Early Math Skills are the Greatest Predictor of Succeeding as a Student
We previously talked about Literacy and how reading skills are strongly correlated to academic achievement. While it’s true that early literacy skills are important since reading skills at Kindergarten and First Grade often predict later academic success. But early Math skills are an even greater predictor of academic success. Research1 shows that when comparing literacy, math and social-emotional skills at Kindergarten, math concepts were the most powerful predictor of later learning, including higher aptitude in High School math. Math is the language of logic and it builds reasoning skills, which leads to comprehension.
New Life Academy’s Early Education program focuses on both literacy and math skills to set Kindergarteners up for success. Our math program in Kindergarten builds on those skills using Math Daily 3 and Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI).
Math Daily 3 is a framework for structuring math time so students develop deep conceptual understanding of math. Kindergarten math each day starts with large group instruction that incorporates number talks.
Following the large group instruction, Kindergarteners will start their math rotations in 3 areas:
Math with a Teacher
Math with a teacher is time in small group instruction where teachers work with 3-4 students. This small group time enables teachers to get to know each child and differentiate the learning. See an example of small group math instruction in the video below.
Math By Myself
Math by Myself includes Math writing and skill development. See an example of the activities Kindergarteners do during Math by Myself in the video below.
Math with Buddy
Math with a Buddy gives students time to practice skills and concepts with others through math games. See an example in the video below.
This framework encourages students to develop independence, grit, accountability and a love for math. Through Daily 3 and CGI, our kindergarten teachers use a very student-centered approach to math and personalize the learning for each student giving them the best chance at early math understanding and skill development.
1School Readiness and Later Achievement, 2007