The Plate Stories (It's Math!)

My best ideas come in the face of disengaged children.  That happened a few weeks ago.  The children were restless and I knew that my math lesson was a real yawner.   On a whim, I told the children to pull out their white boards and dry erase markers.

I demonstrated how to draw a plate, fork, spoon, knife and napkin AND six delicious meatballs.

Next, I told them:  "I invited you to my house and made dinner.  You each received six meatballs on your plate.  You ate two."  They erase two meatballs and THEN write the math sentence:  6 - 2 = 4.   I model the first math sentence.  After that, I expect them to demonstrate their own understandings.  This is a great time to make notes on who has the understanding and who does not.

I continue my story:  "I offer you a wonderful roasted tomato basil sauce to put on your meatballs. "  (The children draw sauce on the meatballs.)  You decide to try to eat one.  Only one."

They erase one meatball and then write the math sentence." I go on like this.

This great fun and the children beg to do it.   You can use it for both addition and subtraction stories.  I call them my Plate Stories because one little girl came to school one day and asked, "Mrs. Haughey, can we do the Plate Stories today?"  Brilliant!  Yes!

Hands-On Addition!

This is so easy to do with existing manipulatives in your home or classroom.  I put a different manipulative set in each group (see photos).  I print and laminate an "Addition Mat" for each child.  We began with the number five and are working through the number 10 to start.   It amazes me how much they love doing this!  It is simple and easy for them at this stage of the year.  I like to keep it simple as they practice recording their findings.  I like changing the manipulatives they work with.

1. Each student counts out the correct number of manipulatives needed for the focus number.
2. Each student explores how many ways there are to make the focus number inside the mat.
3. Then the student writes this on their recording sheet. (I have them write each finding as they move the manipulatives within the mat).

Addition Circle Mat


Addition Recording Sheets

Ladybug Math

This is a cute idea from Mrs. Goodroe, the wonderful kindergarten teacher across the hall from me who also came up with the other ladybug math idea.  It is such a blessing to work with such talented teachers!!

Addition Ladybugs

I saw this idea in the hallway across from my kindergarten.  Mrs. Goodroe was putting them out on display.  Love it!  I just had to do it as well.  We did this as a small group activity.  The children loved it.

 3 + 6 = 9

HOW TO DO THIS:

Materials:  white cardstock, sharpies, red crayons, green watercolor paint

•   Have the children draw a leaf that fills the page. 

•   Draw a ladybug on the leaf.  I draw and explain it so they can see it step by step - and they copy my actions.

1. Draw a circle for the body.  
2. Add a smaller circle for the head. 
3. Add antennae and eyes.
4. Add six legs.
5. Draw the wings. 

• Have each child roll a dice.  They draw that number of dots on one side of the ladybug.  Roll again and that number of dots goes on the other side.    Next, the student writes the two numbers as an addition sentence with the answer.  

• Color the ladybug red with crayons.

• Paint the entire leaf green.  Let dry and then cut the leaf out.

 5+3=8

4+4=8

4+4=8

Addition Made Easy!

This is such a simple idea!  I found it on another blog a while back and did not note it.  (If you know where I found my inspiration - let me know!)  I adore this idea as it gives the children a hands on and visual representation of the math problem.   I think it is still important to keep math concrete for kindergarteners.   This is super easy to prepare.  Here's how to do this:

1. I printed up cardstock cards with the number and number word.  Here's what I made in google docs -  Number Cards and Recording Sheets
2. I put six paperclips on each card (one for each child).  (I put them all on one side of the card.) 
3. I gave each child a recording sheet. 
4. I had every child write the number six in the answer spot as all we were working with is six.

To make an addition problem - move one paper clip over as seen above.  The addition problem in this case is 5 + 1 = 6.

3 + 3 = 6

4 + 2 = 6

3 + 3 = 6

• This method gives the children who need to see the problem visually a clear view as each number of the addition problem is on either side of the card.  
• For tactical children, this gives them something to touch and count.  Each number of the problem is separated by the sides of the card so they do not get lost in the count.