FOUNDATIONS IN Mathematics The preschool learning foundations focusing

FOUNDATIONS IN Mathematics

� The preschool learning foundations focusing on the child’s readiness for school in the domain of mathematics � The preschool learning foundations represent goals to be reached by the time a three-year-old is just turning four and a four-year-old is just turning five. � These preschool learning foundations are designed with the assumption that children’s learning takes place in everyday environments: through interactions, relationships, activities, and play that are part of a beneficial preschool experience. �

Learning Math Through Play Children learn math through everyday experiences. National standards in mathematics describe what children should learn in preschool. The key components of math include:

Number Concepts: �Rote counting - memorization of sequence of numbers (songs, fingerplays) �One-to-one correspondence – counting one number for one object and seeing a numeral and associating with objects. �Recognitions numbers – number symbols

Patterns and Relationships �Regular arrangements of objects, shapes, or numbers �For preschoolers, the goal is to recognize and analyze simple patterns, copy them, create them, and make predictions about them by extending them.

Geometry �learning about shapes and characteristics of shapes.

Measurement �Children learn measurement from opportunities to use material and participate in hands-on activities �Children learn concepts – longer, shorter, heavier, lighter, faster, and slower

Children Use : �Standard measures – rulers, scales, measuring cup and spoon, scales, thermometers. �Non-standard measures – using hands, feet, string, bears, etc.

Classification, Sorting and Matching: Group or separate things into categories.

Ordering (seriation): Ordering things in a sequence that leads gradually from the smallest to the biggest.

Graphing �Is a direct extension of sorting and classifying �As a visual representation of data, it helps children see relationships �Graphing is a way for children to display many different kinds of information in different forms.