What do parents need to know about common core?
We have entered an era where kindergarten is now known as "the new 1st Grade". The way we once thought of kindergarten has been replaced with much higher expectations and a more rigorous and process-oriented way of thinking and problem solving. Studies have shown that children's performance in kindergarten is predictive of their later achievement, and so a child's experiences in the early years of schooling may set him/her on a learning course that affects an entire school career. Many parents are now expressing concern with the type of knowledge and skills their students' kindergarten teachers are expecting, especially in the area of mathematics. If you are one of them, don't worry, you are not alone.
It is true that parents today most likely learned math in ways that are not currently taught, and this has caused concern among parents who desire to help their students excel in math. What many parents are discovering is that the shift of Common Core is leading us away from merely knowing how to solve a problem; now we need students to know why and we need them to explain their problem solving process. In addition to asking their students to explain their thinking, teachers now expect their students to figure out multiple ways to solve one problem. It is safe to say that we are now focused on the processes behind solving problems, not just arriving at the correct answers.
This is not cause to panic, however, because your students' teachers are ready and willing to help you gain insight and understanding when it comes to this new way of thinking. Please, take a breath, navigate your way through the resources I have gathered for you, and realize that your child is eager, excited, and capable! The sooner you realize your role in the success of your child's educational experience, the more time your student will be given to grow and succeed!
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for kindergarten mathematics are made up of five domains: Counting and Cardinality, Operations & Algebraic Thinking, Number & Operations in Base Ten, Measurement & Data, and Geometry. A brief description of each can be found below. The underlined/highlighted links direct you to resources explaining some of the concepts addressed in each standard
Counting and Cardinality
* Know number names and count sequence.
* Count to tell the number of objects.
* Compare numbers.
Operations & Algebraic Thinking
* Understand addition, and understand subtraction.
Number and Operations in Base Ten
* Work with numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value.
Measurement and Data - Measurement Song
* Describe and compare measurable attributes.
* Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category.
Geometry - Shape Song
* Identify and describe shapes.
* Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.
In addition to the standards described above, all grade levels incorporate the 8 Mathematical Practices.
After you click on the link, scroll down the page to see videos of what each Practice looks like in different grade levels.
8 Mathematical Practices
1) Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2) Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3) Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4) Model with mathematics.
5) Use appropriate tools strategically.
6) Attend to precision.
7) Look for and make use of structure.
8) Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
It is true that parents today most likely learned math in ways that are not currently taught, and this has caused concern among parents who desire to help their students excel in math. What many parents are discovering is that the shift of Common Core is leading us away from merely knowing how to solve a problem; now we need students to know why and we need them to explain their problem solving process. In addition to asking their students to explain their thinking, teachers now expect their students to figure out multiple ways to solve one problem. It is safe to say that we are now focused on the processes behind solving problems, not just arriving at the correct answers.
This is not cause to panic, however, because your students' teachers are ready and willing to help you gain insight and understanding when it comes to this new way of thinking. Please, take a breath, navigate your way through the resources I have gathered for you, and realize that your child is eager, excited, and capable! The sooner you realize your role in the success of your child's educational experience, the more time your student will be given to grow and succeed!
The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) for kindergarten mathematics are made up of five domains: Counting and Cardinality, Operations & Algebraic Thinking, Number & Operations in Base Ten, Measurement & Data, and Geometry. A brief description of each can be found below. The underlined/highlighted links direct you to resources explaining some of the concepts addressed in each standard
Counting and Cardinality
* Know number names and count sequence.
* Count to tell the number of objects.
* Compare numbers.
Operations & Algebraic Thinking
* Understand addition, and understand subtraction.
Number and Operations in Base Ten
* Work with numbers 11-19 to gain foundations for place value.
Measurement and Data - Measurement Song
* Describe and compare measurable attributes.
* Classify objects and count the number of objects in each category.
Geometry - Shape Song
* Identify and describe shapes.
* Analyze, compare, create, and compose shapes.
In addition to the standards described above, all grade levels incorporate the 8 Mathematical Practices.
After you click on the link, scroll down the page to see videos of what each Practice looks like in different grade levels.
8 Mathematical Practices
1) Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2) Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3) Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4) Model with mathematics.
5) Use appropriate tools strategically.
6) Attend to precision.
7) Look for and make use of structure.
8) Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
CPALMS is an online toolbox of information, vetted resources, and interactive tools that helps educators effectively implement teaching standards. It is the State of Florida’s official source for standards information and course descriptions.
The Math Forum @ Drexel is one of Maryland Public Television’s partners in their Mathlanding project. Mathlanding is designed with elementary math specialists and teachers in mind. It’s a dynamic resource to help support the professional development needs of elementary educators in building mathematical knowledge and instructional practice.
Free Educational Resources site for PreK-12 teachers, parents and students for CCSS and state standards. Many categories of interactive sites for learning.
Achieve The Core
Educators and people curious about the Common Core State Standards are invited to explore what the site has to offer, including hundreds of math and literacy resources for teachers, resources for leaders who are putting college and career readiness standards into action in their own schools, and opportunities to become an advocate for the Common Core.
Educators and people curious about the Common Core State Standards are invited to explore what the site has to offer, including hundreds of math and literacy resources for teachers, resources for leaders who are putting college and career readiness standards into action in their own schools, and opportunities to become an advocate for the Common Core.
Parent’s Backpack Guide to Common Core State Standards This resource comes from the state of New York and includes resources for parents in both Common Core Mathematics and English Language Arts. It is a nice, short summary of what to expect in your child's education, homework, and shifts in styles from previous curricula.
IXL is a comprehensive list of math skills and topics that students need to master at every grade level. Includes interactive practice problems with explanations if the problem is solved incorrectly. Skills are organized into categories, and you can move your mouse over any skill name to view a sample question. To start practicing, just click on any link. IXL will track your score, and the questions will automatically increase in difficulty as you improve!