During the month of September grade one students will be reviewing the formation, representation, number words and rote counting of numbers one to ten.
Math Centers
Math centers will be introduced. Students work independently on math centers at their desks. Each student chooses a numbered center bag from a numbered drawer and works on the contents of the bag at his or her desk. I check the students' work and place a stamp or sticker on a progress card to help the student keep track of the centers completed.
The September centers are a review of one to one match counting of numbers zero to ten. October centers will be number word work and representing numbers one to ten. November centers are patterning and more number representation work. December centers are about 2D and 3D objects.
Upon completion of all the centers listed on a progress card, the student will receive a certificate. The progress card will be sent home.
Digi Blocks
The picture on the right shows digi blocks. These blocks are a physical model for our number system.Through physical interaction with the materials, students are able to discover the important role of grouping by tens.
The digi block program is a system of small rectangular-shaped blocks and empty holders. When the small holder is filled with exactly ten single blocks and covered with another holder, it forms a new block. This block of ten looks exactly the same as the single block, except that it is ten times as large in volume. Ten of these blocks of ten can then be packed into a still larger holder to create a block of 100. This block looks the same as the block of ten, except it is ten times larger in volume. These blocks are then used to make a block of one thousand.
Math Mat
A "learning carpet" is used in our classroom to help students develop number sense. A piece of carpet divided into a 10X10 grid represents the one hundred chart. Students learn to place the number cards on the chart by using know reference points.
The picture on the right is a math tool kit used by grade one to solve mathematical problems. The tool kit is made from a brown paper bag and presently contains a five frame, counting beads, finger cards and dot cards. More math tools will be added as new concepts are taught.
Math Bags
Following the oral reading of a math book, students have the opportunity to look at the book and a set of manipulatives that can be used to retell the story. Below is a photo of a popular book entitled Mouse Count. The student will use the mice, snake, jar and the rock to retell the story.
Geometric Quilt
A classroom plastic bag quilt has been assembled. The quilt for November is snowmen. Each student assembled a block using squares and triangles. We discussed a pattern as it was assembled. Below is a close-up picture and a full size picture of the quilt.
Counting by Fives Book Snowman Glyph
Students celebrated the 100th Day of school in February.Students worked in partners to count out one hundred pieces for a snack called Gorp.
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