​Alpine Academy: Math

Math skills are a huge part of our preschool and Young Fives classes. One of the most important math skills is problem-solving. We work on problem-solving every chance we get. For example, a teacher may ask, “How can we divide these up evenly?” when she is handing out a pile of buttons for an art project. We also do specific math activities where the children use manipulatives such as base ten rods to figure out the answers.
 
We also work on money, time, measurement and simple geometry. The children enjoy these topics because they are concrete. The children can handle the coins and bills; they can move the hands on the practice clocks; they can measure with rulers and scales; and they can find shapes everywhere they look. 
 
People ask us if we work on “real math” (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, etc…) and yes, we find many creative, hands-on ways to work with number concepts. For example, we use clocks to practice counting backwards (subtracting) and rulers to practice halves and quarters (fractions.) Over the years, we have found that the more time we spend using everyday items to help children understand numbers, the better prepared they will be for elementary school.