"We need to provide kids with a deeper knowledge of broader topics related to the concepts of numbers and geometry." --Douglas Clements

We've heard for years about the connection between music training and improved math 
skills, possibly due to a neurological connection between the two. But did you know that a new study suggests a similar connection between solid early math skills and future reading success? According to recent research led by Northwestern University's Greg Duncan, summarized in the American Psychological Association article below, the best predictor of academic success is a mastery of early math concepts.

Math, Reading, and Behavior. Even after controlling for prior cognitive ability and demographic factors, basic math skills predicted not only early reading skills, but also later reading achievement. The opposite, reading skills predicting later math skills, did not hold true. An interesting further note: although early language, reading, and attention-related skills were also factors in academic success, behavior problems were not. (But as Duncan somewhat dryly points out, "we were unable to assess whether a child's behavior problems affected the amount that classmates learned.")

What Kind of Early Math Skills? Researchers have found numbers and number concepts, geometry, and measurement to be the most important early math skills for future success. The NAEYC, as well as many individual researchers, recommend focusing on these key areas in depth rather than trying to give equal attention to all early math skills.

What Kind of Practice? How can teachers best help children develop these skills? Children already intuitively grasp many early math concepts. But they need teachers to help connect their prior knowledge to school mathematics. As Douglas Clements explains in the article below on "Concrete Manipulatives," using manipulatives by themselves does not necessarily teach children to relate that manipulative to an abstract concept. Children need explicit instruction to make that connection. But manipulatives plus a teacher's instruction do help children move from their intuitive understanding to abstract "school math." And manipulatives allow learning based on playful activities, developmentally appropriate and engaging for young chlidren.

Try these Pattern Block Picture Puzzles with your students. Two levels of difficulty accomodate children at different developmental levels: from matching shapes with outlines, to solving the puzzle withour the help of outlines. [Source: Primary Concepts #2124.]

This complete kit gives you the early math manipulatives and lesson plans you need to bring your K-2 students up to speed in number concepts. Teaching Notes provide detailed instructions for counting, number, and addition/subtraction activities.

Enough materials for four children, including:

• 225 each of Pig, Frog, and Ladybug counters
  
• 4 each of See-Thru Frog, Pig, and Ladybug stamps, plus 3 stamp pads
  
• 4 sets of counting tubs, 4 sets of counting cards, and 20 counting strips
  
• 5 each of 1-10 and 11-20 Counting Grids
  
• 11 See-Thru Number Stamps for 0-10
  
• 4 sets of Number and Operation Tiles
  
• 8 Addition/Subtraction Work Mats, plus counters
• Sturdy plastic storage box for kit contents
  

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Spelling lists. Spelling tests. Many adults remember them less than fondly, yet spelling is an essential element in learning to read and write. Next month, we'll explore recent spelling research, and offer lots of resources to make your spelling instruction more fun and effective.

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