This month we are continuing our exploration of patterns. We have made simple patterns, which are called "AB," with colors, shapes, numbers, sizes, objects, and with our initials. We will explore other ways to create patterns using a vary of other attributes such as position, gender, and time. Odd and even numbers form another "AB" pattern. Day and night can be described as an "AB" pattern, for instance. Soon we will advance to more challenging patterns such as "AABB," "AAB," "ABB," and "ABC." Understanding patterns are important because they relate to our everyday lives, and they help us understand our number system. Patterns can also be found in word families (cat, bat, rat, etc.) and in stories.
Using a vary of activities, in October we have been working on the concept of more and less for numbers 0 to 10. An example is that in our class there are more boys (8) and less girls (6.) Also, we are working on understanding what number is one more than and one less than a given. For instance, 7 is one more than 6 and 5 is one less than 6. This is helpful in developing a working understanding of our number system and is the beginning of addition and subtraction. Soon we will include activities for the numbers up to 20.
For geometry we are learning the names and characteristics of a vary of shapes. First we are talking about the more basic shapes such as circle, square, triangle, and rectangle. We will compare and contrast these shapes, build pictures and patterns with them, and construct the shapes themselves using clay, straws, pipe cleaners, etc. Later, we will learn more about the hexagon, rhombus, trapezoid, oval, and other two dimensional shapes.
The children enjoyed exploring and sorting coins today with Keira's mother. We have another activity planned that includes pouring beans into a vary of containers to expand on the concept of capacity. Of course, calendar activities continue daily and are an important part of our opening activities.
We have having a great time learning about so many different facets of math.
