PSMA5: Communicates mathematical ideas using appropriate mathematical language and representations, and teaches children to use both to communicate about mathematical ideas
Evidence 1: 5 Little Monkeys Lesson Plan
Description: I use this lesson to introduce the concept of subtraction.
Analysis: During this activity children are not only introduced to appropriate mathematical language, but are also able to become the representation of the mathematical equation being solved.
Evidence 3: Everyday Mathematics Racing Cars Game
Bell, J. (2004). Everyday mathematics ([2nd ed.). Columbus, OH: SRA/McGraw-Hill.
Description: This is a game that we play in our classroom throughout the year.
Analysis: Most of my preschoolers are able to subitize, so when they roll the die during this game and state, "I got 5", I generally ask them how they know that. They are then able to use mathematical language, and at times representations, to tell me how they came to that knowledge.
Evidence 2: VELI Training
Description: This training focused on building math literacy within the preschool classroom.
Analysis: Included in this training was a large list of vocabulary words that should be included in all early educational classrooms. I have begun to use this list when planning morning meeting routines, when introducing new literature, and when introducing new materials during choice time. Some terms include various types of graphing, names of shapes, and terms used when developing mathematical equations.
