Math
"Nurturing young mathematicians is best done through hands-on, visual, kinesthetic games and activities."
Counting & Collecting
To learn how to count by tens in a visual and kinesthetic way, each student was given a different manipulative (e.g. popsicle sticks, dice) to help conduct a classroom inventory. First, they counted the manipulatives in whichever way they found easiest. Through investigating and strategizing, the class concluded that counting by tens and adding the leftovers was most efficient. This activity reached various kinds of learners, while also taking the lesson to the next level by asking students to practice analysis and critical thinking skills.
Doubles Facts Games
To practice their doubles facts, my first graders played a variety of doubles facts games. Games are one of the best ways to reinforce skills, having to apply the learning in different scenarios and exercise the brain in multiple ways.
Measurement Olympics
As a hands-on and kinesthetic way to culminate our unit on measurement, my second graders competed in the Measurement Olympics, giving them a chance to get out of their seats and move their bodies. Students participated in challenges like a cotton ball blow, long jump, and high jump, applying their learning by measuring the distance of each goal.
Everyday Multiplication
Math curriculum is most powerful when students can realize its real world applications. As an introduction to multiplication, students thought about items that come in groups in their everyday life (e.g. 3 wheels on a tricycle, 12 eggs in a dozen). Divided into collaborative groups, they made posters to visually learn the concept and represent their ideas.