Helping Your Child Learn Mathematics (pdf)

Classification: Identifying ways in which objects are similar (such as color, 

size or shape).

Geometry:  A branch of mathematics that deals with measurement, properties

and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces and solids.  For young children,

geometry begins by recognizing shapes and patterns; formal study begins later.

Mathematical reasoning: Thinking through math problems logically in order

to arrive at solutions.  It involves being able to identify what is important and

unimportant in solving a problem and to explain or justify a solution.

Measurement: Determining the length, area, volume, time and other

quantities and using the appropriate tools to do so. Units of measure include

inches, feet, grams, kilograms, pounds, tons, gallons, liters, dollars.

Number sense:  The ability to recognize numbers, identify their relative values

and understand how to use them in a variety of ways, such as counting,

measuring or estimating.  

Probability:  The chance that a given event will occur.  It is an important area

of mathematics study and a subject to which young children can be introduced

through games of chance, such as coin tosses.