Students need to have a basic understanding of numbers. This doesn't mean they must know how to count up to number 10. They need to be able to count actual objects. When they hear the number "5" being spoken, they should be able to see five objects in their head. A relative idea of numbers representing the value of something is a necessity for success in school.
Understanding the concept of shapes may seem easy, but not all students have the ability to tell the difference between one shape and another. Allow them frequent practice so that they have the opportunity to memorize the basic shapes. Basic shapes include square, triangle, circle, star, heart, hexagon and octagon. Students in the middle grades should add onto their existing knowledge by learning new and more difficult shapes.
Putting objects or events in order is an essential mathematical concept. Not only do students need to know how to put numbers in numerical order, but they also must know how to order objects according to size. Students should be able to learn how to order objects from smallest to largest and vice versa. Other terms that students should learn are "more than" and "less than."
Patterns can be found almost everywhere. Students begin learning about patterns through a simple "AB" pattern. For instance, red, blue, red, blue, red, blue, etc. is an example of an AB pattern. Patterns go outside the world of math and stretch into the human brain. Our brains quickly learn to recognize patterns, therefore organizing information more smoothly.