Number and Operations-Mathematics: Ages 3-5

Widely Held Expectations

Child develops awareness of numerals

• Counts up to ten or higher
• Can judge whether groups of up to five objects each contain the same number of objects
• Uses one to one matching (correspondence)
•  Distinguishes between numbers and letters
• Child uses language to demonstrate understanding of space and time (next to, on top of, before, after, etc.)
•  Begins to learn sequences of events in time (first, next, last, etc.)
• Child develops an understanding of the counting process
• Counts in nursery rhymes;
• Counts all types of objects;
• Plays with counting forward or backward

Learning in Action: Examples

The Child

• Compares the quantities of small groups of objects, correctly using words like more/less, some/all
• Recognizes numerals, points to each object when counting, assigning the correct number to it
• Uses words such as yesterday, today, and tomorrow in conversation

The Adult

• Offers counting activities, number puzzles and books
• Provides counting finger plays, books, songs and other activities and materials throughout the daily routine and program
• Provides opportunities for children to pair objects, to count, and to develop and practice using number words
• Uses descriptive words throughout the day such as yesterday, today, tomorrow, before, and after
• Gives children opportunities to practice grouping objects and comparing quantities

The Environment Includes

• Materials available within the daily routine for sorting and counting (small blocks, colored bears, magnetic shapes, etc.)
• Objects that include numbers and number words (clocks, timers, calendars, thermometers, calculators, measuring cups, number lines, etc.)