Math and Literacy Integration for Early Learners
These resources from DREME (Development and Research in Early Mathematics Education) can help parents, caregivers, and young children engage in fun early math learning.
Numbers and Counting
What is learning about number and counting important?
Numbers
Numbers help us compare, measure, order, add, subtract, and solve problems of all kinds. When children begin kindergarten, their knowledge about numbers helps prepare them for learning math. Children and adults use number skills daily in their work and play.
Counting
Counting is an important foundation in mathematics. Many math skills build on children’s ability to count. Counting is helpful for problem solving. We can count to find out how many things there are all together and how many are left when some things get taken away, and even to solve problems that involve simple multiplication or division.
Children’s Books to Support Numbers and Counting
Each of the books below are recommended by DREME and NCESD for early learning on numbers and counting. Click on a book cover image to learn more about the book on the Goodreads website. Resources for each book, including DREME Storybook Guides, are linked below each book cover image below.
10 Minutes till Bedtime
Addition and Subtraction
Why is learning about addition and subtraction important?
Addition and subtraction are useful for many activities of everyday life, like setting the table, making change at the supermarket, and playing some games. Addition and subtraction prepare children for learning about other math topics, including multiplication and division, in school.
Learn more from DREME’s “All About Addition and Subtraction” handout
Children’s Books to Support Addition and Subtraction
Each of the books below are recommended by DREME and NCESD for early learning on addition and subtraction. Click on a book cover image to learn more about the book on the Goodreads website. Resources for each book, including DREME Storybook Guides, are linked below each book cover image below.
Shapes and Spatial Relations
Why is learning about space and place important?
Thinking about space and place helps us every day as we: plan the best route to school, remember where we left our keys or backpack, or use a map to get to a new place.
Children’s Books to Support Shapes and Spatial Relations
Each of the books below are recommended by DREME and NCESD for early learning on shapes and spatial relations. Click on a book cover image to learn more about the book on the Goodreads website. Resources for each book, including DREME Storybook Guides, are linked below each book cover image below.
Patterns
Why is learning about patterns important?
Patterns help us make predictions, such as, “Whose turn is next on the slide?” The ability to work with and create patterns will also help children learn algebra and more advanced math when they are older.
Children’s Books to Support Patterns
Each of the books below are recommended by DREME and NCESD for early learning on patterns. Click on a book cover image to learn more about the book on the Goodreads website. Resources for each book, including DREME Storybook Guides, are linked below each book cover image below.
Measurement and Data
Why is learning about measurement and data important?
Measurement
People need to measure things every day, such as: “How far is the walk to school?” or “How much flour do I need to make a cake?” Some areas of math and science also use measurement to solve problems. Knowing standard units and how they are related helps us communicate about the things we measure.
Data
Data helps people understand the world around them and make decisions. We gather information to answer questions such as:
- “Are there enough cookies for everyone?” Count how many people and cookies there are.
- “Should I wear a jacket today?” Check the weather forecast and then decide.
- “What type of ice cream should we get for a party?” Survey people’s favorite flavors to find out.
Children’s Books to Support Measurement and Data
Each of the books below are recommended by DREME and NCESD for early learning on measurement and data. Click on a book cover image to learn more about the book on the Goodreads website. Resources for each book, including DREME Storybook Guides, are linked below each book cover image below.
Math Identity
Why is math identity important for children?
Everyone Can Be a “Math Person”
Children learn a lot about math from their families. We talk a lot about how families can teach children how to do math, but families also teach children how to feel about math.
Learn more from DREME’s “Everyone Can Be Math Person” handout
All About Positive Math Attitudes
Positive math attitudes are beliefs and feelings about math that can support lifelong math learning. DREME provides some specific positive attitudes that can inspire families to be excited about math.
Learn more from DREME’s “All About Positive Math Attitudes” handout
Parents, Fear Math No More
When caregivers fear math, they may not think about exploring math with their young children. The good news is that there are lots of things caregivers can do to boost children’s math development—even when caregivers themselves are anxious about math.
Children’s Books to Support Math Identity
Each of the books to the left is recommended by DREME and NCESD for early learning on math identity. Click on a book cover image to learn more about the book on the Goodreads website. Resources for each book, including DREME Storybook Guides, are linked below each book cover image.
When Sophie Thinks She Can’t
The Girl With a Mind for Math
DREME Card Games
DREME has created a series of card games for families to play to practice early math skills. The games are organized from basic to more advanced skills (Game 1 is the simplest and Game 10 is the most difficult).
Read the Card Game Directory to learn more about the games and how to identify your child’s skill level. Every game includes a mini story based around a character; learn more about the Lands of Numbers by reading The Royal Family and Sneeze the Dragon first.
Level 1 – Compare Numbers
Families should play on this level if the child is learning to answer questions like: What number is larger: 4 or 7?
Game 1 – Count Jack is Highest
The goal of the game is to compare numbers to see which one is larger and which one is smaller.
Level 2 – Put Numbers in Order
Families should play on this level if the child is learning to answer questions like: Can you put these numbers (5,7,4,6,3) in order from smallest to largest?
Game 2 – Line Them Up
The goal is to make a number line. Whoever puts the last card in the completed number line wins.
Game 3 – Sneeze Orders the Cards
The goal is to be the first to complete your own number line by replacing face-down cards with the correct face-up number.
Game 4 – Number Neighbors
The goal is to get the most number neighbors (cards that are one more or one less than another number) in your saved cards pile.
Level 3 – Add Numbers
Families should play on this level if the child is learning to answer questions like: How much is 3+6?
Game 5 – Easy Counting
The goal is to win the round by having the highest total between two cards. The player who wins the most rounds wins the game.
Game 6 – Queen of 10s
The goal is to find cards that add to 10 and put them in a saved cards pile. The player with the most cards wins.
Game 7 – The King Pops Up
The goal is to win the round by having the highest total between two cards. The player who wins the most rounds wins the game.
Level 4 – Advanced Adding and Subtracting
Families should play on this level if the child is learning to answer questions like: What do you need to add to 8 to get to 10?
Game 8 – Jack Subtracts
In this 2-4 player game, draw two cards and subtract the lower card from the higher one. Whoever has the smallest answer wins the round. The player who wins the most rounds wins the game.
Game 9 – What’s the Secret Number?
In this collaborative 2-player game, players work together to figure out the secret number that’s being added to the center card in each round.
Game 10 – Hidden 10s
The goal is to add larger numbers together correctly so that you get to keep the cards in a saved cards pile. Earn a bonus card by using a special strategy. Whoever gets the most cards wins the game.