10 frames

Today we learned about using 10 frames to recognize sets of numbers quickly.  We discussed how many filled boxes vs empty boxes we had for each number.  Lil was excited to see how she could use them to recognize how many objects were in a set without even counting.  After she made frames 1-10 she decided to make a giant 10 frame by placing them on the floor.

Christmas Light Sequencing

Cynthia (Nanny): 

To work on our number ordering to 15 I cut out light bulb shapes and numbered them. The girls did very well with 1-10 but needed some support with 11-15. Our focus right now is recognizing and orally counting up to 20 so this activity was a good informal way for me to know what lessons to pull next week to reinforce numbers to 20. 

Christmas Patterns

Cynthia(Nanny): 

Patterns continue to be a concept we reinforce constantly. Being able to recognize, identify, and extend a pattern are what we worked on today. 

I made 3 different patterns using a Christmas sticker book I got on sale at Michael's last weekend. The patterns all followed the ABC rule this time but I inserted missing spots within each. 

The girls didn't seem to have problems with them so I need to make them a little more challenging next time. 

When Little Sister was done, she noticed the space I left on the bottom of the page and asked to make her own. Of course, I let her! 😀

What other ideas can you share on having your kids create patterns? 

Graphing with Ornaments

Today we created a graph to sort between different colored ornaments. I created the axis and cut out the ornaments. They're pretty familiar with graphs so we reviewed the concept of sorting and gluing on accordingly. 

I started by having the girls select a pinch of ornaments from a ziplock Baggie. Usually I'd give them a set amount of ornaments but this time I wanted them to create a different graph so we could talk about the different results. 

They did pretty well with constructing the graph so I made sure to ask questions at the end to assess their learning. 

One thing we need to continue to work on is not including the category ornament into the total number of ornaments. We talked about only counting what was inside the "frame" I drew. 

-Cynthia (nanny)

I loved this idea of Cynthia's, so I decided to so my own variation.  I created a paper tree with sticker ornaments.  Then I made graphs with corresponding stickers.  I had the kids count the ornaments on the tree and use dot painters to graph how many of each ornament was in the tree.

Counting Down to Christmas

To help us keep our anticipation of Christmas in check we created a linking chain to countdown to the special day. 

As we made the chain we focused on patterning and using our small motor skills to fold and glue the links. 

To add in more math skills, I cut out numbered circles for the girls to label the links with. They were able to order numbers 1-14 but needed help with the rest through 25. 

Counting with Ten Frames

Cynthia (Nanny): 

I think this has been one of my favorite activities we've done in a while. As an educator, I know how important ten frame understanding is even in kinder and first grade. The purpose of ten frames is to develop number sense by teaching mental images of numbers, how to find different ways to manipulate the numbers, and their relationship to a base ten counting system. 

In this particular lesson, I used number flash cards to flip and have the girls demonstrate the value on their ten frame using colored counters. 

Before the lesson I gave them a few minutes of free exploration time aka playing time before we began. This helps cut out the interruption and playing during the lesson. 

Then we practiced placing counters to match the numbers we knew. I used language like "what will I have if I add one more to 7?" and "how can I quickly tell how many counters are there if the whole top row is filled?" And "what does it mean if both rows are filled?" 

They did well with the concept of counting on for 6-10. You have to model showing that if the top row is already filled you can start counting on from 5. We will continue to work on filling the top row first to make our mental images more clear.

I'd love to share more info about this lesson or answer any questions you may have in the comments below. 

Creating Number Lines

Cynthia (Nanny) :

Here's an idea that came to me on a whim. I had some index cards and wanted to quickly assess the girls number identification and ordering skills. So, I had them decorate, order, and glue the number cards to create a number line. We will use these when we're counting or adding and subtracting.

Apple Tree Addition

Lil loves math (she just turned 5 by the way).  She especially loves addition, which she has pretty much taught herself.  The other day she said "Mommy, can you make me some cards with addition sentences on one side and trees on the back so I can put the right number of apples on the trees?"  So I made cards with addition sentences on one side and a plain leafless tree on the other side.  I gave her a red dot painter so she could use the dot painter to answer the addition sentenced by painting the correct number of dots on the trees.  I also had her write the numeral under the tree.

I made O a modified version (he'll be 3 in January).  I gave him cards with a number (1-5) instead of an addition sentence.

It's safe to say that Lil got this idea from an activity we did the day before during which she had to answer addition sentences with apple seeds on apples.

Since then we have also used the same concept (using some subtraction sentences too) and put Apple in baskets, dog bones in dog bowls, and feathers on turkeys.  I see lights on Christmas trees being an option very soon, there are just so many possibilities!  

