Preschool Goldfish Math

I remember in High School bringing home my Math homework and my mom scratching her head as I explained to her how my teacher told me I was to arrive at the correct answer. Not long ago, my daughter brought me her homework and I understood my mothers frustration as I had to visit my daughters teacher to be taught myself how to do the lattice method. Although, the methods may change over the years, math remains the same. I find it a challenge to weave Math in our lesson throughout the day, steadily moving away from the routine of just counting and number recognition.

On this particular day we were having goldfish for snack. I asked the kids to sort the goldfish by color. Explaining further that all the red ones go together, all the green ones go together and so on. I did not specify how to do it just as long as they were separated.

What I learned was that each child grouped their goldfish differently which made it so clear in my mind, there will always be many ways to getting to the answer. I am so glad we don't all get it the same way, what is important is that we get it. "A method by any other name, produces the answer just the same."

Preschool Fourth of July Fence Weaving

Yesterday we took some streamers outside to do some fence weaving. I explained and demonstrated the technique. While they worked, I could hear one of my students saying, "in and out", "in and out".



I watched as my little guy diligently tried to figure out what he was doing wrong. After many attempts he looked back said, "Why wont it stay?" Even after I explained it to him again, he still couldn't get the hang of it. He was excited to see streamer still on the fence today for him to work at it again.



Here's my version on the flag.



Happy Weaving,

Preschool red, white and blue decorations for you

My daughter and I were headed for a mini shopping spree this weekend at Michaels looking for items for my beach theme. One of my AWESOME parents had given me a $25 gift certificate and I couldn't wait to spend it! I was telling her what items I thought I might pick up when she innocently asked, "Well, what will you do for the Fourth of July?" Huh! Somehow during lesson planning I'd skipped right over the beloved holiday! She suggested I combine the two themes but after considering I thought America's birthday should have it's own themed week. Here's what I picked up from the Target isle on Sunday for less than $8 bucks.

A Fourth of July Banner.



Tin cups for our writing table.



A package of stars.



And 2 packs of stickers.



Check back tomorrow to see how I've incorporated my new dollar treasures in my classroom.