Not only did my preschoolers naturally use the playdough in a
mathematical kind of way, this was also a great way for me to assess their
skills in a
natural, non-assessment ind of setting.
Li (2013) developed a conceptual framework that parses
mathematical practices as a whole into the following three features: (a) behavioral engagement and commitment, or the active working on
mathematical problems; (b) development and employment of knowledge,
skills, and strategies; and (c) internalization and habitualization, or the internal,
natural, consistent use of
mathematical practices.