First Weeks – Math Stations

Math comes in all shapes and sizes in our classroom.  It varies by the day, by the grade, by what other activities we incorporate it into and by our mood.  Sometimes it is a part of a larger project that includes writing, nature, building.  Other times I set it up in stations, having manipulatives available for manipulation and exploration.  We then discuss what we have done with the manipulatives and what it means.  We also use Everyday Math Books for further written math exploration.  We always use manipulatives with the math book work as well.

Here we have an introductory lesson with the kindergarteners in their Everyday Math Books.  The game is to roll two dice and then mark off the number 2 – 12, until the entire row is filled.  They LOVE this game.  A new way at looking at addition and estimation.  As we soon begin to learn about probability with each roll of the dice.

Anagrams have become a fun part of math stations.  Using shapes to make animals and ships and designs.  We’re stretching our brains to be able to figure out spacial relations.

Architecture is a fun way to explore space, shapes, design and cooperation.

Patterns.  Shapes.  Building.  Counting.  Design.

Money.  Counting.  Exchanging.  Buying.  Selling.

Time.

Tick-tack-toe.

Design.  Patterns.  Configurations.  Beauty.  Pride.

Fractions baby, fractions.

Math stations are a fun, exciting and exploratory time for everyone.

First Weeks – Daystar & Castle Park

This is year four of our bi-weekly trips to Daystar Retirement Village.  It is beautiful, awe inspiring, moving and oh so real.  The kids just fall in like leaves in the wind, without hesitation, without over-thinking etiquette or age.  It often sends me to tears just to watch the innocent meet innocent.  What a lovely way to spend our days – spreading love and genuine joy and affection.

Then we go to Castle Park to play.  It’s always a mad dash to the park.  The sun has been such magic this year and we are drawing every last bit out of this beautiful weather that we can.  And Vega – I’m so impressed at how long you worked on getting across the swinging bars.

I know, I say it all the time, every year, weekly, sometimes daily – but I have the best job in the world.  Just look at what I get to witness on a moment to moment basis. 

Pure love.