120_DisciplineSpecific Literacy

    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
  

TEACHING MATH TO
YOUNG CHILDREN


TRY TO MEMORIZE THESE
SYMBOLS

Top to bottom, left to right: 1, 7, 12, 3, 6, 4, 5, 10, 8, 9, 11, 2


NOW TEST YOURSELF:


•This is a taste of what a child

has to accomplish when learning
numbers.


MOST IMPORTANTLY –
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT LEARNING MATH!


TEACHING MATH
• MATH CONCEPTS SHOULD BE
CONCRETE & MANIPULATIVE
• CONSIDER PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
• CONSIDER CHILDREN’S INTERESTS
• HELP CHILDREN WITH NEW
VOCABULARY
• SOCIAL INTERACTION IS IMPORTANT


CONCEPT: What are numbers?
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Rote counting

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Identify symbols

•

Count objects

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Tell how many

•

Telling which one


CONCEPT: Counting
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd then have them reverse it
• Big, bigger, biggest

  

                 
               
          


CONCEPT: Measure up
• Measurement comparisons
• Measuring units: inch, pound, quart


CONCEPT: Getting around
• Spatial relations
• Maps
• Follow directions

CONCEPT: Patterning
• Repeat & growing patterns
• Logical reasoning
• Eliminate ones that are different


CONCEPT: Seriating
• Size relationships
• From tall to short


CONCEPT: Classification
• Sort boys/girls
• Sort children by hair color
• Sort different types of animals


CONCEPT: Sequencing
• Sequence the order of pictures in a story


CONCEPT: Symmetry
• Fold and color lines of symmetry
• Use mirror to draw


CONCEPT: Shapes
The shape of things

• 2 & 3 dimension
• Shape identification


SHAPES cont’d
• Spheres, cubes, rectangular, prisms, cylinder (use
correct names)
• Pictures of shapes need name written on it (language
development)
• Play game & move # of spaces of the # of sides
(circle=0)


CONCEPT: Money
Activity: Read “Smart” by Shel Silverstein

• Children can start to identify coins
• Playing store helps children gain a sense of the cost
of things

“Just write a check, Mom”


CONCEPT: Time
• Children can start to read a clock
• Time concepts must relate to their world

– The length of their favorite TV show
Have a digital clock next to a face clock

CONCEPT: Statistics &
Probability
• Graph types of bugs found, growth of plants, etc.
• Predict how many flowers will bloom from seeds
planted.


WHAT ABOUT CALCULATORS &
COMPUTERS
• Children should be allowed to explore calculators.
• But solving the problem should be the focus.
• Computers enhance learning if child is required to
interact and think logically.


GUIDELINES
• Oral language is important in development of math
skills.
• Children can have long attention spans.
• Few strong divides between 4 & 5 year olds.
• Repetition is important.
• Mistakes are good & a natural part of learning process.
• Simple activities can be complex.


MATHEMATICAL
CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
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Felt & magnetic numbers & shapes
Peg boards
Calendars
Ruler, measuring tapes, measuring cups, scales
Play money & cash registers
Timers, clocks, Thermometers
Counting rods
Light & heavy objects
Buttons, keys, spools
Puzzles