This week’s Math stations were centered on figuring out one more than a given number AND one less than a given number – this is tricky work!
· Monster Squeeze – We’re using iPads in Room #7! A fan favorite, this independent game required students to guess a number. The computer then replied either: “My number is greater than that” OR “My number is less than that.” Children continued guessing numbers until the correct number had been determined or “squeezed” between the monster’s two long arms!
· Shrinking Number Monster – Another favorite, students rolled dice to determine how many “eyes” belonged on their monster work board. They then took away one eye, recounted them, and wrote the number that was one less! The cherubs are challenging themselves by using their teen numbers!
· Guess that Number – At this center, the children first lined up number cards from 1-20. Next, the kiddos closed their eyes, and I turned over various cards so that they could not see the numbers. When they opened their eyes, they used their knowledge of one more and one less to predict what the turned over cards were! Everyone did a magnificent job with this activity!
· Grab and Count – One More/One Less – A new tricky station! At this center, the boys and girls grabbed a handful of a specific material (we used noodles, counters, beads, and buttons). Next, they counted their material and wrote that number down. Finally, their last two steps were to figure out what one less number was and one more number was from the first number they counted! Not only did the cherubs practice their counting and writing skills but also had to concentrate on what the numbers were before and after! This can be difficult work! Way to go, Kindergartners!
· Grow and Shrink (Teens on a Ten Frame) – This activity appears to be just a simple counting game, but it is one that allows children to begin to see relationships among numbers. Using our 10 frame manipulatives, the cherubs represented a number and then had to choose to either “grow” or “shrink” their manipulatives to represent the new number. This station was even trickier this week because the numbers are getting greater! The kiddos are really developing their number sense with this station!
· Copy Cat (with a twist!) – A class favorite! With a partner, the first person created TWO shapes on a geoboard using rubber bands. Then, the partner worked conscientiously to replicate the original creation! This act took a lot of concentration and attention to specific details!
· Nearby Numbers - Using various game boards, students placed the missing teen numbers in their grid to complete the “number line”.
The cherubs are learning to solve new words by making connections with words they already know. They’re exploring how words sound, how words look, and what words mean, plus they are beginning to categorize words. In class, we’ve been connecting names to other words. For example, the children are noticing that Sara and sun start the same. You can do this at home too! Have your child look for a small object or picture of something that begins the same way as your child’s name (e.g., magazines, books, TV program, etc.).
We’ve also been practicing saying words slowly and listening very carefully to hear each one of the sounds inside the word. For example, when we say dog very deliberately, we can hear three sounds, d-o-g. In class, we’ve been saying words slowly, and the children are listening for the beginning, middle, and ending sounds of words. They’re learning that they can write the letters for the sounds they hear. Using the song, “Do the Word Stretch,” on the Jack Hartman CD, the kids are practicing this tricky skill and loving it!
At home, try playing “Listen for the Sounds” while driving or in the grocery store. For example:
1. Give your child a clue about a word, such as “I’m thinking of a fruit that is yellow.”
2. Your child guesses the word and tells what letter it starts with, such as “Banana. It starts with b.”
Room #7 has begun talking about families! Before we even began, the class brainstormed a long list that included what they know about families: they love each other, play together, sometimes argue (but then make up!), they live together, etc. We have read two stories so far, The Family Book and And Tango Makes Three, and our list continues to grow. The cherubs are noticing similarities and differences among families, and our conversations are rich and full of information! Ask your kiddo what are some traits that make a family!
Have a fabulous and restful weekend!