Keys to Success in Math
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The Power of Understanding that Math is a Way of Thinking
Math is not computational skills. It is a way of thinking; it is the process of recognizing patterns, analyzing information and manipulating numerical data to come up with solutions that can be proven by mathematical reasoning. ALL of Incite Wonder activities foster math as a way of thinking. Games also foster this way of thinking.
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The Power of a Safe Environment
Create an environment where it is acceptable to make mistakes. An environment where everyone is given the opportunity to realize his mistake and try again. The activities in Incite Wonder are designed to be self-correcting. Given time, and a gentle question if needed, your child will be able to discover the answer by himself. With great joy he will have mastered a challenge within his reach (inspired by a quote from Maria Montessori).
The Power of Recognizing Patterns“The key element in learning mathematics is logical thinking, which, in turn, involves the ability to recognize patterns.” (Mary and Bob Baratta-Lorton, Co-founders of the Center for Innovation in Education).
The Power of Fostering Strong Number Sense
If your child does not develop Number Sense, he/she will always struggle with math. (Dr. Kevin Delvin, Stanford University Mathematics Professor). As math educator Marilyn Burns observed in her 2007 book About Teaching Mathematics, “Students come to understand that numbers are meaningful,and outcomes are sensible and expected.”One-to-one correspondence(1-1 correspondence)is a foundational “number sense” concept; one object is represented by one number. For example, there are five members in your family. There are five cookies on the plate. As your preschooler gives one cookie to each family member,she experiences1-1correspondence. This critical concept can take a preschooler up to a year to internalize. Because it is so critical, it should not be rushed.Therefore, Incite Wonder gives you a multitude of materials and ideas on how to facilitate 1-1experiences both during structured educational play time and through-out the day as you go about your busy lives.
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The Power of Concrete Experiences
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Computational skills are more easily learned when drawn from concrete experience”. (Baratta-Lorton). Mathematical Notation should “record” concrete operations AFTER your child has had many opportunities to experience them. For example, only after your child has had many experiences of touching four items, should he be introduced the numeral "4". Incite Wonder's unique Counting Sticks provide hands-on experiences for many math concepts: 1 to 1 Correspondence, Number Recognition, Counting to Ten, Base Ten(Counting to 100), Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication and Greater Than/Less Than. Fractions are easy to learn IF your child has had many opportunities to manipulate fraction pieces.
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The Power of Sequential Mastery
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Math concepts are built upon each other. The mastery of one concept enables the child to build the next concept. Carefully constructed activities, presented in the proper sequence facilitates the recognition of patterns and logical thinking. Incite Wonder's Counting Sticks presents math concepts in a logical sequence and facilitates the mastery* of concepts. A variety of companion activities, songs, and literature reinforce the concepts and facilitate transferring the concept to other situations.
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