The math and science materials we need would provide the foundational understanding that is so key at this young age. Core concepts of place value and numeric fluency would be built though hands-on engaging activities with hula hoops, bean bags, and innovative number lines. Humble paper plates can can illustrate fractions, analog clocks, patterning and equal groups, coins; an almost infinite list of learning aids made with the students' OWN hands. A real disarticulated rodent skeleton picked free from an owl pellet will generate meaningful discussion and a greater depth of knowledge than I could give them though a textbook, video, or poster.
Research points to a progression of "concrete, pictorial, then abstract" representation as a new skill set is learned, with these materials facilitating that essential concrete first step. In math especially, young children cannot transition fluidly to the highly abstract world of "naked" numbers on a page without a concrete schema to tie them to. Enriching experiences in the classroom are guaranteed to spark their creativity and make for a memorable 2nd grade year.
About my class
The math and science materials we need would provide the foundational understanding that is so key at this young age. Core concepts of place value and numeric fluency would be built though hands-on engaging activities with hula hoops, bean bags, and innovative number lines. Humble paper plates can can illustrate fractions, analog clocks, patterning and equal groups, coins; an almost infinite list of learning aids made with the students' OWN hands. A real disarticulated rodent skeleton picked free from an owl pellet will generate meaningful discussion and a greater depth of knowledge than I could give them though a textbook, video, or poster.
Research points to a progression of "concrete, pictorial, then abstract" representation as a new skill set is learned, with these materials facilitating that essential concrete first step. In math especially, young children cannot transition fluidly to the highly abstract world of "naked" numbers on a page without a concrete schema to tie them to. Enriching experiences in the classroom are guaranteed to spark their creativity and make for a memorable 2nd grade year.
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