Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Early Mathematics
Welcome to NJDOE early mathematics resource webpage, designed to empower educators with engaging and effective resources to foster young children's mathematical thinking! These resources provide accessible tools and information to enhance and support Preschool to Third grade early learning mathematics programming. We believe that a strong foundation in mathematics is crucial for all future academic success and the following resources will help educators to enhance their mathematics instruction.
Below you will find many early mathematics resources such as professional learning materials for educators as well as tools and resources which explore developmentally appropriate activities that can be integrated into your daily routines and classroom. In addition, research-based information is included to help educators stay informed about the latest findings in early mathematics education.
Our goal is to create a community of learners who are passionate about fostering mathematical understanding in young children. We believe that every child has the potential to become a confident and capable mathematician, and we are excited to offer these mathematics resources!
Professional Development Sessions: Recordings and Presentation Tools
Learning Trajectories
Discover how children develop their mathematical thinking and learning skills through the Clements and Sarama Learning Trajectories approach to early mathematics which includes goals, developmental progressions, and instructional activities. Also, learn how to access and navigate the Learning Trajectories website.
- Using Developmental Progressions and the Learning Trajectories in P-3 PPT
- Using Developmental Progressions and the Learning Trajectories in P-3 Video
Daily Mathematical Thinking Routines
One of the central challenges facing early childhood mathematics teachers is how to meet academic standards while creating learning environments that honor young children’s mathematical ideas, curiosity, enjoyment, and playfulness. Learn more about implementing brief whole-group and partner daily mathematics routines designed to engage young children in meaningful mathematical thinking while building their number sense and creating problem-solving communities.
Flexible Small Group Instruction:
Small group instruction happens daily in the early learning mathematics classroom. Flexible small group instruction in early learning mathematics is a data-driven approach where teachers regularly assess students' understanding and adjust groups based on learning needs and skill levels. These groups are temporary and designed to address learning objectives based on the major content (NJSLS-M), allowing students to learn grade level concepts at their own pace and with the appropriate supports. Discover ways to provide systemic instruction and accelerate learning through daily small group instruction.
- Flexible Small Group Instruction in Early Learning Mathematics PDF
- Flexible Small Group Instruction in Early Mathematics Video
Differentiated Mathematics Centers:
Differentiated mathematics centers, also known as mathematics workstations, are learning environments designed to support the diverse needs and learning styles of students in early mathematics. They allow students to practice and reinforce mathematical concepts in a hands-on, engaging, and flexible manner and in their zone of proximal development while providing teachers with opportunities to observe and assess student progress. Learn more about centers and how to implement them in the early learning mathematics classroom!
- Differentiated Mathematics Centers in P-3 PDF (Part 1)
- Differentiated Mathematics Centers in P-3 Video (Part 1)
- Differentiated Mathematics Centers in P-3 PDF (Part 2)
- Differentiated Mathematics Centers in P-3 Video (Part 2)
Problem Solving:
Explore the repertoire of tools, models, and strategies to help students think about, understand, and solve problems! Also, discover Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), a student-centered approach to teaching mathematics. It starts with what your students already know and builds on their natural number sense and intuitive approaches to problem solving.
Assessment:
Balanced assessment is an integral part of planning and implementing small flexible group instruction and differentiated centers in P-3 mathematics. Discover types of strategic ongoing assessments to determine students’ mathematics skills and assets to take them to the next level.
- Early Mathematics Assessment Practices in P-3 PPT
- Early Mathematics Assessment Practices in P-3 Video
Social-Emotional Leadership for Early Mathematics Leaders:
Explore the principles of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship building, and making informed decisions. These principles are widely recognized as CASEL's 5, which are typically applied to early learning settings. During this session, author and instructional leader, Dr. Michael Salvatore Ph.D. former Superintendent of Schools and current Senior Vice President of Administration at Kean University, shared his expertise.
Social Emotional Leadership for Early Mathematics Leaders
**The resources provided on this webpage are for informational purposes only. All resources must meet the New Jersey Department of Education’s (NJDOE) accessibility guidelines. Currently, the Department aims to conform to Level AA of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1). However, the Department does not guarantee that linked external sites conform to Level AA of the WCAG 2.1. Neither the Department of Education nor its officers, employees or agents specifically endorse, recommend or favor these resources or the organizations that created them. Please note that the Department of Education has not reviewed or approved the materials related to the programs.**