number sense, but they integrate life science, as all of the animals pictured are egg-laying creatures. Thus you can have a lively scientific discussion on animal classification with your students.

What is included in your complimentary puzzle set.

10 Black and White Egg-Shape #1-10 Puzzle Cards

10 Color Egg-Shape #1-10 Puzzle Cards

10 Blank Egg-Shape Template Option for DIY

20 Student-Size Egg-Shape Puzzles (color b/w)

Matching Game Ideas to Use in your Class/Home

Bonus Page- Themed number chart 1 - 100

Themed Stationary for Teachers and Learners

 

This is practically no prep. All you need to do is print and cut out the puzzles cards, and they are ready to use independently, at a learning center, or as a whole group counting lesson!

Learners will love to have their own smaller student-size sets to keep in their own space!

Preschool and Kindergarten math needn't be a chore. It can be fun! Find some cute stickers and create your own matching puzzles with these pre-made templates! Learners will also enjoy creating their own while internalizing important number sense skills!

Another idea... Use these as manipulative mats with counters. Label one side with a number, and let your learners place the right amount of counters on the other side! So fun!

Practice counting 1 - 100 with your learners, using this handy number chart, which is included.

Being an part-time doodler, I have created all of the clip art in this resource. (egg-laying critters, okay with a little help from my artist daughter) And so... I thought it would also be fun to create stationary with the clip art. Use these to write little notes to your learners or keep a list of things to do.

Please let me know if you have comments or questions.

Blessings, Annette