This document provides guidance for teaching math concepts to young children. It emphasizes using concrete and manipulative materials to teach concepts like numbers, counting, measurement, patterns, shapes, money, and time. Social interaction and a positive attitude are important. Mistakes are a natural part of learning. Concepts should relate to children's lives and build on their prior knowledge and interests.

1. TEACHING MATH TO YOUNG
CHILDREN

2. TRY TO MEMORIZE THESE
SYMBOLS
Top to bottom, left to right: 1, 7, 12, 3, 6, 4, 5, 10, 8, 9, 11, 2

3. NOW TEST YOURSELF:

4. •This is a taste of what a child
has to accomplish when learning
numbers.

5. MOST IMPORTANTLY –
HAVE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE ABOUT LEARNING MATH!

6. TEACHING MATH
• MATH CONCEPTS SHOULD BE
CONCRETE & MANIPULATIVE
• CONSIDER PRIOR KNOWLEDGE
• CONSIDER CHILDREN’S INTERESTS
• HELP CHILDREN WITH NEW
VOCABULARY
• SOCIAL INTERACTION IS IMPORTANT

7. CONCEPT: What are numbers?
• Rote counting
• Identify symbols
• Count objects
• Tell how many
• Telling which one

8. CONCEPT: Counting
• 1st, 2nd, 3rd then have them reverse it
• Big, bigger, biggest

9. CONCEPT: Measure up
• Measurement comparisons
• Measuring units: inch, pound, quart

10. CONCEPT: Getting around
• Spatial relations
• Maps
• Follow directions

11. CONCEPT: Patterning
• Repeat & growing patterns
• Logical reasoning
• Eliminate ones that are different

12. CONCEPT: Seriating
• Size relationships
• From tall to short

13. CONCEPT: Classification
• Sort boys/girls
• Sort children by hair color
• Sort different types of animals

14. CONCEPT: Sequencing
• Sequence the order of pictures in a story

15. CONCEPT: Symmetry
• Fold and color lines of symmetry
• Use mirror to draw

16. CONCEPT: Shapes
The shape of things
• 2 & 3 dimension
• Shape identification

17. SHAPES cont’d
• Spheres, cubes, rectangular, prisms,
cylinder (use correct names)
• Pictures of shapes need name written
on it (language development)
• Play game & move # of spaces of the #
of sides (circle=0)

18. CONCEPT: Money
• Children can start to identify coins
• Playing store helps children gain a
sense of the cost of things
Activity: Read “Smart” by Shel Silverstein
“Just write a check, Mom”

19. CONCEPT: Time
• Children can start to read a clock
• Time concepts must relate to their world
– The length of their favorite TV show
Have a digital clock next to a face clock

20. CONCEPT: Statistics &
Probability
• Graph types of bugs found, growth of
plants, etc.
• Predict how many flowers will bloom from
seeds planted.

21. WHAT ABOUT CALCULATORS &
COMPUTERS
• Children should be allowed to explore
calculators.
• But solving the problem should be the
focus.
• Computers enhance learning if child is
required to interact and think logically.

22. GUIDELINES
• Oral language is important in
development of math skills.
• Children can have long attention spans.
• Few strong divides between 4 & 5 year
olds.
• Repetition is important.
• Mistakes are good & a natural part of
learning process.
• Simple activities can be complex.

23. MATHEMATICAL
CLASSROOM MATERIALS:
• Felt & magnetic numbers & shapes
• Peg boards
• Calendars
• Ruler, measuring tapes, measuring cups, scales
• Play money & cash registers
• Timers, clocks, Thermometers
• Counting rods
• Light & heavy objects
• Buttons, keys, spools
• Puzzles