Mathematics

Personal Definition of Mathematics- Math is the knowledge and concept where children learn about numbers, symbols, patterns, measurements, shapes, and more. Children learn about numbers and how they relate to the real world.

 

1.) Name of Activity: Ten apples up on top (Play-Doh activity)

 

Originating Idea: During snack children like counting their food. I.e. (goldfish, Cheez-its, animal cookies)

 

Curriculum Area: Mathematics- #32 children count things.

 

Materials: Red Play-Doh (rolled in balls), brown pipe cleaners (cut in tiny pieces), green foam sheets (to make leaves)

Appropriate Age group: Preschool (3-4 y/o)

 

Beginning of Activity: At centers we will talk about how we will use the Play-Doh “apples” to stack with the designated number on Play-Doh mat.

 

Middle of Activity

Early Extension: Children will play with the Play-Doh instead of counting and matching the apples to the corresponding number.

 

Middle: Children will be able to recognize some numbers and match Play-Doh to right number.

 

 

Later Extension: Children will be able to recognize all numbers and match Play-Doh to the right number. If they squish the play-doh they can also roll it back into a ball.

 

End of Activity: Put Play-Doh away and head to the next center.

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Read “How do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?” by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague and sing one, two, buckle my shoe.

 

 

2.) Name of Activity: If you give a Pre-Kindergartener a muffin (cooking project)

 

Originating Idea: Children really wanted to do a cooking project, and teacher can incorporate math (measuring).

 

Curriculum Area: Mathematics #36- Children measure to describe, compare, and order things.

 

Materials: Muffin mix, large bowl, large wooden spoon, muffin pans, measuring spoons/ measuring cups, milk/ water, eggs.

 

Appropriate Age group: Pre-Kindergarten (4-5 y/o)

 

Beginning of Activity: At carpet time, read the book “If you Give a Moose a Muffin” by Laura Numeroff, then explain how we will be making muffins during small group.

 

Middle of Activity

Early Extension: Children will just put mix into pan without measuring anything.

 

Middle: Children can measure using measurement spoons, but not with the cups.

  

Later Extension: Can measure using both spoons and cups.

 

 

End of Activity: Discuss how we used measurements during our cooking project by using the cups and spoons. By matching the numbers on the box to the spoons and cups.

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Use Lego’s for measurements and read ‘Measure of Things’ by Joan Sweeney.

 

 

3.) Name of Activity: Pom Pom Rainbow Pattern

 

Originating Idea: Children love using pom-poms.

 

Curriculum Area:  Mathematics- #38 children identify, describe, copy, complete, and create patterns.

 

Materials: Rainbow pack pom poms, rainbow pattern sheets, tongs or clothes pins

 

Appropriate Age group: Preschool (3-4 y/o)

 

Beginning of Activity: Discuss how children will be making patterns using pom poms at centers.

 

Middle of Activity

Early Extension: Children will make any pattern they want. They won’t follow the pattern on the mats.

 

Middle: Children will recognize some colors and will put pom poms on those corresponding colors using the AB pattern.

  

 

Later Extension: Children will be able to recognize and acknowledge the patterns and colors and place pom poms correctly using the ABC or ABB pattern.

 

 

End of Activity: Clean up and head to the next center.

 

Follow-up Ideas (2): Make beaded bracelets or use lacing cards.