Skip Counting By 5s And World Connections

Most of my new thinking happens during the summer when time for reflection happens for a longer period of time.   Figuring out how my math lessons can be more exciting to children and at the same time building deeper connections with math and how the real world can be integrated within the school year.


September 22, 2011 Math Lesson:  Skip counting by 5s

Made a collection of printed material through advertisement, local city magazines, county and metroplex newspapers, postcards and we (1st grade students) had prior practice of skip counting by 5s through song and 100 t-chart.  We made real world connections by using the collection of print numbers.   Students viewed, cut and pasted numbers through skip counting by 5s until they reached 100.  While students were discovering numbers, organizing and sequencing their information, and having discussions within their groups about the numbers they found; upbeat music was played in the background.

Below is a partial sample of work:

Mathematical Symbols and the Elementary Student

Wowser!!!  Such BIG words (mathematical symbols) for a little youngster!!!?  Nah, not really!  It is perfectly fine to use this GIANT of a word in the classroom.  Little ones need to have a deep understanding of the mathematical symbols { +, –, =, <, >, x, ÷, ≠, ¢, $}.  What are some good ways/activities to develop understanding in the area of mathematical symbols?  How about making a collage of items using recyclable advertisement, magazines or newspapers and then adding these mathematical symbols to the student's collage!  Not only that but making a student's own personal book collage of their own understanding of these mathematical symbols.  In the coming weeks, I will be displaying some of my ideas (student work) on how I'm doing this in my own classroom.   Have a great week, Educators!!  YOU make America great!