In first grade we spend a lot of time in the beginning of the school year exploring math materials. During math workshop we complete four rotations. Today our focus is on exploring math materials. It's important that we use our materials properly. Mrs. Ruckes often reminds us that our materials are "tools and not toys". Sometimes our "tools" are so much fun that we can't resist playing with them. To solve that problem, Mrs. Ruckes gives us time to do some exploring. We get to use our math materials in any way we choose. We can stack, build, design, and create with them. We can be as creative as we want. By allowing us time to "explore" with our materials first, we are not tempted to "play" with them when we need to use them for our learning.
These students are "playing" with pattern blocks. Two students decided to work together to create this design. Can you guess what it is? Yes, it's a honeycomb.
The students in this group are exploring with the base-10 blocks. Some students are creating tall structures that resemble skyscrapers. Amazing!
Take a look at these students as they create designs using the geoboards.
These students are playing math games on the computer. The site is called
cool math.
Children "play" with pattern blocks, base-10 blocks, and geoboards to familiarize themselves with these materials. They also play math games on the computer. Exploring Math Materials is engaging and fun! Do you get to "play" with math materials in your classroom?
Hello Mrs. Ruckes' first graders. We also like to explore our maths equipment. There are so many fun things to build and create. Do you have things called Polydrons? You can make fantastic shapes including 3D shapes with them. We also like to go onto the Cool Maths games site. We think it's good that you have so much interesting maths gear to use. We love Maths!
ReplyDeleteFrom your friends in room 4 at Craigburn Primary School.
Hello room 4,
DeleteWhat is are Polydrons. Can we see a picture of them? We think math is fun. We like playing math games. Thanks for stopping by our blog.
Mrs. Ruckes' First Graders