Math is All Around Us!

There are many ways in which math happens daily in our classroom. We are working on counting and recognizing numbers in many different places.

Sometimes through activities during activity time.

Sometimes through real life problems:

Most mornings, we count to see who is at school. If anyone is missing, we try to use strategies to figure out how many are there.

“If there are 9 children in our class, and we have 5 rakes, how many children will have to wait a turn for a rake?”

“How many children are wearing stripes?  How many are not wearing stripes?  Which group has more children?”

Counting, ordering, sorting, and comparing are all mathematical concepts that are very important.

Another area of mathematical thinking that has been a big topic in the Trees Class recently is patterns!

Patterns are delightful!  But why are patterns important? Because they are a crucial element in mathematical development and help with the algebraic thinking and problem-solving children will always need.  A pattern is something that repeats in a logical way.  Patterns can help children make predictions as they begin to think about what comes next.

And children love them!

We have been helping children to notice patterns around them. We listen for patterns in songs, rhymes, words, and books.  We can make patterns with our bodies (clapping and stomping) and with our voices (saying words in patterns).  

We see patterns all around us.  The children have been getting especially excited about wearing and noticing patterns in their clothing!  

We have been working on “reading” patterns in their clothing and in other places.

It can be challenging to decide if something is a pattern or a design. And sometimes designs have patterns inside them!

After lots of practice noticing, talking about, and reading patterns, children have discovered that a pattern is a “unit” that repeats over and over and over.  

We are continuing to search for, notice, read and make our own patterns using a variety of materials.    You will likely have fun at home with your child noticing and making patterns as well!