Young children love mathematics! They are interested in numbers, shapes, sizes, and patterns, and their mathematical understanding begins to develop very early. For example, they use geometry skills and spatial sense to stack blocks, and they compare their own heights to that of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.

During play, young children use mathematics to make sense of their world. The Creative Curriculum^® for Preschool helps teachers provide the ideal setting for purposeful play and describes the following key components of mathematics:

• Number concepts
• Patterns and relationships
• Geometry and spatial sense
• Measurement
• Data collection, organization, and representation

Mathematics process skills are the methods children use to learn concepts. They are integrated throughout all these components. The math process skills include

• Reasoning
• Problem solving
• Communication
• Connections
• Representations

Mathematics: The Creative Curriculum^® Approach

Excerpt: "Number and Operations" (pdf)

We have teamed with noted math early childhood expert Dr. Juanita Copley of the University of Houston to develop a comprehensive and systematic approach to teaching and learning mathematics in preschool. Mathematics: The Creative Curriculum Approach gives you in-depth guidance to

• Understand mathematics research and the components of math
• Understand how children's mathematical thinking develops over time
• Create a math-rich environment
• Plan for math experiences throughout the day, including whole-group and small-group instruction during routines, in interest areas, and as part of studies
• Adapt mathematical teaching for all learners

The math activities that are included are age-appropriate and flexible enough to meet the needs of the group. A feature called adaptations shows you how to adjust an activity so you can individualize and differentiate instruction.

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool Math Kits

We've taken the work out of gathering materials by organizing math materials you'll need to implement the program into two kits:

Math Kit #1: Number, Geometry, and Data 
Math Kit #2: Patterns and Measurement

Helping You Meet Accountability Requirements

Our comprehensive math program is grounded in solid research and aligns with learning goals and standards defined by

• State early learning standards
• Head Start
• National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM)

Training

Teaching Strategies offers introductory training on math, both on-site and at our national conferences. After participating in one of these trainings, you will know how to

• define the five components of math and the five process skills that are identified in the research
• use The Creative Curriculum for Preschool structure as a decision-making tool for addressing the components of math
• plan intentionally for math learning experiences with individuals, small groups, and large groups
• connect math content with The Creative Curriculum^® goals and objectives
• integrate math with other content areas in interest areas and everyday activities

For the most effective implementation, there should also be follow-up training, opportunities for professional dialogue, coaching, and peer mentoring.