Mathematics is the science of patterns and relationships. It is the language and logic of our technological world. Mathematical power is the ability to explore, to imagine, to reason logically, and to use a variety of mathematical methods to solve problems — all important elementary study skills and tools for your child’s future.
A mathematically powerful person should be able to:
- Reason mathematically.
- Communicate mathematically.
- Solve problems using mathematics.
- Make connections within mathematics and between mathematics and other fields.
The developmental learning expectations at kindergarten emphasize counting, grouping, and ordering numbers. Teachers will talk about what numbers mean, what they are called and about patterns in numbers.
By the end of kindergarten, your child should be able to:
Count, Write Numbers
- Count using whole numbers and recognize how many objects are in sets of 30.
- Count objects using one number for each item.
- Put in order sets of up to 30 objects and compare using such phrases as ‘same number’, “more than” or “less than”.
- Read and write numerals to 30 and match them to the same number of objects.
- Count orally to 100 by ones. Count to 30 by 2s, 5s and 10s.
Explore Concepts of Time
- Know and use the common words for the parts of the day (morning, afternoon, evening, night).
- Know the common words for relative time (yesterday, today, tomorrow, last week, next year).
- Name tools that measure time (clocks measure hours and minutes; calendars measure days, weeks and months).
- Name times when daily activities occur to the nearest hour (lunchtime is at 12 o’clock; bedtime is 8 o’clock).