Before I get into the nitty-gritty of designing a new math curriculum, I need to discover the big picture. I’m a visual learner and I like to see an overview map. I have created maps for my older math curriculums and I need to create one for Kindergarten. To start, I looked at the common core standards for Kindergarten as well as other resources. The common core standards recommend that Kindergarten students should focus on two things “(1) representing and comparing whole numbers, initially with sets of objects; (2) describing shapes and space.” I include these as well as patterns, since they provide the start of counting as well as giving students a chance to describe shapes and space. So I have four main ideas: patterns, counting, measuring/shapes, and place value. This is what I am using so far, but of course may change as I delve into the individual goals and standards. I will probably start Q1 with patterns. I want my new math minds to be confident in their skills and I didn’t want to overwhelm them with counting and numbers so we will start with patterns. I think Q2 will we move into counting, then Q3 or Q4 will be place value and measuring/shapes.
Now I need to break down the standards into a manageable check list. Again I’m a visual learner, so I took the standards and reduced them to an example. (FYI – Click on the score card below if you would like a copy for free!) I noticed in the common core standards objects should be used instead of numbers for awhile so students develop cardinality.
Okay, I’m off to a pretty good start. Next I will tackle the overall structure of math time.
