Kindergarten: Not Your Average Math Lessons

Using materials such as unifix cubes, pattern blocks, whiteboards, and even marshmallows, students explore shapes, numbers, and sequences. They learn how to count in order (rote sequence), how to count objects that are grouped (one-to-one correspondence), the relationship between numbers and amounts (cardinality), and how to recognize sums without counting (subitizing). When asked what her hopes are during each math lesson, Mrs. Valiant said, "My goal for every lesson is that the kids have fun and learn something new." In Mrs. Valiant's class, this can be seen often during activities such as math partner games, where students practice competencies while learning social-emotional skills such as being fair, taking turns, and persevering.