TEACHING MATH TO YOUNG CHILDREN                                                                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? Rote counting Identify symbols Count objects 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                                                                    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 Children can start to identify coins 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: 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