In math, students often struggle making visual estimations due to their lack of number sense. Each day my students use a variety of objects to count for their morning work. When they are done they record the number of items they have counted. Many students sort the items by color, size and/or shape.
Counting collections combines two experiences for students to help develop number sense: hands on learning and fun!.
The items that I am asking for provide students a variety to use during morning work and math. Students enjoy sorting and dividing items into groups using different attributes (red, green, small, large,etc.). These items will provide lots of opportunities for them to practice these skills. Having items that are small and easy to manage is key for students like the items that I am requesting such as buttons, beads, counters and yes, even coffee stirrers! These items are small enough to fit in plastic baggies for each student and they are able to take these items out of the baggies and sort them as they please.
My students also need containers (such as the bowls and plastic cups that I am requesting) that they can use to help them sort the items. As they become more experienced with counting, they will begin to realize that they can sort items into cups and/bowls by 5s and 10s. Students that are ready can practice counting beads or buttons by groups of 25, 50 and 100. Students counting the letter beads will be inspired to sort them by vowels and consonants (math and language arts merger).
Students can use these items to help them visually see number models/number sentences such as 3+2. Having manipulatives such as beads and counters will provide students with a safe opportunity to explore math without fear!
About my class
In math, students often struggle making visual estimations due to their lack of number sense. Each day my students use a variety of objects to count for their morning work. When they are done they record the number of items they have counted. Many students sort the items by color, size and/or shape.
Counting collections combines two experiences for students to help develop number sense: hands on learning and fun!.
The items that I am asking for provide students a variety to use during morning work and math. Students enjoy sorting and dividing items into groups using different attributes (red, green, small, large,etc.). These items will provide lots of opportunities for them to practice these skills. Having items that are small and easy to manage is key for students like the items that I am requesting such as buttons, beads, counters and yes, even coffee stirrers! These items are small enough to fit in plastic baggies for each student and they are able to take these items out of the baggies and sort them as they please.
My students also need containers (such as the bowls and plastic cups that I am requesting) that they can use to help them sort the items. As they become more experienced with counting, they will begin to realize that they can sort items into cups and/bowls by 5s and 10s. Students that are ready can practice counting beads or buttons by groups of 25, 50 and 100. Students counting the letter beads will be inspired to sort them by vowels and consonants (math and language arts merger).
Students can use these items to help them visually see number models/number sentences such as 3+2. Having manipulatives such as beads and counters will provide students with a safe opportunity to explore math without fear!