Mathematical thinking in young children
Research has found that mathematical thinking begins during infancy and undergoes extensive development over the first five years of life.
It is just as natural for young children to think mathematically about their world as it is for them to use language.
Young children develop informal mathematical knowledge that is based on the manipulation and representation of sets of concrete objects. The informal mathematical knowledge of preschool children is less abstract than the formal mathematical knowledge of school-age children.
Our curriculum is designed to support and build upon the child’s Informal Mathematical Knowledge
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Counting and cardinality
Counting sets of objects
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Operations and algebraic thinking
Solving simple addition problems with sets of visible or hidden objects
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Geometric reasoning
Naming and analyzing features of dimensional shapes; Solving problems about movement and position of objects in space.
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Patterns
Extending simple patterns
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Measurement and Data
Comparing the length of objects; Categorizing data
How is the Pre-K Mathematics Curriculum Implemented?
- Engaging hands on activities conducted in small groups 2-3 times a week
- A new activity each week that builds on previous knowledge with built in developmental adjustments
- In class coaching provided by professional development staff
- Home activities sent home weekly for families to support children’s learning