PREKINDERGARTEN MCCSC VOCABULARY
rote counting: reciting numbers in order from memory without aligning them to objects, pictures, etc.
verbal counting: counting while aligning each number said to an object, picture, etc. in order to solve a problem.
cardinality understanding: is the understanding that when counting a set, the last number represents the total number of objects in the set. Example:
This is a set of 3 stars.
subitize: the ability to recognize the total number of objects or shapes in a set without counting. Example: Recognizing that this face of a cube has five dots without counting them.
regular configurations/structured sets: using well-known arrangements, such as ten frames or tally marks to organize number quantities.
varied configurations or representations: displaying number quantities in varied arrangements. Example: Displaying a set of five as:
or
processes of addition: the strategies or approaches used to solve addition problems, including ‘putting together’ and ‘adding to’. Examples:
processes of subtraction: the strategies or approaches used to solve subtraction problems, including ‘taking apart’, ‘taking from’, and ‘comparing’. Examples:
visualization: ability to picture a problem in your head or use concrete materials to determine the solution.
decomposition: breaking a number into two or more parts to make it easier with which to work.
Example: When combining a set of 5 and a set of 8, a student might decompose 8 into a set of 3 and a set of 5, making it easier to see that the two sets of 5 make 10 and then there are 3 more for a total of 13.
Decompose the number 4; 4 = 1+3; 4 = 3+1; 4 = 2+2
Beginning in Grade 3: Decompose the number =
absolute descriptors: characteristics of objects and shapes that are common among them and used for comparison. Examples: length, height, and weight
congruent: having the same size and shape, but not necessarily the same orientation. All corresponding parts of congruent figures have the same measure. Example:
similar: having the same shape but not necessarily the same size, and not necessarily the same orientation. Example:
examples and non-examples of shapes: Examples are polygons that are all the same shape but may be different sizes and orientations, while non-examples are shapes that are different from the type named. Example:
positional relationships: comparing objects or shapes by their placement to each other. Descriptive words would include above, below, next to, in front of, behind, near, far, beside, etc.
Draft Date: August 18, 2011 Page 1 of 3