Instruction aligns completely with national and state standards as well as research. The Gates Kindergarten Math program is organized around weekly projects which involve children in thinking, writing, talking and doing mathematics. The basic framework is derived from Creative Publications Mathland and is supplemented by interest centers related to Kindergarten themes. Real kids using mathematics in everyday activities appear throughout the program to generate interest and show relevance. Number sense is a driving force of the program.
Number sense includes estimation, mental math, and much more.
We believe that students who develop strong number sense will become more proficient with computation and more powerful as problem solvers. Manipulative and pictorial models play an important role in helping students make sense of mathematics. Throughout the grades, work with numbers is connected to physical representations to enhance understanding of key concepts and skills. Reasoning and critical thinking permeate the program to deepen that understanding. Problem-solving strategies are analyzed in specific lessons, as well as thoroughly developed and practiced throughout.