In this standard, kindergarteners will learn to count ones and tens to 100 and can identify by reading and writing numbers zero to twenty. Instead of saying there are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 of something, they know that the last number is the group as a whole (there are five of what has been counted). Another goal of mastery is for children to compare numbers to ten by using the terms more than, less than, and equal to. They also know that 11 is 1 ten and 1 one, 12 is 1 ten and 2 ones, up to nineteen.
Quack and Count by Keith Baker uses rhyming text and playful illustrations to demonstrate the various ways that a group of seven can be created. This book is a useful way for children to connect numbers to objects and the mathematical concept of addition with the concept of comparing numbers.
Point out groups of items in your child’s life---how many trees do you see outside? What are the different ways to group items? How many plates are you putting out for dinner? How many forks? Asking questions like these in a child’s day-to-day life builds their understanding of numerical concepts and gets them ready to comprehend place value. Try this activity from Kindergarten is Crazy.
The first grade standard for number sense requires children to build on the skills from kindergarten, this time with the goal of counting ones and tens to 120 and by five to 100. Children learn how to identify and understand place value—knowing that “99” is made of 9 tens and 9 ones. Additionally, children understand that two-digit numbers can be grouped in a variety of ways, for example 23 can be made up of 2 tens and 3 ones or 1 ten and 13 ones, etc.
In the book, Two of Everything: a Chinese Folktale, by Lily Toy Hong, a magic pot duplicates anything that is placed inside. The couple who finds the pot begins to duplicate items they need, such as hairpins and coin purses, but soon their duplications get out of control! The concept of doubling is explored thoroughly in this delightful story.
Another book that explores tens, hundreds, and even thousands, is The King’s Commissioners, by Aileen Friedman. Sir Cumference and Lady Di are planning a birthday party for King Arthur, when their plans go awry. Suddenly, the castle is filled with party guests—tens, hundreds, and even thousands. This great book explores counting large numbers in a fun and silly way.
SC First Grade Math Standard: Number Sense: Develop an understanding of the base-ten number system and the importance of “place value.”
Grouping items that represent tens and ones makes counting double-digits more tangible. Counting coins is a great way to practice adding two-digit numbers.
Try these activites for teaching place value:
Visit the Richland Library's SC Education Standards page.
The titles below will help you and your child discuss numbers. Want us to pull books for you? Contact us at 803-799-9084 and request to have books sent to your nearest Richland Library location.