Building Primary Math Concepts

Because language arts instruction is so important and seems to eat up so much time, I find that it is all the more crucial to make sure that my math instruction is effective and is delivered efficiently.  I use math manipulatives in small groups daily to develop math concepts and understandings, and then use the songs from my CD’s to help reinforce and review these math concepts at other times of the day as well.  The songs on the Musical Math CD and DVD are particularly helpful in reviewing the academic vocabulary associated with these math concepts.

For example, in the AAB pattern song, they sing, “Chug, chug, caboose!  Chug, chug, caboose!  Duck, duck, goose!  Duck, duck, goose!” all with movements for each one.  It’s definitely a favorite activity!

The songs help link the concrete math concepts that we are learning with the abstract math vocabulary that they must also learn.  Once they have a solid label for each concept in their heads and can build their own examples of these patterns, true learning has taken place.  We will work on a concept such as patterning for several weeks, and sing the songs on and off again during the actual math lessons, during transition times, or whenever the kids need a chance to get up and move a little to get those wiggles out!

Musical Math
Patterning, Skip Counting, Addition, Coin Recognition and MORE!
Words covered are:
1-100, I Can Sort, Position Words, More, Less, Equal, AB Pattern, ABC Pattern, AAB Pattern, What Comes Next?, Penny, Nickel, Dime, Quarter, Estimate, Count By 10’s, Count by 2’s, Count by 5’s, Sphere, Cube, Cone, Addition, Addition Doubles, 5 + 2, 2 + 3, 2 + 4, 3 + 4, 5 + 3, 6 + 3, 6 + 4 and More!

Musical Math Resource CD
A Collection of Classroom Tools supporting Multisensory Teaching Methods!
Includes the following printable files:
* Visual Aids for the "What Comes Next? song
* Addition and Subtraction Games
* Addition and Subtraction Book masters directions, and sample photos
* The More, Less, and Equal Game
* Coin Trading Games (easy, medium, and hard)
* Estimation Chart * 3-D Shapes Graph.!

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Musical Math also has songs like this for sorting, comparing sets (more, less, and equal), coin recognition, skip counting, counting to 100, addition, and subtraction.  But no matter what the concept, my basic lesson plan is to first introduce the concept whole group with magnetic manipulatives, sing the song, and then work on the concept in small groups with manipulatives. 

After that, if the skill must be transferred to paper, then we work on that, too.  Meanwhile, we keep reviewing the songs as often as time will permit.  Hopefully, when the children hear the songs, they will be visualizing their experiences with the manipulatives in their heads, and connecting this learning to the math vocabulary that the song is about.

This set includes the various games from the Musical Math Resource CD that are not included in the Addition or Subtraction or Songbook sets, including activities for learning about coins, estimation, comparing sets, volume shapes.

Musical Math Games & Activities
Now Available for Instant Downloading!

Also available on the HeidiSongs Teaching Resource CD

This set includes a fun lift the flap Subtraction Book for the children to make with a zoo animal theme. Children as young as Kindergarten can complete this book with little help, since the bodies or heads of the animals are started for them with dotted lines.

Musical Math Subtraction Lift the Flap Book and other Games - Instantly Downloadable!

Also available on the HeidiSongs Teaching Resource CD