Curriculum Planning: Math

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!

Teaching Math Math concepts should be concrete & manipulative Consider prior knowledge Consider child’s interests Help children with new vocabulary Social interaction is important

Concept: What are numbers? Rote counting: reciting of numbers in order Identifying symbols Count objects Tell how many Tell which one

Concept: Counting 1st, 2nd, 3rd then have them reverse it Big, bigger, biggest Finger counting helps children develop mathematical understanding

Concept: Measure up Measurement comparisons Measuring units: inch, pound, quart

Concept: Getting around Spatial relations Before/after Up/down Above/below In front of/in back of/between/beside Etc. Maps Follow directions

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

Concept: Seriating Size relationships From tall to short

Concept: Classification The process of mentally grouping objects or ideas into categories or classes based on some unique feature (ex: size, color, shape, pattern or function) Begin classifying by only focusing on one feature Ask children to sort checkers into two piles by color As skills increase, increase either the number of items to be classified or the number of groups into which items can be sorted Ask children to sort fabric into piles of striped, plaid, polka-dotted, and solid fabrics

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 continued. 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 Also includes the calendar and seasons 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.

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.

MATHEMATICAL CLASSROOM MATERIALS: 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

Activity: In 5 groups, you will categorize a set of objects. List all the different ways that you can categorize and classify them Create a graph or chart for one of the ways to classify your items that could be used with preschoolers If extra time: Finally, use your buttons to create 5 different patterns. Explain your patterns on the same sheet of paper as your categorization list