April Pinterest Linky

I know I'm not alone in spending hours 'researching and working' on Pinterest so I thought I'd link up with Diving into Learning to share some of the great ideas I've seen lately!

Firstly....This is a fantastic teaching tool for place value.... how tricky can it be using the MAB blocks when you're teaching the whole class?! These super-sized MAB's (pool noodles) are perfect!

Click here for the link

I just LOVE this blog post... some great ideas for role play in the early years classroom. How cute is this veggie patch?!

Click here for  the link

This 'Number Smash' game has so many possibilities... I haven't tried it yet, but I'm thinking of using it for number recognition and practicing skip counting with my little Receptions. I'll have labelled bags in a line and then call out two or three numbers in a sequence (say, 2, 4, ...) and then one of my kiddies will need to 'smash' (or stomp!) on the next number in the sequence. You could easily use it for bonds to ten, addition/subtraction... the list is endless!

Click here for the link

This nifty idea is perfect for visually representing the instructions for an activity. Ever feel like you are constantly repeating yourself? This could be the answer... ;)

Click here for the link

Lastly, a gorgeous Mother's Day activity. Seeing as it will be Mother's Day soon after we return from school holidays, I'm keeping this pin handy, ready to use with my class!

Click here for the link

I hope you've enjoyed these pins.... if you'd like to share your own, you can link up here.

A handy Maths idea.....Maths Toolkits

Today I thought I'd share a really handy teaching tool that was shared with me a few years ago... its one of those ideas that are so simple yet brilliant... 
Maths Tool kits

Basically, a Maths Toolkit is a little bag/box/container that each student has which contains the basic Maths 'Tools' that they will need for their Maths Learning. They're also a great way to teach kids to keep track of their resources - because they each have their own box with their own maths tools in it, I find they're really keen to look after it (yay!)

Here's a picture of the tool kits for my Reception class...

I've just started with 1-10 cards, 1-6 dot die, 0-9 die, 1m piece of string, a blank ten frame, 10 flip tiles (I find the two colour flip tiles more useful than ordinary counters, as you can use them for two part patterns and decomposing numbers as well). We add to the tool kits throughout the year, as the kids learn more and need more equipment.

Other things you might went to put in could include 100 chart, measuring tape, card with shape names on it, dominoes, pack of playing cards, calculator/compass etc (for older kids).. the list is endless!

This year I've just used plastic containers for the tool kits, though you can use anything really... old VCR cases are great, thick cardboard boxes with lids can work too (and look really colourful!). The VCR cases are great if you can get them, as they're really sturdy and you can slip a cover in for the kids to decorate and personalise.

I also teach the kids easy to play maths games using dice/cards throughout the year so that they can play them not only in Maths time, but whenever they have some free time. It's great for early finishers! You can also make a poster/booklet showing all the games to remind kids about the games they can choose from. Its a great way to squeeze a little extra Maths into the day!

Do use something similar? I'd love to hear about it :)

Math Resources for Students to Make

Well, it's getting to that time of year where I'm starting to think about the new school year (it's ridiculous how fast these holidays have gone!) I've been thinking about the things I want to do at the beginning of the year... one of the things I like to do is to get the kiddies involved in making resources for the class. Today I thought I'd share some of the easy resources that we make and use in my class.

Number counting sticks

We make a set for each child in the class, these come in handy right throughout the year! Each student makes a set of ten, which they keep in their Maths Toolbox. They can be used for developing number recognition, practicing addition and subtraction to/from 10 or for making bonds to 5 or 10 ... No doubt you could think of many more ideas! Very handy tools!

Number Bonds to 10... 7 and 3 is 10

Number Bonds to 5... 4 and 1 is 5

 To make them, you just need 10 pop sticks per child, beads and craft glue. Simply glue one bead on the first stick, two on the second, three on the third etc. Just make sure the beads are glued on well... It is a pain if they fall off! You could also use dot stickers instead of beads.

   

Another resource I make with students are subitising cards. We have a class set that I use nearly daily, but I think it's great for them to also have their own set. They use these throughout the year, sometimes as a part of our lessons, sometimes when they have some free time. The kids work in pairs, flashing each card to their partner for one second and asking 'How many dots did you see?' This is a really popular game for early finishers and does wonders for their number sense well!

To make these cards, each child will need pieces of card (I use A4 cut into quarters) and dot stickers. Before they make their own, we look at the class set of subtitising cards and talk about how the dots are arranged - I really important step otherwise you can end up with all sorts of strange cards!

We also make Ten Frames. As with the subitising cards, we have a class set that we use all the time, but it's nice for everyone to have their own set to use as well. I print off copies of the blank five and ten frames and give kids black stickers to stick on. As with the subitising cards, it's well-worth being really clear about the type of patterns you'd like the class to make.

You can click here for a free copy of the frames that I use.

 I've used black dots in this set, as I think it's easiest for the kids to use but you could use stars/colour dots or themed stickers if you wanted to.

I'd love to hear any about any resources you make with your class :)