Preschool students are developing important math concepts which will lead to future success in math. The Saxon math program, which continues through grade six at East Lake, is the base for this instruction. The age appropriate concepts are taught in small pieces and build gradually. Constant review ensures that concepts become second nature to students.
In Pre K 3, students are first exposed to ideas like patterns, sorting, counting, and number recognition. In addition, children begin calendar activities which include identifying the day of the week, the month and the date. By the time they move into Pre K 4, students are able to recognize numbers 0-10, easily count to 30, and identify shapes including the hexagon and trapezoid. As they complete Pre K 4, students are able to count by 1’s, 5’s, and 10’s to 100, create graphs, identify coins, explore place value, tell time to the hour, and act out addition and subtraction problems.
Of course, it is also important to balance learning and fun in the classroom. Using teddy bear counters, puzzles, shape templates and geoboards makes math interesting and concrete. In addition, activities such as using colored pasta to craft patterned necklaces and measuring to make tasty snacks provide memorable and positive math lessons for all.