September's Resources and Materials

We are well into October and we have shifted our focus from gathering materials and resources to implement the Common Core Math Frameworks to modeling lessons and sharing our best practices. I wanted to take a moment and recap all that we have found and shared as far as resources go. 

KINDERGARTEN

Kindergarten teachers across all three of my schools have been working hard to implement the Common Core Frameworks. We began with the Unit 1 which focused on shapes and understanding shapes we were focused on Geometry. Here are some samples of Anchor Charts that were created.


These are some samples of the Anchor Charts and student work I have been seeing as related to unit

Now, let's get into the Math Resources and tools that are being used to really push our student's thinking.


"What the Heck is a Renkenrek?" Now, we know it is a powerful math tool that builds understanding in decomposing and composing numbers. This skill is a huge skill. I was recently reading a book by Ligping Ma, Knowing and Teaching Elementary Mathematics, in this book it talks about how understanding composing and decomposing numbers is essential to understanding place value and understanding to procedures of the standard algorithm for regrouping and borrowing.

Here is an example of the creativity of one teacher, to use a tight budget to create a Renkenrek that will be durable enough for any kindergarten classroom.  These were created with molding from Home Depot, beads from any craft store and elastic.
The molding was cut into rectangles and sanded. 
Then 4 small holes were drilled into the molding 2 on each side. 
Finally, string your elastic through and beads and Your done!

Here are some ways to organize your math wall and students math tool kits.

 Kindergarten teachers agree that some resources are worth paying for so here are a couple of resources. 

Heidi Songs
Heidi has a collections of songs that are geared toward Language Arts and math and help build fluency.

If your sight has the money then go for it and get the Math Racks. They are durable and a great tool to build number subitizing and fluency.

Technology Tips

There is a Number Rack App for Ipad and iphone.
There is also a Number Rack in for the Smart Board.

That is just a few of the many resources that kindergarten teachers are using to help implement the Common Core Math.

Happy Learning Mathematicians!