Why the Bridges Math Curriculum is the Gold Standard for Preschoolers

In the world of early childhood education, mathematics is often reduced to simple rote memorization—reciting numbers 1 through 20 or identifying basic shapes. However, at The Bridge School, we believe that early childhood math should be a journey of discovery, logic, and deep conceptual understanding.

To achieve this, we have integrated the Bridges Math curriculum into our advanced private preschool program. This research-based framework moves beyond "what" the answer is and focuses on "how" a child arrives there, setting the stage for lifelong academic success through hands-on, conceptual learning.

Advanced Early Childhood Math

The primary goal of any high-tier preschool curriculum should be to foster a "growth mindset." In mathematics, this means teaching children that math isn't a stagnant set of rules, but a language used to describe the world around them. Our approach emphasizes mathematical thinking over rote memorization, helping children develop critical thinking and logical reasoning skills from an early age.

What is the Bridges Math Curriculum?

Developed by the Math Learning Center, the Bridges in Mathematics curriculum is a comprehensive program for Pre-K through Grade 5. It is designed to address the New York State standards while providing a rigorous, hands-on experience. For an advanced preschool program like ours, it provides the perfect balance of play-based exploration and structured logic.

Research-Driven Mathematical Foundations

Our mathematical instruction is based on cognitive development research by leading experts. At The Bridge School, we use systematic approaches that build numerical understanding through active engagement. By focusing on how a child’s brain naturally acquires math concepts, we ensure that the "Early Math" phase is both challenging and developmentally appropriate.

The Daily Schedule: Our Math Block

Structure is essential for mastery. Every day at The Bridge School, our students engage in a dedicated Math Block from 9:40 to 10:10 AM.

During this window, we provide structured math instruction that combines direct teaching with collaborative practice. This thirty-minute period is designed to build foundational mathematical concepts through a variety of high-energy, focused activities. By making math a consistent, daily priority, our students learn to view mathematical inquiry as a natural part of their morning routine.

Key Pillars of the Bridges Framework

The curriculum is organized into distinct modes of learning that ensure children are engaged through various teaching styles and tools.

1. Manipulatives and Visual Models

Students engage with physical manipulatives, number lines, and visual models to build a deep understanding of concepts like counting and number recognition. Whether they are using counting cubes to understand volume or number lines to visualize sequence, these tools turn abstract numbers into tangible realities.

2. Number Corner

The "Number Corner" is a collection of daily skills-based activities that revolve around a classroom calendar. This daily routine helps children notice patterns, track time, and understand data collection in a way that feels natural and exciting.

3. Work Places for Problem-Solving

Work Places are stations where students engage in math-related games. This is where the preschool curriculum truly shines—by turning complex logic into basic problem-solving, children develop a positive relationship with mathematics that persists into their later schooling years.

Developing Spatial Reasoning and Visual Logic

One of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components of early childhood math is spatial reasoning. Research shows that a child’s spatial skills are a better predictor of future STEM success than their early reading skills.

Understanding Shapes in the Real World

Bridges Math encourages children to manipulate 2D and 3D shapes. They aren't just identifying a "triangle"; they are learning how shapes fit together to create new structures, fostering an intuitive grasp of geometry.

Visualizing Quantities with the Rekenrek

The curriculum utilizes "number racks" (also known as a Rekenrek). These visual models help children visualize numbers in groups of 5 and 10. When a child can "see" a number in their mind’s eye, they can perform mental math much more effectively as they grow.

How The Bridge School Elevates the Curriculum

At The Bridge School, we don't just follow the book; we adapt the curriculum to meet the needs of our advanced learners. Our instructors are trained to identify when a child is ready for more complex challenges, ensuring that no student is held back.

Small Group Instruction

By maintaining low student-to-teacher ratios during our Math Block, we can facilitate "Math Talks." These are small group discussions where children explain their thinking. Hearing a peer explain how they solved a problem is often more impactful for a preschooler than a teacher simply providing the answer.

Preparing for the Competitive Academic Landscape

In the competitive landscape of New York City private education, the transition from preschool to kindergarten is a significant step. Our use of the Bridges Math curriculum ensures that our graduates are not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of the city's top-tier primary schools.

Students leave The Bridge School with:

• Strong numerical fluency and number recognition.

• Advanced spatial reasoning abilities.

• The ability to verbalize mathematical logic and critical thinking.

• A genuine love for problem-solving.

  
  

Join Us at Our Next Open House

A child’s first exposure to math sets the tone for their entire academic journey. By choosing a program that utilizes the Bridges Math curriculum, you are giving your child the tools to think critically, reason logically, and explore the world with confidence.

We invite you to see our advanced mathematical environment in action. Come tour our brand-new classroom, meet our dedicated faculty, and learn more about how our forward-thinking curriculum shapes the leaders of tomorrow.

Experience the difference firsthand. Join us for our upcoming Open Houses on January 12th, 14th, or 16th. RSVP Today.

If you cannot attend our scheduled events, please contact us via our website to schedule a personalized tour of our Upper East Side campus.