Monday, November 14, 2011

Math Tubs: Make-up day for Week of 11/7-11/10

Here is a recap from last week's math tubs.  The students had a make-up day today because we had Veteran's Day off last week.  And, I got to use my dad's camera.  I recenty inherited the camera because my dad had always wanted me to have a "nicer" camera.  Now, I need to learn how to use it in my spare time.  :)  I already love the new lens. 


+/- with feathers!

How Much is the Doggie?  (Money)















Turkey Probability






Math Family Turkeys (+/-)
 


The kiddos especially loved working with the feathers and turkeys. The probabilty task was a follow up activity for an earlier whole class activity called Candy Grab from October.  We are continuing to work on a variety of math skills.  Keep counting money, practicing math facts, and telling time at home!  I am looking forward to discussing all of your children's successes this week at conferences.
Thanks for peeking!

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Veterans Day

Today, I decided to introduce Veterans Day to my class.  In the past, I have not taught the meaning of this holiday to the students in much detail because I was afraid they would not be able to grasp so many unknown concepts.  I don't know what really possessed me to try this year, but my confidence grew as I saw other teacher blogs sharing their projects and power point presentations.  I read about some ways to introduce the idea simply and with such ease!  So, after lunch, I confidently walked my class in from recess and was determined to have a great discussion on Veterans Day armed with my simple Veterans Day Holiday book in hand.

Can you hear the sarcasm in my voice yet?  I was so naive!  The discussion started out wonderfully.  I read the first page of the book and it spoke about honoring the people in the armed forces and named the different groups.  It spoke of celebrating the national holiday.  Then, I stopped to ask the students, "Did you hear me read any words that you know?"  (Looking for national, holiday, army, navy...you get it.)  Most students understood and I was sooo delighted. Then, I called on one student and she said, "Mermaids!"  (hmmm....maybe we're not getting this)  Then, another student said, "Christmas?"  Uh-oh.
I steered the class quickly away from Christmas and mermaids and brought the class back from "dancing sugar plums."  Our final discussion was who is a veteran.  I named my dad who served in the army.  Other students spoke about their grandfather or uncle.  Yeah!  We're on topic.  A hand raised up.  I called on the student that said excitedly, "Every Thursday, I go to the Navy!"  Hmmm...I am going to have to work on this lesson for next year.
On the other hand, it gave me a good giggle inside!  Thanks for peeking.

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Math Tubs: Week of 10/31-11/4

Here I am!  I have returned to tell you about this week's math tubs.  In our math adopted program, the students are learning about reading the half hour on an analog clock.  We have also added dimes to our coin jar and are practicing counting coin combinations.  Please practice this skill at home.  It is also a good idea to give your child some practice in using money at a store.  Allowing them to purchase a small item will help them understand the monetary system.
Now, here's our math tubs...

Nickel Penny Grab (counting combinations)

Pumpkin Number Compare (greater and less than)

Fall Graphing

Scarecrow Sort (addition and subtraction practice)















We only have a few more weeks of pumpkins and fall, then we move on into winter!  Time is flying fast.  Enjoy peeking!

Cheers,
Mrs. Sienknecht