Number Concepts of Preschoolers

Concepts essential Object permanence Concepts of number emerges as children Sort materials into groups (classification) Find order in difference (Seriation) The objects must be counted in order as distinct members of the group (seriation), but once counted they are equivalent members of the same group (classification)

One to One Correspondence ESSENTIAL Basis for numerical equivalence

Conservation Another skill that is essential Emerging understanding that the quantity of things remains the same regardless of shape or spatial arrangement of the things to be counted. Preschools get caught between appearance and the truth of counting.

Comparing the number of things in tow sets to determine “more”, “fewer” and “same number” Provide materials for comparing numbers of things. Discrete materials Art materials

Comparing Quantities Listen for children’s spontaneous number comparisons. Comparing numbers of materials Comparing numbers of things in representations. Comparing ages

Comparing Numbers Accept children’s findings about number.

Arranging Two Sets of Objects in One to One Correspondence Provide materials that fit together in one to one correspondence. Watch for the sets of corresponding materials children generate. Encourage children to gather and distribute materials. Snack and meal time Card games

Counting Principles One to one principle Stable order principle Cardinal principal Abstraction principle Order irrelevance principle

Key Experiences Provide sets of countable objects Listen to counting throughout the day. Accept children’s numerical ordering. Listen for children’s number talk Watch for children’s recognition of written numbers. Support children who are interested in writing numbers.

Notes taken from Educating Young Children High Scope Publication.