Math

 

We will be using various forms of non-standard measurement tools to measure various things in the Kindergarten classroom. To begin with the children will use string to measure each other and to each piece of string they will attach their name. The various sizes of strings will be examined and we will discuss what we observe about the different sizes of strings and why they are so different.

 

The following math activities will be set up as a math station where a small group of children will work at a time.

The children will use small and big marshmallows to measure three different sized paper gingerbread men. After they have completed the measurement process we will discuss which one took more/less and why they think there was a difference.

 

Another activity is where the children will use small and big candy canes to measure a variety of objects. They will discuss what they noticed when measuring the different objects.

 

The last math activity for this week is where the children will be given a gingerbread cookie which they will be able to eat. Then they will place in the large graph pocket chart whether they ate the gingerbread man's head first, his hand, or his foot. Then as a large group we will talk about what the graph shows us and what that means.

 

Another fun activity that will be going on this week is where the children will be designing something for the gingerbread man to float on so he can get across the river without getting all wet and soggy. There will be a variety of materials for them to use. There will be a tub of water for them to test their creation out in.

Next week I have several parent volunteers, especially in the morning so they will be asked to look after this centre.

I am asking for donations of Styrofoam meat trays or other type small trays (like those from frozen foods) and tin foil. I have other supplies that the children will be able to use. For example, wax paper, paper towels, pieces of felt material, tissues, small margarine tubs, plastercine, cotton balls, corks. I want the children to use their problem solving skills to think about what material will be the best to not get too wet and which a design that will float. This is just a fun activity as a follow-up to the reading of all the different versions of the Gingerbread Man.