All Aboard the Number Train!

All Aboard the Number Train!

All Aboard the Number Train!

All Aboard! Choo! Choo!

We are having such a fun time learning about teen numbers with the help of our number train.  (Little do they know that we are learning many Common Core Standards, too.)

We've used our Number Train as a math routine.  As I introduced it, we practiced counting on from the first number cart.

Counting 17 sounds like this:
10 (I circle the set with my hand) and then, count on.  11, 12, 13, etc.

Magically, a student led us towards our next steps.  The student said, "That is 10 plus seven more."  (Proud teacher moment here.)  So, I wrote down his thinking.  And the rest, just followed.

Composing and decomposing numbers.

We've been using these student work mats to help us compose and decompose numbers.  The class likes it a lot.  So much so, that I know some will be ready to work with larger numbers very soon.

How are you doing with those tricky teens?  Can your students visualize what 12 means?  I must admit that is a tough one.  We are working on it; daily.

Click on the links to use it with your students.

Happy Teaching and Learning!

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Math Work Stations Chapter 6

As I read this chapter, I was amazed at all the wonderful suggestions to help students understand place value and number. Last year, our school worked a lot on teaching our children the Base Ten System.  In the process, we had to "unlearn" many of the "old" ways we taught math.  In the beginning, it was a challenge.  Why did children need to know how to get to 10?  Visualize quantities instead of count?  Well, it is all starting to make sense, as I dive into this blog study.
Math Routines:
One of the math routines, I used daily in my classroom in kindergarten was this simple Ten Frame chart which I had posted next to my calendar to correspond with the date.  Each day, we discussed how many ones and tens we had based on the date.  Later in the year, we talked about how many more we need to get a ten.  It was amazing how well the children began to understand quantities from 0 to 30 because of this.
Sing to Learn:
I used this song everyday as we were working on counting to 100.  Although many of my kids knew it, this was always one of our math routines.  I love the song but this visual is just perfect for all learners.

Goodies to Share:
Speaking of visuals, a while ago, I blogged about my Place Value Robot.  It really was a spur of the moment visual,  I created for my kiddos.  Well, I gave it a MAJOR update.   Here it is now.

And, thank you, Ms. Arnold.  I am so glad that I was not the only one who thought the Monopoly money game mentioned in this chapter was pure genius.  As I was creating this, my husband said why make fake money when you could go buy it.  Well, I guess he just doesn't understand teachers, does he.  Tell me, I'm not the only one. Please.  

Hope you enjoy! If you do, please, leave a comment.  I am getting close to 500 Followers.  I have a great giveaway planned to finally kick off my summer vacation.  Three more weeks of school.  

Happy Teaching and Learning,

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