Identification

• The NCTM has established two categories of math: thinking and content. A good primary math curriculum should encompass both elements. Thinking consists of communication, reasoning, problem solving and connections. Content consists of patterns/relationships, estimating, number sense, geometry/spatial sense, measurement, statistics/probability and fractions and decimals.
  
  

Significance

• While it's vital that children in primary grades be given ample opportunities to explore mathematical concepts, it's even more important that the experiences be positive. A child's interest in mathematics is most relevant to his or her success, so a key component of math curriculum is that it be fun.
  
  

Types

• Math programs should allow for plenty of exploration and discussion, experimenting and play. Whenever possible there should be a hands-on component to the program. Children should encounter mathematical concepts in a variety of methods, including literature that teaches patterns or rhymes as well as number sense.