Having a structured daily math block in kindergarten is so important because it holds us accountable for keeping the lesson flowing. It also keeps us accountable for following a gradual release model.
The span of time that students can actively listen and attend is short. Breaking up our daily math routine into these shorter chunks allows us to get the most out of the time we have:
I Do – Teacher Mini Lesson
The teacher mini lesson should be short and to the point. This isn’t the time to break off into tangents. Make the most of your time by making sure everything you say relates to the learning target.
During this part of our daily math block, I introduce our learning target and give a short explanation of what we are going to learn and how we will know when we have learned it.
Then, I will do a short mini lesson on the topic. I use the lessons from my kindergarten math curriculum. These lessons are already broken up into a daily math routine for you.
We Do – Whole Group Math Games and Activities
After our mini lesson, we will practice together with a game or activity. For the lesson above, I drew the line on the board. Then, I modeled using magnets to measure the line.
I kept making mistakes and allowing students to correct me. Then, they told me why what I was doing was wrong and what I should do instead. We used what they told me to add onto the anchor chart from the beginning of the lesson.
Sometimes we play whole group math games during our this time:
For this game, students took turns rolling the dice and putting that many cubes on the anchor chart. Then, we added them up together.
Whatever we do whole group will be very similar to what students do with their partners.
With Support – Partner Math Games and Activities for Kindergarten
To practice using nonstandard measurement tools, students traced their shoes and then used different manipulatives to measure the length. They were able to walk around to different tables and practice measuring with different units.
This is not an independent activity because students have each other at the tables for support. They also had me. If an activity is truly independent, they will be doing it without any support or scaffolding.
This is another example of a partner game:
This partner math game followed a lesson on number order and whole group practice with putting a number line in order.
For this game, students took turns covering their eyes while their partner used a bear to cover a number. They then had to open their eyes, identify the covered number, and explain how they know it is that number.
You can read more about this easy number sense game here.
You Do – Independent Math Activity
The independent activity is an assessment for me to really know where students are, so I try not to give any support or “coaching” during this time.
The independent math activity can be a math worksheet or printable. It can also be a math craft or another hands on activity.
For the above activity, students drew 3 flowers that were different heights. Then, they cut them out and glued them on a tall piece of paper, Last, they used nonstandard measurement tools to measure.
I was able to see if students followed all of our rules for nonstandard measurement with this activity. I was also able to extend the activity for those who needed it. They were able to go to then find a different unit to measure with and compare the results.
Do I Do Math Centers in Kindergarten?
Yes, I just consider this separate from our daily math block. Our kindergarten daily math routine takes about 35-45 minutes. I try to have 20-30 minutes of math centers daily, but it doesn’t always happen.
During this time, I put out a basket at each table that has a math center related to what we have been learning. I also have a basket with baggies that contain old math centers and puzzles that will allow students to practice old skills.
Students can choose to go to any table or grab a baggie from that basket. I allow 3-4 students at a table at a time.
What do I do during math centers?
I will either walk around and interact with students in centers, or I will pull individual students or small groups to my table for math intervention groups.
I sometimes use activities from my kindergarten math intervention binder during this time. They are all prepped and in page protectors so I just have to pull them out and go!
My kindergarten math curriculum also includes differentiated lesson plans and activities that I can use for small math groups.
Want Your Math Block Planned For You?
No worries! I have already planned out the entire year of math for you! My kindergarten math curriculum gives you daily lesson plans that follow the gradual release model. It also includes differentiated lesson plans, games, printables, and home connections for each lesson. Grab it here!
You can also read more about our kindergarten daily schedule here.
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This is great! I teach Special Education, and some of my students are on this level. My ELL students can appreciate the accompanying pictures, as well.