Composing and Decomposing Numbers: What This Looks Like in Kindergarten [3-Part Series]
Building kinders with great number sense has really helped us grow in all areas of math this year.
Recently, I wrote a three-part series to illustrate some of how we’ve worked on it especially in relation to composing and decomposing numbers using groups of tens and ones.
Decomposing Numbers
In part one, I explain the value and long-term picture of breaking and creating numbers using such a format.
I also share with you how repeated practice makes a big difference based on the fact that it helps numerals become visual rather than just a written number.
Read: Decomposing Numbers – Why We Teach This in Kindergarten
How to Teach Decomposing Numbers
In part two, I share my tips and ideas for implementing enough practice through your day and weekly schedule with the hopes that you might be able to use one {or some} of them.
This includes practice during calendar, games, small group activities, math journaling, and other practice opportunities.
I tried to include tons of pictures so you could really see the range of work we do even though most of them are from the spring and show more difficult levels of this skill.
Read: How to Teach Decomposing and Composing Numbers
How to Teach Decomposing Numbers with Equations (and to Accelerated Kinders)
In part three, I was nervous to share with you some of how I work with my accelerated kindergartners.
I am not a gifted/talented teacher nor do I want to pretend to be.
I want to give my students work that fits them well, not just “more” work since they can do our Common Core standards independently.
So I share with you how I check in on my kinders’ understanding, give practice to work through any leftover misconceptions and give them larger numbers to manipulate for independent practice.
Read: Decomposing and Composing – Working With Accelerated Kindergartners
Isn’t it amazing how far we come in one year!
These are the three pieces of the puzzle to better teach composing and decomposing numbers in kindergarten.
I hope this collection of tips, ideas and things I’ve learned from teaching kinders this skill can be beneficial to you and your class.
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