We Are... Mathematicians!
9/29/2017
So far in Math this year, we've been working on number fluency within 5 and 10. This includes quickly recognizing a quantity and composing and decomposing numbers (e.g. 2 and 3 makes 5; 4 and 1 makes 5). We use special math tools, called five frames and ten frames, to help with this. We also play lots of games to reinforce what we learn together and allow students to further explore the concepts. As I've mentioned, we follow the workshop model for Math, just as we do for Reading and Writing. Students get a small burst of direct instruction and then they spend most of their time in work stations exploring and doing. They manipulate numbers, play games that help them build fluency while having fun, and explore our math tools, which gives them the opportunity to not only have fun and be creative, but to collaborate with their fellow mathematicians, explore math concepts in their own way, and draw their own conclusions. This week, we also formally introduced patterns using motion, sound, and concrete materials. Our mathematicians began the work of recognizing, describing, copying, extending, translating, and creating simple patterns. We also worked on labeling patterns like mathematicians do, with letters (e.g. ABAB, AAB, etc.). Patterns are a concept we've also been exploring by slowly revealing the pattern made by our calendar cards. Each month, the calendar reveals a new pattern, so we will continue to study and explore patterns all year. As our curriculum states, "Underlying all mathematics is the study of pattern. The discoveries made in the early grades lay the foundation for future mathematical study." Therefore, this is an important concept that our mathematicians will continue to study and explore as the year progresses.
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Saania AliMs. Ali graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies. She specializes in Early Childhood Education, ESL, and Special Education. Her hobbies include traveling, reading, and painting! Archives
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