ects, primarily used for playing and exploring, but also as learning materials. Just to name a few: acorns, shells, small stones, sanded and smoothed branches cut into slices or chunks, and many more. Left to their own devices out in nature, every young child is a collector! These natural beauties could all be kept in baskets.
For the “equal” portion, begin by using yesterday’s number stones, taking one of them (the number 5 for instance) and casually setting it in plain view on a desk or tabletop next to 5 of the objects. No need to instruct here, since imitation is such a prevalent quality at this age. You will see that the other counting stones will be eagerly matched up with their object counterparts. All you need do is provide the venue.
For the “greater and less than” portion, introduce the formal signs for this concept: < and >, in an imaginative and pictorial way. Again, this needs little to no words. Place two of the counting stones next to each other, or use a counting stone and objects as a pair. Using your index and middle finger to form the greater-less than signs, point the open end toward the larger number and indicating the greater stone or objects say, “5 is bigger.” Tracing two fingers of your other hand toward the closed end (to show how it decreases) while indicating the lesser stone or objects say, “2 is smaller.” Once the concept is established the terms could be changed to “greater” and “less than” but no hurry on that.
Now for Standard 7. Again using the objects and stones, have the child(ren) write a simpler version of the numbers using lines for numbers 1-4, and 4 lines with a diagonal hash line for the number 5, and two of these for the number 10. Even though the written numerals have not even been touched yet, this kind of play learning builds an incomparable foundation for the more abstract concepts to be learned later, from first grade on.
And no, your Kindergartner will not be standardized test-ready but if you’re homeschooling that’s ok. And if you’re dealing with a “test-ready” classroom, you can still supplement school lessons with these fundamental and downright nourishing activities at home, to counteract the stress that may be occurring from too-early academics.
Knowledge ensues in an environment dedicated to imaginative, creative knowing, where student and teacher alike surrender to the ensuing of that knowledge as a worthy goal. More Kindergarten tomorrow!