IM® TK Math certified
by Illustrative Mathematics
Coming Soon! IM® Transitional Kindergarten (TK) Math
A playful start to a lifelong mathematical journey
IM TK Math combines play and hands-on activities to help young learners make sense of math in joyful, meaningful ways.
What Is Transitional Kindergarten (TK)?
Transitional Kindergarten, or TK, is the bridge between preschool and kindergarten—a year for children who are ready for more than preschool but not yet ready for full-day kindergarten. TK is also a critical time for early math learning.
IM TK Math students:
Explore numbers, shapes, and patterns through playful, hands-on activities
Develop confidence and curiosity as they see themselves as capable math learners
Build language and social-emotional skills that support problem-solving and collaboration
And begin forming a lifelong positive math identity
Ready to Start Exploring Your Options for TK Math?
Why IM TK Math?
Early math is sometimes dismissed as simple. But teaching it well takes significant expertise and skill. When educators channel kids’ natural mathematical curiosity into playful exploration that leads to understanding, they set the stage for future success.
Math in TK should feel like play, exploration, and discovery—and that’s exactly what IM TK Math provides.
Our curriculum helps teachers:
Build positive math identities, showing every child that math is for them
Make math engaging and relevant with hands-on, real-world experiences
Create developmentally appropriate, accessible learning environments where all students can thrive
Play-Based Learning and Early Math
Elements of Play-Based Learning
Play isn’t just fun—it’s how children learn best. IM TK Math combines inquiry and structured play to support mathematical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.
- Inquiry Play: Students discover math in their own way by exploring and experimenting freely as teachers observe and pose questions.
- Structured Play: Teachers guide students in activities and games designed to deepen understanding and provide insights into student learning.
Why it matters
Play fosters critical thinking, creativity, and social-emotional growth.
Hands-on exploration helps children see math in action and gain confidence.
Preschool children’s knowledge of mathematics predicts their later academic success in both reading and math even more than reading skills do.
By making math playful, relevant, and collaborative, IM TK Math gives students a head start on a lifetime of mathematical thinking and confidence.
Learning Through Art and Community
The earliest mathematical experiences have the most profound impact on students’ beliefs about whether mathematics makes sense. If we want to change how kids relate to math, we need early math experiences that connect to what they already know and care about.
In IM TK Math, math comes alive through creativity and collaboration:
- Art-inspired activities let students explore shapes, patterns, and spatial reasoning while expressing themselves creatively.
- Community-focused experiences encourage teamwork, discussion, and problem-solving.
By linking math to creativity and classroom community, lessons are engaging, meaningful, and fun—helping children see themselves as capable mathematicians while connecting with their classmates.
See how play sparks mathematical thinking.
Ready to Get Started with the IM Certified Experience?
Already using IM Math, but want to learn more?
Unlock the full potential of IM Math with curriculum-based professional learning—now available directly from IM. For print materials, digital subscriptions, and expanded professional learning opportunities, connect with an IM Certified partner.
IM Certifed Professional Learning
IM Professional Learning for mathematics is deeply integrated with the curriculum. The program provides teachers and leaders long-term, sustainable support for developing, refining, and reflecting on instructional practices.
IM® CERTIFIED PARTNERS
IM TK Math certified by Illustrative Mathematics is only available from our IM Certified distribution partners.
Our partners offer the ideal curriculum experience because they are committed to providing IM Certified curricula to all teachers and students as IM intends it to be experienced, in the format needed to ensure success.
Choose an IM Certified Partner
Submit this form and an IM Certified partner will contact you to discuss your options for accessing IM TK Math.
IM TK Math Authors
We're Dedicated to Teacher and Student Success
Our curricula are designed by respected thought leaders who share IM’s goal to create a world where all learners know, use, and enjoy mathematics.
April Mouton
Vice President, Content Development
Cherelle McKnight
Director, PK–6 Content
Toka Hussein
Sr Specialist, PK–6 Content
Hannah Herbert
Specialist, PK–6 Content
Lindy Olejniczak
Specialist, PK–6 Content
