What mathematics skills would prepare my student to be successful in Kindergarten?
Can rote counting beyond 10 in their home language accurately and fluently. (MMES bonus: also in their second language)
Can recognize all written numbers 0-10
Can connect the number word (oral) with a quantity and a written symbol. Example: “five” = * * * * * = 5
Can count objects with 1 to 1 correspondence. (matches 1 word with 1 object when counting)
Can count up to 10 objects in a row and say how many there are.
Can count out a specified number of objects (up to 10). Ex: Can you pick up 6 toys (from a larger pile).
Can identify a quantity of 5 or less without counting and show that number on their fingers. For example, if they hear “3”, they can lift 3 fingers without counting 1, 2, 3 or if they see a rolled dice, they can identify the quantity without counting the dots.
Can compare quantities to 5 saying which is more or less by counting both sets.
Can recognize basic two dimensional shapes. ex: square, triangle, rectangle
Can recognize and continue a basic pattern. ex: red, blue, red, blue, red, ____
How can we practice this at home?
Practice the counting sequence together often. Sometimes you may add an action (1 action for each number counted) like a jump, or a step, tap on the leg..etc.)
Ask the question “how many?” of objects frequently throughout the day. (ex: while eating lunch you might ask, “how many blueberries are on your plate?” They should touch/point/move each object as they count. (Notice: do they say one word for each object or are they double counting objects? Are they skipping objects?) Have them tell you how many and show you the quantity on their fingers. If this is challenging, start with smaller sets of objects and have them arrange them in a row. Model or help them if they need it. Start with 3 dimensional objects that they can move and manipulate like rocks, or toys, and then practice with 2 dimensional objects (for example: while reading a book together you might ask, “how many tree are in this picture?”)
Ask student to help set the table by retrieving the correct amount of napkins, forks etc.
Practice number recognition when you are at the store or a restaurant looking at a menu. Point out and name a number and ask the student to find more. “This is a three, can you find more threes?” or “What number is this?”
Make two sets of objects with each having 5 or less and ask if they are the same amount or which one has more or less. Ex: put 3 pebbles in one hand and 5 in the other and ask, “Which hand has more/less pebbles?”
Play games that involve dice, number cards, or taking a specified number of hops on a board. When rolling the dice, put your child in charge of naming how many dots, keep practicing until they can name the quantity without having to count each dot. You could also have your child use their fingers to show you the amount.
Draw your child’s attention to shapes in the environment. Can he/she identify circles, triangles, squares, and rectangles in your home or at the grocery store?
To better understand the learning progression, please visit the "Early Numbers & Counting" tab of the website as well as the "Math at Home!" tab for more ideas for games to play at home!