Kindergarten Math

In this section: Kindergarten 1st Grade 2nd Grade 3rd Grade 4th Grade 5th Grade 6th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade Introductory Algebra 8th Grade Algebra Math Lab

Curricular Overview

Kindergartners explore a wide range of mathematical ideas which are introduced through experience with a large variety of mathematical manipulatives and are connected to literature whenever possible. Kindergartners sort and classify objects, make sets, compare and count number sets, and learn the meaning of zero. They explore addition and subtraction of numbers, using manipulative materials to combine and compare two sets. They explore place value and learn to recognize two-digit numbers. Students experiment with measurement using standard and non-standard linear measurement, volume, area, weight, time, and temperature. They explore shapes and develop their own sense of space. They recognize, create, and extend repeated patterns, perform simple probability experiments, and collect, record, and analyze simple data. Kindergartners are encouraged to make use of all methods and techniques that they know to help them approach a variety of math problems. They create and share solutions with one another to support their mathematical thinking.

Goals and Objectives

Number and Operations

Grouping

• Creatively explores math materials
• Sorts and classifies objects; recognizes and makes sets of objects according to attributes such as size, color, shape
• Compares sets using "more than," "less than," and "same as"
• Understands that rearrangement does not change quantity

Counting

• Counts objects from 1-20
• Counts by two from 2-20
• Understands that a given numeral such as 5 represents any collection of 5 objects regardless of attributes
• Recognizes that zero means "nothing," empty set

Whole numbers

• Using manipulative materials, begins to explore addition and combining of sets
• Begins to explore subtraction using "take away"
• Begins to explore subtraction comparing two sets and deciding how much one is more or less than the other

Numeration

• Recognizes that numerals are names of numbers
• Uses ordinals: first, second, third, fourth, and fifth
• Begins to explore place value by recognizing 2-digit numbers

Measurement

• Explores linear measurement
• Compares weight, length, circumference, and thickness
• Experiments with volume measurement
• Recognizes, names, and explores the following: rulers, clock faces, calendars, and weighing scales

Geometry and Spatial Sense

• Recognizes, names, and draws shapes such as square, triangle, circle, and diamond
• Matches shapes and shape combinations using manipulatives
• Understands and acts out physical and verbal directions, such as move forward, backward, left, and right
• Recognizes and creates symmetrical designs

Patterns and Functions

• Recognizes and makes repeating, increasing, and decreasing patterns using objects, pictures, and numerals

Data Analysis and Probability

• Begins to perform simple experiments to discover concepts of probability and records results
• Collects and analyzes simple data
• Make simple bar and picture graphs

Assessment and Evaluation

Assessment is an integral and ongoing part of teaching mathematics. Teachers focus on a broad range of mathematical tasks and take a holistic view of mathematics. Multiple assessment techniques, including written, oral, and demonstration formats are used.

The goal of mathematical assessment in kindergarten is to learn what students know and how they think about mathematics.

Materials

A wide variety of manipulative materials are used to help Kindergartners begin to develop a concrete understanding of mathematical concepts. These include Attribute blocks, building blocks, color cubes, Cuisenaire rods, Geoblocks, Geoboards, pattern blocks, polydrons, Tangrams, and Unifix cubes.

References and Resources

Curriculum and Evaluation Standards for School Mathematics. NCTM, 2000.

Mathematics Framework for California Public Schools. California Department of Education, 2000.

About Teaching Mathematics: A K-8 Resource. Burns, Marilyn.

Math and Literature (K-3). Burns, Marilyn.

Critical Thinking Activities. Seymour, Dale and Beardslee, Ed.

Read It! Draw It! Solve It!. Miller, Elizabeth.

Developing Number Concepts Using Unifix Cubes. Richardson, Kathy.

Math Through Children's Literature. Braddon, Hall, and Dale.