Kindergarten Math

In kindergarten, first, and second grade, students’ math learning experiences:

focus on solving problems involving numbers, shapes, measurements and data
move from using objects to using numbers and number relationships to model problems and determine solutions
foster conversations and asking questions about solution strategies
support students’ engagement in an orderly progression of high-level mathematical thinking and reasoning experiences
begin with the familiar to help make sense of the new
build on the knowledge and skills students already possess
are based on continuous assessments of progress
engage each student in working just on the edge of her/his understanding
occur in a variety of group sizes in order to be more effective in meeting specific individual needs
encourage students to expect that math makes sense
allow students to use personally meaningful strategies to solve problems
include time for students to explain their strategies to classmates and teachers
offer ways to make paper and pencil records of the thinking steps taken to solve problems
provide time and tools for students to determine for themselves the accuracy of their solutions
develop mathematical ideas as well as practice skills
allow time for conceptual development as well as attainment of vocabulary and computational skills
support students’ efforts to construct relationships between mathematical ideas
provide time for each student to build fluency through practice of known concepts and computation
build each student’s proficiency in:

understanding concepts, operations, and relationships
computing flexibly, efficiently and accurately
applying strategies based on conceptual and procedural knowledge in order to solve problems
explaining solution strategies, reflecting on and justifying the efficacy of each strategy, and making connections to new situations
engaging willingly in challenging mathematical experiences and feeling capable of being successful.

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