Children's first experiences with numbers influence the way they will deal with
mathematics the rest of their lives. Mathematics is useful for children if we teach it in ways that make sense to them. In order to make sense of number concepts, children need experiences with real things rather than with symbols.

Manipulatives are an essential part of the math program. Real, meaningful
materials involve the child's senses and allow the math concepts to be illustrated concretely. Learning with manipulatives is developmentally appropriate for kindergarteners. Understanding is enhanced, when children are given opportunities to first learn a concept using real things and then are taught to label that concept with the appropriate symbol(s).

MATHEMATICS IN KINDERGARTEN
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills

Math involves not only basic skills such as developing whole number concepts and using patterns and sorting to explore data, number and shape, but also learning to think in a logical way. Children begin exploring mathematical concepts before starting school. This happens naturally as children play. Centers in the classroom can be arranged for children to continue making discoveries informally. Structured games and lessons are also provided to teach math concepts and skills in kindergarten.

Children’s first experiences with numbers influence the way they will deal with mathematics the rest of their lives. Mathematics is useful for children if we teach it in ways that make sense to them. In order to make sense of number concepts, children need experiences with real things rather than with symbols.

Manipulatives are an essential part of the math program. Real, meaningful
materials involve the child’s senses and allow the math concepts to be illustrated concretely. Learning with manipulatives is developmentally appropriate for kindergarteners. Understanding is enhanced, when children are given opportunities to first learn a concept using real things and then are taught to label that concept with the appropriate symbol(s).

In Kindergarten mathematics, your child will learn:

NUMBER, OPERATION, AND QUANTITATIVE REASONING

Students:
· use words and numbers to describe relative sizes of objects
· describe position in a sequence of events
· name ordinal positions (first, second, etc.)
· separate a whole into equal parts
· explain half of a whole
· model addition and subtraction

PATTERNS, RELATIONSHIPS, AND ALGEBRAIC THINKING

Students:
· identify, extend, and create patterns
· use patterns to predict what comes next
· count to 100 by ones

GEOMETRY AND SPATIAL REASONING

Students:
· describe one object in relation to another using informal language
· place objects in a given position
· describe and identify objects
· compare and sort objects
· describe and compare solids
· recognize shapes
· describe, identify, and compare shapes

MEASUREMENT

Students:
· compare and order objects by length, capacity, or weight
· identify objects greater than, less than or equal to a given object
· compare temperatures
· compare times
· sequence events
· read a calendar using days, weeks, and months

PROBABILITY AND STATISTICS

Students:
· construct and use picture graphs
· use graphs to answer questions

PROBLEM SOLVING

Students:
· identify mathematics in everyday situations
· use a problem-solving model with guidance
· select or develop an appropriate problem-solving strategy