Math

For the last two weeks we have been working with the Hundred Grid. The Hundred Grid is a valuable learning resource to help young children with counting to 100, counting by 2’s, 5’s, 10’s, multiplication, and seeing counting patterns. The students used our tile board and after they completed that, for a treat, they were able to use an iPad with an application in which you can fill Hundred Grids with increased level of complexity.

We have been playing counting games with students based on the Hundred Grid each morning which includes counting by 1’s, 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s. We all stand up and toss a bean bag around the circle, switching out the movement as we toss and count. This week a student suggested one hop and a toss while counting by ones. The game has endless possibilities!

Help With Seeing Patterns

As we fill our Hundred Grid in our morning meeting each day, we put a clear colored “window” over the 2’s, 5’s, and 10’s. Students started noticing the patterns almost immediately! “All the greens have a 5 or a 0! All the blues have a 0 at the end. All the oranges have a 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10 in them.”

Make Math a Puzzle

With increased difficulty, this week the students have been filling in the missing blanks or “mystery boxes” for themselves and for their friends. This involved a great deal of problem solving!

Jen & Lisa

As part of our ongoing exploration of our theme of “Place,” and continuing to read “The Magic Faraway Tree” children have been working really hard and creating some amazing Faraway Treehouses of their own. The conversations and collaborations went to a whole new level when we paired students who are a little further ahead, with those who needed to catch up a bit. There were discussions and wonderful suggestions about how to attach materials, to finish the walls, the roof, windows, doors, and different ideas about adding a swing, a campfire, or a ladder.

There was animated conversation about who might live in these treehouses, what lands might appear at the top of the trees, and what adventures might be had. The tone of the chatter and the friendliness with which ideas were accepted and integrated into the projects were inspiring, respectful, and so delightful to listen to.