Understanding and mastering the Common Core Standards math is just a baseline and TBH, they are VERY underwhelming at the K-2 level. This is where country differences are really set into motion, and why Singapore Math and Russian Math are a competitive thing for parents looking to give their kids an edge.
Our child who is 40% done with Kindergarten is already at a 2nd grade math level based on the math CCSS, but he also didn’t get to this point alone. You guessed it: supplementing public school was the key to achieving number sense without tears, tantrums, or tuition checks equal to a monthly mortgage.
The Common Core sets a clear and universal benchmark for what students should know and be able to do at each grade level, and in each subject, to ensure they are prepared for future academic and professional success. In the case of mathematics, these standards build a sturdy foundation of critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are not only essential for further math learning, but also for navigating the complexities of everyday life.
Why does early math education matter?
Early math education is crucial because it provides the foundation for more advanced concepts that children will encounter as they progress in their educational journey. Learning numbers and basic arithmetic is the starting point, Developing logical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a strong understanding of patterns is really the holy grail.
Math learned at an early age can help children understand the world around them and lays the groundwork for lifelong mathematical literacy. Furthermore, a positive early experience with math can foster a love for the subject, paving the way for academic success and potential careers in fields such as engineering, science, and technology.
It’s true that the skills progression from K-12 is actually lopsided. The most important skills and practices your child needs to know seem to taper off by the time they get to algebra. I can’t recall any practical applications of geometry that I’ve used in my life since I completed the 9th grade honors class. And that whole lie about me needing calculus to study economics? PASS – I never looked back on AP Calculus AB after scoring a 4 on the test.
BUT, this also tells you something very important – the elementary school years are when you should really double down on ensuring your child gains fluency in math practices and content.
What are the common core state standards for math?
The Common Core State Standards for Mathematics are a set of guidelines that outline what students should understand and be able to do in their study of mathematics at each grade level.
These standards are designed to ensure that students acquire a thorough knowledge of mathematics at each grade level, preparing them for college, career, and life. The standards are organized into two categories; one for mathematical practice (the skills students should develop) and one for mathematical content (the concepts students should know).
The mathematical practice standards emphasize problem-solving, reasoning, and communication skills, while the mathematical content standards are grade-specific and outline the mathematical skills and knowledge students need to master at each grade level.
For instance, by the end of the first grade, students should be able to add and subtract within 20, and by the end of the sixth grade, students should understand the concept of ratios and use reasoning to solve problems.
What are the mathematical practices my child should be able to do?
These standards do not focus on content, but instead emphasize the “how” of doing mathematics. They are applicable across all grade levels and mathematical topics.
- Make sense of problems and persevere in solving them: This standard emphasizes the need for students to understand a problem’s context and develop a plan to solve it. It encourages resilience in finding solutions and verifying them.
- Reason abstractly and quantitatively: Students are encouraged to represent a situation symbolically, and manipulate the representing symbols as if they have a life of their own, without necessarily keeping track of their referents.
- Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others: This standard focuses on the ability to articulate logical arguments based on sound reasoning and evidence. It also involves listening to the arguments of others and determining if they make sense.
- Model with mathematics: This standard encourages students to apply what they know about math to solve problems in everyday life.
- Use appropriate tools strategically: Students should be able to make wise choices about when and how to use different tools (e.g., pencil and paper, calculators, software, etc.) to solve problems.
- Attend to precision: This standard emphasizes the importance of exact calculations and precise communication in mathematics.
- Look for and make use of structure: Students should be able to discern patterns or structures in mathematics to solve problems more easily.
- Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning: This standard encourages students to notice if calculations are repeated, and look for both the calculation shortcut and the reason behind it.
These practice standards lay the foundation for the development of mathematical proficiency and conceptual understanding, equipping students to handle the complex mathematical challenges they will encounter in their future studies and careers.
What math content should my child know?
The Common Core standards for Mathematics are divided into domains that represent major areas of focus, including:
- Counting and Cardinality: This domain is primarily for kindergarten students and focuses on developing a child’s ability to count and recognize numbers.
- Operations and Algebraic Thinking: This domain emphasizes the understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, and also introduces students to the basic concepts of algebra.
- Number and Operations in Base Ten: This domain helps students gain a deep understanding of place value and the properties of operations.
- Number and Operations – Fractions: This domain focuses on the understanding of fractions and fraction arithmetic.
- Measurement and Data: In this domain, students learn how to measure and interpret different kinds of data.
- Geometry: This domain exposes students to geometric concepts and shapes, and teaches them to understand and reason about geometry.
Each domain is further divided into clusters of standards that represent related areas of content. The overarching goal of these standards is to ensure students develop a balanced combination of procedural fluency, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving skills.
Number Sense is a fundamental concept in mathematics that refers to a person’s ability to understand, use, and manipulate numbers. It goes beyond mere counting, encompassing an understanding of numerical magnitude, relationships, and operations. A strong number sense is vital for grasping higher-level mathematical concepts and fostering a lifelong comfort with numbers.
