Ages 5-6
Kindergarten math
Kindergarten is counting and the first numbers. Most of it is done with real objects and fingers, and that is right: the numerals come after the amounts.
What kindergarten usually covers
An ordinary elementary scope and sequence, the one the sets here follow. Schools differ by a few months either way.
Counting
Counting to 100 by ones and by tens, counting on from any number, and counting a set of objects once each, which is harder than it sounds.
Numbers to 20
Reading and writing the numerals, matching them to amounts, and saying which of two numbers is more.
Adding and taking away within 10
With objects, drawings and fingers: 3 and 2 make 5, 5 take away 2 leaves 3. Fluency within 5 by the end of the year.
Teen numbers
13 is ten and three more. This is the first place value idea, and it makes the whole next year easier.
Shapes and measuring
Naming squares, circles, triangles, rectangles and solids, and comparing lengths and weights: longer, shorter, heavier.
Practice for kindergarten
The practice set on the front page starts at grade 1. For a kindergartener, count real things out loud together, play "how many are hidden?" with five counters, and read the place value page for the step into teen numbers.
Pages for this grade
Each has the method written out, worked examples, the facts worth knowing and ten practice questions with answers.
Common questions
- Should a kindergartener be doing worksheets?
- Rarely. At this age the amount comes first and the symbol second, so counting objects, fingers and dice does more than written sums. A written question is fine once the child can already do it with things.
- How high should they count?
- To 100 by the end of the year is the usual goal, by ones and by tens. Counting on from a number other than one ("start at 7") matters as much as the top number.