January 23, 2026

Hello Families,
We have had another fantastic week in Kindergarten. 

Thank you to all of the families who joined us for our 2nd Hip Hop Concert! Thank you to Mrs. Odegard for organizing this for our students!

Math
This week, we have been excited to represent numbers. 

Helping Your Child Represent Numbers
A significant part of early math learning involves representing numbers in various ways, allowing students to truly understand what each number represents. Representing numbers means students can show a number in more than one way. This is important because it helps students understand that the numeral “7” always represents the same amount, regardless of how it is presented. Representing numbers supports all of these skills and helps children become confident math thinkers.

In Kindergarten, children are building strong number sense, which includes:

• Counting and comparing quantities
• Connecting numerals to sets of objects
• Representing numbers in different ways
• Developing number sense through play and daily routines
• Communicating mathematical thinking using words, pictures, and models

Ways to Practice Representing Numbers at Home

Here are fun activities you can try during everyday routines.

Use Fingers to Show a Number
Fingers are one of the best math tools students have. Try this:

• “Show me 6 on your fingers.”
• Then ask: Can you show 6 a different way?”

This builds flexible thinking (5+1, 3+3, 4+2).

Draw the Number
Have your child draw a picture to represent a number.
Example: “Draw 5 hearts.” 💛💛💛💛💛. Then ask them to write the numeral beside it.

Make a “Number Collection”
Pick a number each day and go on a mini number hunt:
Example: Number 4
Your child can collect 4 items and put them in a small cup or container, and label it with the number, such as:

• 4 coins
• 4 spoons
• 4 LEGO pieces

Ten Frames
A ten-frame is a simple tool that helps children “see” numbers clearly. You can make one at home using: an egg carton or a drawn box frame (2 rows of 5). Place small items in the spaces (buttons, cereal, coins) to show a number. Great question to ask: “How many spaces are empty?”

Use Play-Doh for Fun Number Building
Playdough makes math hands-on and calming. Try this: Roll the numeral (like a “7”) and make 7 small balls beside it. Count them together.

Use Movement (Great for Busy Bodies!)
Children LOVE to learn through movement.
Try:
“Jump 5 times!”
“Clap 9 times!”
“Stomp 3 times!”

A Simple Weekly Routine: “Number of the Day”
This is a quick activity you can do in 5 minutes. Choose a number (1–10) and ask your child to show it with fingers, objects, drawing, or writing the numeral.

Example: Number 6
Your child might show:

• 6 fingers
• 6 Cheerios
• 6 dots
• Numeral 6

Sometimes the best learning comes from the questions we ask:

• “Can you show me another way?”
• “What would happen if we added one more?”
• “How many do you have now?”
• “Is that more or less than yesterday?”
• These types of questions help students explain their thinking.

When students can represent numbers in many ways, they begin to truly understand what numbers mean, and that sets them up for success for years to come.

Have a wonderful weekend!