September 28, 2015

At the start of the school year, our focus in math has been on number sense. We have been spending a great deal of time working on the numbers 0-9. Our goal has been to be able to recognize the numbers, write the numbers and to be able to represent the correct quantity. We have even moved ahead and worked on combinations to make a number and have started looking at addition equations.


We created anchor charts for each number, which are displayed in our classroom. The students know these are a resource for them to utilize throughout the year. we will continue to create anchor charts as we also begin working on numbers 10-20.

On the anchor chart, we have represented the number by writing the number and the number word. We are showing the number by a drawing, tally marks and on a number cube. (dice). We also use ten frames. a ten frame is a great way for students to visualize a number as well as to see combinations. With the number 4, students can quickly see not only that 4 +6=10, but also that 6+4=10, as well as seeing the combinations of 4. 

 

 

 

 

 

When we start learning addition equations, we read the number sentence as 4 and 6 make 10. They students understand that 4 and 6 together make a new number. Eventually, we will learn the math vocabulary of plus and equals.

 

In the pictures below, students are using ten frames with two sided counters. They were asked to identify the number on the card and then represent it on the ten frame. Sometimes we also play by rolling a number cube. Once we work on larger numbers, we can also use double ten frames. By using two sided counters, they can represent the many equations to make each number. It also helps them see one more and one less for each number.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have also started using a form on how to represent a number. The students are asked to roll a number cube and show that number in many ways on the form. They are to write the number, do tally marks, draw the number cube, represent the number as a domino, do a drawing and write the number word. They are doing amazing!! In fact, many of the kids want to roll two number cubes to start working with larger numbers.

 

 

 

 

 

This week we also started math stations. Our math stations have three different activities in each bucket. The students will work on the various activities with their table partner each day after lunch. The activities are designed to meet the varying needs of each student and their math abilities. The kids have done an amazing job of learning how to take care of the tools, use them correctly for their math thinking and they are really showing great math work. These will change throughout the year based on skills taught in class and needs of the individual students. During this time, I get to work with individual students or partners on math practice.