After a recent Vanderbilt study, researchers say educators and school administrators may need to focus on different areas while developing pre-school math curricula if they want future success. Counting, calculating, and understanding written numbers are the main areas most teachers zero in on during early education. However, comparing quantities and patterning knowledge should be taught as well.
The earlier math is introduced, the better it is retained.
Although Common Core math teaches shapes but not patterns. It also focuses very little on comparing quantities. Vanderbilt’s study focused on 517 children from low-income families aged four to eleven. The research showed that preschool children’s skills in patterning, comparing quantities and counting objects were more accurate predictors of their math achievement in fifth grade than other skills.
Common Core content standards for school math include shape but not patterning knowledge, and they focus little on comparing quantities.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Math knowledge at a preschool level speaks directly to later math success.
- Counting, calculating, patterns, and understanding written numbers is a good start when teaching younger students but also assists in the early diagnosis of learning obstacles.
- Preschool children that do learn math earlier use fun games and techniques such as counting Halloween candy and finding a pattern within them.
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