Our Math is Colorful

Using color always makes an activity more exciting.  We utilized this strategy during our math lessons this week.  We made colorful number chains to represent our "tricky teens."  Each chain showed that all teen numbers were made up of 10 and  ___ more.

11=10 and 1 more
12=10 and 2 more
13=10 and 3 more

You get the idea.  The kids LOVED seeing the colorful chains hanging in our classroom afterwards.

We also embraced our love for color by decorating ourselves in homemade necklaces - but not just any homemade necklaces - patterned necklaces.  Using various pasta noodles dyed in an array of colors, each student created their own pattern that they strung together to make a necklace.  The finished pieces were AWESOME!

Isn't every subject more fun when combined with art?  You may be sensing our theme...

Number Writing Fun

Number writing practice can become extremely boring for kindergarteners, especially when a pencil and paper are the only materials involved.  Last week we made it a little more interesting by utilizing a few non-traditional tools.

We set up four rotating stations so that everyone had a chance to practice writing their numbers in four different ways.

Station #1
Shaving Cream
The kids practiced writing numbers with their finger in the shaving cream on the table.  Their favorite part was "erasing" as it allowed them to get thier hands messier and messier.  Our room sure did smell nice and clean for the afternoon however.

Station #2
Paint Bags
Zip Lock bags filled with finger paint allowed students to write on top of the bag and see each stroke clearly until they mixed the paint up again.  They used a q-tip as a writing instrument which provided a sturdier point to press down on.

Station #3
Salt Trays
Four trays, with an even layer of salt in each, were placed on the table for each student.  They practiced writing each number in the salt with their finger.  Practicing the correct strokes is extremely important in each of these activities.

Station #4
Dry Erase Boards
While this station is a bit more traditional, the kids loved to write and then erase the boards so it certainly kept their interest.

We have worked our way up to the 20's - everyone seems to really love numbers!

Week 13

Happy Monday to everyone! 

We are remembering our soldiers this week in social studies as Veteran's Day approaches us.  We are doing some fun activities that will hopefully teach the children about the significance of our troops and what they sacrifice every day to keep us safe.

In math this week our main focus is measurement.  Encourage your children to pick up a ruler and measure various things around the house.  Homework will consist of worksheets practicing this skill.

Germs, germs stay away - colds of all varieties are going around.  We've had many students out as well as myself last Friday.  Let's make a point to sanitize this season so we can all stay healthy :)

Congrats to India Wilkes, our Student of the Week.  India is a great leader in the classroom and does a great job helping others.  She has consistently demonstrated good behavior and is much deserving of this honor.