In relation to the Common Core Standards in Math, number sense is woven into each of the domains. For example, the Counting and Cardinality domain nurtures early number sense by helping kindergarten students to count and recognize numbers. The Operations and Algebraic Thinking domain builds on this foundation by teaching students how to perform basic operations, which deepens their understanding of numbers and their relationships. Similarly, the Number and Operations in Base Ten and the Number and Operations – Fractions domains expand students’ number sense into the realm of place value and fractions, respectively.
How can I develop my child’s number sense?
In essence, each domain and standard of the Common Core Math is designed to gradually and systematically enhance students’ number sense, thereby equipping them with the numerical understanding and skills necessary to tackle complex mathematical problems and real-world numerical challenges. Parents can play a crucial role in supporting their child’s number sense development, particularly between the ages of 3-6. Some strategies include:
- Counting in Everyday Life: Incorporate counting into everyday activities such as setting the table, counting steps while climbing the stairs, or counting toys during playtime. This can help children grasp the concept of numbers and their sequence.
- Number Games: Engage your child in simple number games. This could be as straightforward as ‘I Spy’ with numbers or playing board games that include number counting.
- Number Recognition: Encourage your child to identify numbers in their environment like on the television, in books, or on signs during a car ride. This can improve their ability to recognize and differentiate between numbers.
- Introduce Basic Additions and Subtractions: Use real objects such as fruit, toys, or blocks to demonstrate basic addition and subtraction. This tangible approach can help them understand these concepts better.
- Use Measurement Terms: Introduce terms such as ‘more’, ‘less’, or ‘equal’ in regular conversations to familiarize them with comparative and quantitative reasoning.
How does having good number sense benefit my child?
Having a good number sense is critical as it forms the basis of all mathematical learning. It not only helps students accurately recognize numbers and perform basic arithmetic, but it also enables them to understand complex mathematical concepts more easily. A strong number sense aids in the development of skills such as estimation, prediction, and problem-solving, thereby enhancing a student’s overall mathematical proficiency.
With improved number sense, students are better equipped to perceive numerical relationships and make logical connections between different mathematical concepts. They can perform mental calculations more efficiently, estimate the results of complex math problems, and identify errors in their computations. It also allows them to apply math in real-world scenarios, thereby helping them make informed decisions in various aspects of life, be it planning a budget, calculating distances, or understanding statistical data.
This does not mean that your child will automatically be a personal finance whiz though. Sadly, the standards are silent on many practical life aspects of math – like understanding how interest is calculated on your credit card.
How has teaching math changed because of common core standards math?
The implementation of Common Core Standards has significantly influenced the methods of teaching math. Rote memorization is out, comprehensive understanding of mathematical concepts is in.
The focus has shifted towards problem-solving, logical thinking, and understanding the ‘why’ behind the ‘how’. Rather than simply learning formulas and procedures, students are now encouraged to dissect and understand problems and methods, and to apply their knowledge in different contexts.
How does “new math” tie in with the math common core standards?
“New Math” is somewhat related to the Common Core Standards (see this super interesting NY Times article about the old “new math”!). “New Math” primarily emphasizes understanding the underlying principles of mathematics rather than rote memorization of facts and methods. This is in sync with the Common Core’s focus on problem-solving and logical thinking. Both encourage a deep, conceptual understanding of mathematics, fostering students’ abilities to apply mathematical principles beyond the classroom to real-world scenarios.
However, there are differences too. “New Math” was a movement that originated in the 1950s and 1960s, which introduced topics such as set theory, matrices, and abstract algebra into the curriculum, often at an early age. Common Core, by contrast, doesn’t necessarily introduce these complex topics early on, but rather seeks to ensure students have a solid grasp of basic mathematical principles and can apply these effectively to various contexts.
I’m not 100% onboard with the new way of teaching math – I believe in having true number sense as opposed to just knowing what algorithm to select for a problem, but I also think the emphasis on understanding underlying principles can detract from the development of basic computational skills.
Kids have to know that 9+5=14 without needing to count their fingers or worse – reference a calculator. Implementation of new math and the common core standards will of course come down to an individual teachers’ abilities – but this sort of lottery goes against my fundamental beliefs. I will not chance my child’s future on whether we’re lucky and win all 13 years of teacher lotteries.
The Common Core Standards in Mathematics play a crucial role in shaping a student’s understanding of mathematical concepts and their application in real-life scenarios. Parents should be proactive in tracking their child’s progression because these standards are carefully designed to build on one another each year.
A solid foundation in earlier years aids the comprehension and mastery of more complex topics as the child progresses through school. Consistent parental involvement can ensure their child is learning and mastering the essentials, thereby cultivating an adeptness in mathematical reasoning that will be instrumental not only in academic success but also in dealing with the quantitative aspects of everyday life.
