Magnificent Math

This week we focused on two very important Kindergarten Mathematics Standards from the common core.   First, we practice counting objects with 1 to 1 matching.

One way we practiced this important standard was to play a game.  In this game, students had to roll a die.  They counted the dots on the dice and took that many small cubes.  Then, they placed the cubes on the game board.  The game board is filled with crayons and pencils.  The students had to place the cubes with 1 to 1 matching on the crayons and pencils.  The students took turns rolling, counting, and matching until the game board was filled.  The first student to cover all the crayons and pencils was the winner.  Of course, we all won because of all the math practice in this simple game!

Another important objective focus this week was to compare groups of objects and be able to identify which group has more and less.

To practice this common core standard, we again played some different games.  In the first game, students took turns rolling a die and taking that number of connecting cubes (more practice with one to one matching).  Then, when the connecting cubes were gone, the students stacked their cubes to see which player had more.  The games we play in math, not only help us practice academic skills but also help us with important social skills like taking turns, playing fair, and displaying good sportsmanship.  Once a pair of students found out who had the greater number of cubes, the students shook hands and began a new game.

The other comparing game is called "Spill and Compare."  Spill and Compare is a game that students can play by themselves or with a partner.  For this game, students are given 10 two color counters and a small cup.  Then, they shake and spill their cup.  The counters land some with red up and some with yellow.  The students sort by color and line the counters up to determine if they have more red or yellow counters.  Sometimes, the students found they had the same number of red and yellow.  The students recorded the spill on their paper and tried again.  This would be a great game to play at home for extra practice.  Instead of two color counters, you could use pennies and record more heads or tails.