Developing Mathematical Concepts

Through Small Group Instruction

CMS and More at Four

Math Movement “One, Two, Buckle My

Shoe”

One, two, buckle my shoe.

Three, four, shut the door.

Five, six, pick up sticks. Seven, eight, lay them straight. Nine, ten, a big fat hen.

Purpose

• To review Guiding Principles that promote mathematical development in preschool

• To discuss your role in providing appropriate instruction

• To provide suggested alternative activities for Small Group Instruction

What do we know about young children’s mathematical development?

• Children learn in a variety of ways• Children develop an understanding of concepts

through experiences with real things rather than symbols.

• Teachers can support the development of understanding by presenting planned and focused experiences and by interacting with children as they work and play.

• For children to be engaged by a particular mathematical task, they need to be on the edge of their understanding or level of competence.

• When working independently, children should be allowed to choose from a group of related tasks.

• The most powerful learning experiences have value in being repeated.

What kinds of mathematical experiences should we be offering in Pre-K?

• Number experiences• Spatial experiences• Sorting and classifying

experiences• Pattern experiences• Measuring experiences• Data collection experiences• Experiences to learn

geometry concepts

What is the teacher’s role in providing appropriate math instruction?

• Create a classroom environment that promotes math development.

• Know your children and intentionally planintentionally plan activities to meet their needs.

• Interact with children in ways that model thinking, problem-solving approaches, and develop language.

Why are some of the math Small Groups changing?

Pattern Movement• Rhythmic pattern is one

of the simplest and most effective ways to introduce your children to the concept of pattern.

Math Replacement Activities for O.W.L. Small Groups• Days 4, 5, & 6 of the first 12 days• Unit 1• Unit 2• Unit 3• Unit 4• Unit 5• Unit 6 *Adapt activities to meet the needs of

your students. Some activities will last 25 minutes and others will last only 3 minutes. You will need to plan and have materials ready for a 25 minute small group session.

Math Websites• www.journal.naeyc.org/btj• www.kidzone.ws/math• www.mathperspectives.co

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