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Preschool Math
Preschool Math
Preschool children need meaningful and hands-on experiences to help them develop an understanding of math concepts. This is best accomplished through songs, games, activities and play.
Math at School- No time for worksheets!
Math at School- No time for worksheets!
At School, we integrate math into all parts of our day, formally and informally. Some examples are:
Informally
- Children count placemats as they help set the table
- We count how many children are in a center to determine if there is room
- We use descriptive language like "small" "medium" "large" "fewer" "more" etc
- Sing songs like 5 Little Ducks, 5 Little Monkeys, etc.
- We measure block structures, art materials, etc while we work and play in centers
- We notice and create patterns
- We write numbers in the art area and when taking orders in dramatic play
- We practice using numbers on play phones and cash registers as we work and play
- We notice shapes and explore geometry when playing with blocks
- Counting how many hops, jumps, bounces, etc as we move and dance
Formally
- In routines,
- We count attendance, compare how many boys and girls are present, how many children are missing, add boys and girls to get total
- We graph the question of the day (counting, numbers, comparing, analyzing data)
- Teachers plan games, lessons and activities that reinforce math skills
- Small Group- activities are planned to help target the development of specific skills in small groups of children, allowing for more individualized attention while the children support each other
- Group Meeting- Stories with math concepts; songs and fingerplays with math concepts;
Number Concepts
Number Concepts
Connect a small number of objects to each numeral. Change out pumpkin seeds for other objects around your house such as bottle caps
Use the bottom of empty yogurt/applesauce cups and write numerals on the top. Use the cups to trace circles on a paper and create dots. Match the cups to the number of dots on the sheet.
Create a parking garage for your cars! Match the numeral car to the parking spot.
Create story problems where children use addition or subtraction to solve the problem. Use props or your fingers to help your child add one more or take away.
Shapes
Shapes
Create mats with different shapes outlined. Search around your house for different shapes. How many [circles] did you find?
Patterns
Patterns
Patterns are everywhere!
- Our daily routines
- the clothing we wear
- objects around us
Here are some things you can do:
- Clap or sing songs with repetitive phrases and rhythmic patterns
- create patterns using household objects as seen in the picture
Lego Patterns
Lego Patterns
Begin a simple pattern (i.e. red, black, red, black). It should repeat at least 5 times before you ask your child to continue the pattern (red, black, red, black, red, black, red, black, red, black). Use other objects around the house if Legos are not available.
Modifications to this activity include:
- -Copying the pattern
- -Extending the pattern
- -Extending a more difficult pattern (i.e. red, blue, blue, red)
- -Creating their own pattern
Sorting
Sorting
Find natural objects outdoors, and sort those objects into categories (i.e. large/small, brown/not brown, smooth/rough, et.c)
Songs
Songs
Number Rock
Number Rock
Let's Get Fit
Let's Get Fit
Banana Banana Meatball
Banana Banana Meatball
Here We Go
Here We Go
Stories
Stories
6 Sticks by Molly Coxe
6 Sticks by Molly Coxe
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins
Mouse Shapes by Ellen Walsh
Mouse Shapes by Ellen Walsh
A Pair of Socks by Lois Ehlert
A Pair of Socks by Lois Ehlert
Resources, Websites
Resources, Websites
Please note that it is recommended that time on websites, even "educational" sites should be limited and adults should explore the sites and be present with the child.
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