Rockingham County Public Schools

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Kindergarten Overview

The kindergarten standards place emphasis on counting; combining, sorting, and comparing sets of objects; recognizing and describing simple patterns; and recognizing shapes and sizes of figures and objects. While learning mathematics, students will be actively engaged, using concrete materials and appropriate technologies such as calculators and computers. However, facility in the use of technology shall not be regarded as a substitute for a student's understanding of quantitative concepts and relationships or for proficiency in basic computations.

Mathematics has its own language, and the acquisition of specialized vocabulary and language patterns is crucial to a student's understanding and appreciation of the subject. Students should be encouraged to use correctly the concepts, skills, symbols, and vocabulary identified in the following set of standards.

Problem solving has been integrated throughout the six content strands. The development of problem-solving skills should be a major goal of the mathematics program at every grade level. Instruction in the process of problem solving will need to be integrated early and continuously into each student's mathematics education. Students must be helped to develop a wide range of skills and strategies for solving a variety of problem types.

In Rockingham County Public Schools, students at this grade level will be expected to successfully complete the standards set by the State of Virginia. At the same time, students will be exploring and investigating concrete objects in a hands-on approach to counting: combining, sorting, and comparing sets of objects; recognizing and describing simple patterns ; and recognizing shapes and sizes of figures and objects. In addition to these skills, kindergarten students will be learning basic technology skills such as computer and calculator skills. By mastering these standards, students will build the foundation necessary to continue their mathematics education.