Graphing Pumpkins

This is a simple graph we did using clip art pictures of pumpkins and jack o lanterns. This week we were focusing on the similarities and differences of them so I wanted to make sure to pull in graphing into the unit. Reading graphs is such a critical skill school age children need to grasp to be successful in not only math but all content areas. 

Pumpkin Patterns

Recognizing and creating patterns is a recurring theme as we learn. Patterns can be found all around us. One way I like to incorporate patterns into our lessons is to provide a few themed pictures that the kids can use to create their own patterns. During Halloween we talked about the similarities and differences between pumpkins and jack o lanterns and then used these pictures to create a pattern. 

Number Sense Game

To work on our number sense,  we used stickers to count and represent numbers to 6.
After we were fine we talked about what they noticed. One girl said 1 only had 1 sticker and 6 had a lot.
Later,  relationships between numbers will help them learn basic concepts or adding and subtracting. For now,  we're just trying to get more familiar with numbers and their value.

Number Flash Cards

This was a very easy activity they did mostly on their own that we will be able to re use. 
I numbered index cards 1-10 for each child.
Then I modeled how to add the correct amount of stickers on the cards. 
They were able to work on their own but I was there to make sure they were counting or recounting if they needed to.
Later we can use these for flash cards or matching games. 

Ordering Numbers

To work on our number order,  I had the twins construct a sun picture with numbered rays.  I precut and labeled the pieces for them to complete independently while I monitored.  

Snowflake Number Game

Cynthia(Nanny):
I made number cards using a snowflake graphic.
I placed the cards (numbers 1-12) in a paper bag and played a game with the girls.
This was an easy way to practice number recognition in an engaging way.
This is also a good game they can play independently during center time or during meal prep/cleanup times.

Snowman Size Ordering

Cynthia (Nanny):
I printed out three sizes of the same snowman for the girls to order by size.
We talked about size words and synonyms for those words like small and little and big and large.

Christmas Tree Counting Activity

Cynthia(Nanny):
I saw an activity on Pinterest for counting and number identification that I liked but wanted to change out using pom pom balls to count. I came across stickers which worked out much better.
So during the activity, I noticed that the girls are continuing to get stronger at pointing and counting objects. Before it was more random counting and they needed me to help them track with their index finger.
After the activity was done, I had the ideas of creating a book by gluing in the trees and adding a sentence.
This book was one they read frequently this week. You can never have too many browsing bag books.

Christmas Tree Puzzles

Cynthia(Nanny))

I cut out a Christmas tree and decorated it with letter ornaments. The letters spelled the girls names but since they were arranged diagonally they weren't able to recognize it on their own. I did ask them to name the letters, which they did. 

So, I decorated and cut apart the tree into 4 pieces. 

I drew an outline of the tree on another sheet of construction paper to make it a little easier to see. Then, I modeled how to put the tree together and then had the girls try. 

They needed a little help with the direction of the two middle pieces but overall did a great job sticking with it. 

The last step was gluing the pieces in place. 

Guru Moment: Puzzles are such important brain exercises for all kids. They don't always have to be store bought. You can make your own by cutting apart any picture or image. (Fewer pieces for younger kids) 

I need to find time to make laminated puzzles with maybe some Velcro to make them reusable. 

Christmas: Sticker Math

Arielle (mommy):  

We had so much fun with Christmas stickers practicing math today.  To set up, it cut up sticker sheets and put all of the stickers into a pile, then I drew 6 sections on the paper.

Sorting: to practice this skill I had Lil sort the stickers onto the paper.  She ended up with 5 groups.

Patterning: the sorting activity got her ready to make patterns.  She used her sorted stickers to create AB and ABC patterns.

Counting:  What to do with that paper with the six boxes?  Use them for counting!  I wrote sentences in each box; ex. "I have ___ candy canes." I had her start with one and go all the way to six, putting the correct number of stickers in each box and writing the correct number on the line.

We also worked on vocabulary for this activity as we talked about the names of Christmas symbols.  "Holly" was a word Lil did not know and now she does!

Christmas: Sticker Patterns

Cynthia(Nanny):
Stickers are a great resource to always have on hand. One way I use stickers is to teach patterns.

I'll share some of the Christmas patterns we create here.

Christmas: Gingerbread Number Match

Cynthia(Nanny):
I made some cards with gingerbread men and put numbers 1-10 on them to create a number game.
After printing the cards I glued them onto cardstock so they'll last a little longer.

We used them to play a memory match but there are so many to use them. My main objective was to practice identifying numbers. After the game, I used them as flash cards.
What other uses can you think of?