Making 3D Shapes (PreK Math)

Shapes are an integral component of the early learning math curriculum. There are two types of shapes 2D (two dimensional; height and width) & 3D (three dimensional; height, width and depth). It is important to be first aquainted with 2D shapes before moving onto 3D ones. We are now building shapes and looking for shape patterns in things around our part of the world. We will move onto learning about how many sides does each shape have and making more 3d shape structures. Here is what we did today:

• Since, my preschooler only learns well with repetition or repeated practice. We started off by reviewing 2D shapes using flashcards. We are practicing the square, triangle, rectangle, circle, oval, diamond, star and heart.
• We then went on a "I Spy Shape Hunt", where I pulled out a shape card and then we went looking/spotting for that particular shape around the house. I did that for all shapes.
• Then we returned to our learning center where I had previously set up the following materials: toothpicks, shape cards and playdough. I did a demontration by placing toothpicks around the shape and then making play dough balls to link the toothpicks together. 

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

Overall, it was a fun project and it can be done with other straight line shapes as well (no curvy lines like circles or ovals). I have also seen many variations of this game where they make a 3D standing triangle or use marshmallows/popsicle sticks. It all depends on what materials you have available and the learning needs of your child.

Have an awesome weekend! 

Annie

Math Number Representation Practice

Math is all about practice. You can never get enough practice, so it is important to keep trying. Building a strong mathematical foundation in the early years is the key to success. Well, that's what I'm hoping to do with my preschooler.  

My preschooler can read numbers from 0-13, but he cannot identify/represent what each number means. So I have been working hard to help him recognize and understand what each number represents. For example, the number "3" means three of something (i.e. dots or stars, etc.) He can identify 0-3 with his fingers, but not with confidence. So, we have been working with little counters (like beads, buttons, etc.) to help him with number representation.

For the activity below, we used buttons to show what each number looks like. I placed the corresponding number of sticker dots on each number card.

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Then I had my preschooler, roll the dice to pick a number for representation. For example, if the number dice landed on three, he would pick the number three card out of the pile and place it in the front to practice number representation. He then placed the buttons in the exact way that was shown on the number card. I also guided him to count each button as he placed them in order. We did that a few more times for practice. You can also use a regular dice which only counts to six but you can roll twice to go bigger. Overall, it is a fun way to practice number representation.

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What are some number representation activities that you do with your preschooler(s)?

Annie

Preschool Science - My Body Unit (Lesson 3)

Winter is here and we are trapped inside like hibernating bears. We are however getting lots and lots of learning fun in our daily schedule. So, we have fallen a bit behind in science. This is due to the fact that we have been solely focusing on reading (sight word identification) and phonemes. We will however be continuing on with our "My Body" unit so as not to forget what we were learning previously. 

So far, we had outlined/painted our body shape, and identified/sorted items according to food groups. Today, we did a simple task of identifying/labelling the various body parts. I started off with posting our body collage to the wall. I would then call out the names of various body parts that were written on little cards and let my preschooler tell me where they were located on the body collage. It was fun and he got to tape the cards on the specified body parts that he had pointed out earlier.

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Overall, it is a good visual to have on our wall and I will keep it there until we finish our unit for further review/activities.

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This unit is getting interesting. Any ideas on what to teach about our bodies to preschoolers?

Annie

Make Your Own Ornament

Making your own ornament is easy and simple. You can either use a ready to assemble kit (usually costs around $1) or have the supplies available for your child to make/design his or her own ornament. For the activity below, we used a ready-to-assemble kit. It was really easy, we added glitter as an after thought. You can place a picture of each child in the center to make it unique. 

To make your own ornament you just need to let your child take control and have fun decorating and adding details with the craft supplies. For your own ornament making, you will need:

• Glitter
• Fabric paint squeeze bottle (used under adult supervision!)
• Sequins
• Pom-poms
• Liquid glue
• Small pieces of string or yarn
• Cardboard circles or squares (these are used if you need to make a hole in the center for inserting a picture)
• Pre-cut felt shapes (based on your ornament theme; like snowflakes, penguins, circles, snowmen, stockings, gingerbread house, evergreen trees, stars, candy canes, etc.

© Everything Family Guide

© Everything Family Guide

Annie

Math Patterns

Calendar time is the ultimate learning experience for my preschooler, as we grow and learn new concepts every week. I have recently added a new routine to Calendar time. Since we are learning about patterns (i.e. ab, abc, abcd, aab, etc.) through colored number/date tiles, I thought to add something more tactile for pattern practice. You know how that saying goes: "Learning by doing." So here are some ways that we practice and learn about patterns:

• Using body movements that represent the pattern such as clapping, slapping knees, tapping, snapping with fingers, jumping, twirling, etc. For example, for the ab pattern, we will clap and slap knees; Clap, Slap. I also say the actions words out loud so that they are easy to follow for a preschooler. 
• Place little objects (i.e. buttons, marbles, etc.) in a pattern using an egg carton or ice cube tray. This is not only visual but also very tactile. I also prep this a activity by drawing a follow-along chart that visually details what the child has to do. For example, if the pattern is abc, then I draw three different colored dots that represent the objects used for practice.

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Overall, math is so much fun so don't forget to share that love of math with your child to help him/her cope with math anxiety in their later schooling years.

Annie