Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Numeral Formation Practice and Counting

In the 5-7 year old cluster, we decided that one of the things we would do to start the school year would be to focus on numeral formation and counting.  We knew this would help the children write the numerals during math work the rest of the year.  We also need to assess the children's knowledge of number concepts.  The work is also simple enough to give us an opportunity to teach the children how to select work and which procedures to use.  Some of our new students have a Montessori background since they were enrolled in our preschool program.  Some of the children came to our school from other preschool programs.  Some were cared for by their parents at home until age 5.  Some came to us from other kindergarten programs.

Here are some of our numeral formation activities:

Using 1 X 1 Legos to form numerals.

I had 2 clear Lego brick plates.  I made a copy of a plate and then designed a template for the numerals 0 to 9.  The idea is that the student positions the plate under the clear plate.  The student then uses 1 X 1 bricks to form the numerals.



Geoboard Numerals

Math Their Way Dot-to-Dot Templates
http://new-center-account.stores.yahoo.net/


Math Their Way Number Line Templates


Playdough Numerals with Ten Frames
 



Hundreds Board
 


Ten Frames with Cat Counters


Montessori Spindle Box


Montessori Hanging Bead Stair 1-9


Montessori Hanging Bead Stair - Teens

 


Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Schultüten Ceremony on the First Day of School

Parents in Germany traditionally give their child a "Schultüte" or cone-shaped present filled with little gifts, candy, and school supplies on their first day of first grade.  We have adopted this tradition and have a special ceremony on the first day of school since we usually have many students from Germany enrolled in our school.  German is also one of the languages we study starting at age 2 1/2.

The 5-7 year old class participates in this ceremony which includes the singing of a German song about the first day of school.  Here are two photos from the 2011 ceremony. We can't wait for the first day of school to do this again this year.