Building Blocks for Math (SRA Real Math) is a supplemental mathematics curriculum designed to develop preschool children’s early mathematical knowledge. The program uses activities in individual, small, and large group settings. The program uses a combination of materials (Building Blocks for Math PreK software, manipulatives, print material). Building Blocks for Math embeds mathematical learning in children’s daily activities (i.e. designated math activities, circle, story time). The goal of tis being to assist children in relating their informal math knowledge to more formal mathematical concepts.
Building Blocks for Math (SRA Real Math) is structured around empirically based learning trajectories in terms of what is appropriate for children at that age in terms of mathematics. It includes whole- and small-group activities and games, free-choice learning centers, ideas for integrating mathematics throughout the school day, computer software, books, game sheets, and manipulatives.
The program integrates three types of media: software, manipulatives with everyday objects, and print materials. These materials are designed to be used in the home, day care, and classroom. These materials emphasize mathematical actions-on-objects, such as solving a sequence of geometric puzzles by filling outlines with pattern blocks.
Activities are designed to be based on children’s experiences and interests as the program aims to “mathematize” their everyday activities. The software includes 150 activities (60 intended for preschoolers). Teacher materials include a teacher guide. The computer software’s management system presents sequenced tasks according to children’s developmental progression.
Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2002). Effects of a preschool mathematics curriculum: Research on the NSF-funded Building Blocks Project. University at Buffalo, State University of New York.
Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2006, June). Scaling up the implementation of a pre-Kindergarten mathematics curriculum: The Building Blocks curriculum. Paper presented at the Institute of Education Sciences Research Conference, Washington, D.C.
Clements, D. H., & Sarama, J. (2007). Effects of a preschool mathematics curriculum: Summative research on the Building Blocks project. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 38(2), 136–163.
Information on this entry was adapted from US Department of Education. (2013). Building Blocks for Math. WWC Intervention Report. Retrieved from https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/InterventionReports/WWC_Building_Blocks_072307.pdf