Early Math: More Than Just Numbers

At Red Dot, Blue Dot Preschool, math isn't just a lesson—it’s a language we use to understand the world. We integrate these concepts into our daily play, cooking, and conversations to enhance children's minds through practical application.

Number Sense & Counting

• Counting Skills: We practice Rote Counting (reciting numbers from memory) and Rational Counting (understanding that the last number counted represents the total amount in a set).

• One-to-One Correspondence: This is the vital skill of touching each item as it is counted. We practice this during calendar time, cooking, and toy playtime.

• Ordering: Preschoolers learn to sequence items based on size, shape, or number.

Geometry & Spatial Reasoning

• Shapes: We identify, compare, sort, and draw basic shapes—the first building blocks of geometry.

• Spatial Sense: Through puzzles and building, children learn to place items in correct spaces using logical design.

• Patterning: Children develop the ability to recognize and create repeating sequences using colors, toys, and shapes.

Measurement & Data

• Measurement: We use our multisensory approach to explore volume, weight, length, height, and temperature. We touch and feel things that are heavy vs. light or hot vs. cold.

• Sets & Classifying: A higher-level skill where children separate items into groups and observe their unique characteristics.

• Comparing: We practice noticing differences in size, shape, weight, and color throughout our environment.

Math in Action

• Math Language: We use mathematical terms throughout the day—words like tall, short, round, rectangular, add to, and take away—to help preschoolers see how math is used all around them.

• Calendar Time: Every day we learn the days of the week, months, weather, and seasons, while counting our way through the month.