Kindergarten and preschool math
1. Children need concrete objects (real stuff, manipulative - materials, blocks, counters, Popsicle sticks...) in order to make sense of new math concepts or abstract ideas. Only after children have had ample opportunities to learn a new concept with real things are they ready to connect their learning to abstract symbols such as numbers and math symbols (34, 22, +, -).
2. Children need plenty of time to play with math materials before they use them for teacher guided math activities.
3. Children need to link math to their everyday experiences. Math games and activities are good opportunities to build math vocabulary. They need vocabulary to express their mathematical experiences.
Teaching preschooler alphabet
Your preschooler the alphabet can be fun and easy! Learning to say the alphabet is a great start for any preschooler, but it is just as important for your child to learn the sounds of the letters. Here are a few fun activities for you and your preschooler
1. Spell out and "read" street signs, such as "stop" together.
2. Look for vowels in the newspaper. Circle them. Sound them out together.
3. Practice writing the alphabet. Purchase learning workbooks that focus on the alphabet. Say the letter sounds together, as your child writes out the letters.
4. Compile word lists for each letter of the alphabet. A word... ant, at, apple, etc.
5. Look for children's poetry that features alliteration. Read these poems together stressing the repeated sounds.
6. Purchase learning toys for your children that feature the alphabet letters and sounds.
