Amazing things happen when children are given the freedom to explore, notice, and create things of their own choosing. The unit we just finished, "How Many Tens? How Many Ones?" allowed students to explore our base ten number system, specifically in relation to 100. This meant addition and subtraction up to 100, counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's, skip counting, and the exploration of early multiplication and division concepts. Students all worked on mastering these ideas, but something equally important developed as well - passion to pursue one's own mathematical interests.
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| Making origami |
It all started with curiosity about multiplication. Students began to notice certain patterns in the numbers and answers they were getting to problems. This led to further exploration, and for some, a personal journey into new material. One student began work on a prime number chart. Making a chart of all the prime numbers, testing and retesting findings, led this student to amazing discoveries along the way. A few students became passionate about origami - folding paper to make intricate and elaborate 2 and 3-dimensional structures. We counted the number of shapes and angles, and students were able to view their objects in a new, mathematical way. Students also worked together to make a math game, adding and subtracting, and solving math problems as they moved along their game board. Some students took favorite subject matter and decided to make thoughtful and detailed graphs.
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| Exploring multiplication |
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| Brainstorming ideas for a graph |
This chance for free exploration of math concepts is critical for children to embrace math and enjoy the experience. Giving children a voice in the activities they wish to participate in allows them to make discoveries on their own. They notice patterns, make connections, and gain a deeper level of understanding when they have invested in their own area of interest and have opportunity to freely explore ideas.
This is a wonderful article about this very idea. Looking at these photos, and spending time with these inquisitive and highly motivated children during math, clearly illustrates the benefit for free play, games, cooperation with peers, and choice. Math connections can be made everywhere, children just need the freedom to explore and find inspiration from a rich and social mathematical environment.
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| Double checking work |
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| Games! |
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| Counting coins |
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| Playing a newly created game |
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| The graph takes shape |
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| Exploring the concept of 100 |
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| We brainstormed a list of ideas |
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| How many more cubes do we need to get to 100? |
