We are currently doing a Sonoran Desert Unit for our a home school science and social studies project. I chose to introduce this to her because she is becoming aware of habitats through a great educational show on PBS called Wild Kratts. I figured we would start with where we live. Here's what we have been up to...
1. Introduced her to the Sonoran Desert
We read a book called Dr. Bird to the Rescue by DJ Smith. This book is great because it not only introduces one of the most iconic plants and many animals of the Sonoran Desert, but also because it addresses helping out others even if they are different.
We talked about plants that are in our neighborhood that occur naturally in the Sonoran Desert and spot them around town.
We watched a video from the Desert Botanical Gardens called What is a Desert. You can sign up to access their teacher materials as a homeschooler. Once you are signed up you can access this link http://www.dbg.org/education-programs/digital-learning/for-teachers/digital-learning-kindergarten
The video shows where the desert is located, shows pictures, identifies three main characteristics of the desert as dry, less than ten inches of rain a year, and hot.
2. We took field trips
First we went to the Verde River with friends to hang out for a few hours. We actually saw wild horses and even a bald eagle! That day we talked about what we observed around us: what do you hear, what do you see, what animals and plants are here? The night before I found informative coloring pages about plants and animals from Pima County at http://www.pima.gov/cmo/sdcp/kids/color/sdkColor.html
They have a fun Sonoran Desert Kids section. We looked at the coloring pages to see if we could identify any plants and animals at the river. We also collected rocks, sticks, ect. to use for classification and sorting later in our unit.
Next we went to the Desert Botanical Gardens. At this point she can identify cactus and plants like saguaro, barrel, prickly pear, mesquite trees, and agave. The Spring Butterfly Exhibit in Marshall garden Pavilion was open so we could also discuss the life phases of the butterfly. We learned about more plants and their uses. They had education stations set up around the gardens. We also did the field trip unit for kindergarten available on their website Inquiry in the Garden Stage 1 http://www.dbg.org/system/files/137/original/kinder-teacher-guide-inquiry1.pdf?1285197551
This unit introduces the three parts of plants and their purposes. It focuses on comparing the saguaro, agave, and mesquite tree. It was cool to do this before going because one station had dried saguaro wood and another had different items made from agave fibers. We brought home to seed pods from two different trees we found on the ground to compare for later in our unit.
I also plan on taking:
Boyce Thompson Arboretum http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boyce_Thompson_Arboretum_State_Park
To ride the Dolly Steamboat at Canyon Lake http://www.dollysteamboat.com/
3. Products of the desert
First we are going to explore foods. You can buy prickly pear strawberry lemonade at our local Fresh N Easy grocery store. I also bought prickly pear jelly, licorice, chocolate cordials at the Desert Botanical Gardens. There are also other products like honeys, breads, flours, teas, salsa, sauces, and more. As well as some edible cactus. We might get really adventurous and try rattlesnake!
We are also going to look at other products that can be made from the desert plants like furniture and walking sticks.
4. We are going to organize and review data we've collected, our observations, sort and graph our nature walk collectibles. We are going to make a poster with pictures of plants in our neighborhood that are naturally occurring in the Sonoran Desert. We are going to make graphs from our collected items and compare and discuss what we have collected. For example, we have one seed pod that is larger and darker in color than the other. I will ask her what makes these two items similar and different. Are they from the same tree?
Concluding Part 1
We are also going to visit the local interest shelf in the kids section at Barnes and Noble which carries gems like The Three Little Javalinas. We are also doing art projects which I will share at the end of our unit. We will share the knowledge we've learned in a presentation to friends and family.
After completing part 1 we will do part 2 of our unit which is about weather and geological features of the desert and part 3 which is about the people of the desert which will include Native tribes, farmers/ranchers, and cowboys/caballeros.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Should My Child Skip a Grade?
A common question every parent of an advanced student asks them self at some point is, "Should my student skip a grade or more?" There is no simple answer that is right for every student. This post address skipping single and multiple grade levels. At the end it discusses options for exceptional students besides skipping grades. Let me just say that I am neither pro or con grade skipping as a general idea. Here are some points you should consider.
1. Are they advanced in all academic areas? It is great for kids to be gifted in math and reading, but especially if you are considering skipping multiple grades, don't forget that there are also science and social studies standards they will be expected to meet. Will they struggle in special area classes like PE or Art because of their motor skills? Will they still test well in the classroom and on standardized tests?
2. Will they be noticeably younger or smaller than other students? If so can they handle this difference? I would never say avoid skipping a child because they are small. I would say be aware of the different ways this might impact them emotionally. Also if you want your child to be competitive in arts or athletics they may be behind in these areas if they are more than a year younger. Being underdeveloped physically could result in low self-esteem for some children or make them a target for bullies. Make sure your child is confident in who they are and what makes them exceptional.
3. Are you prepared to allow them to be to exposed and interact in social situations that may be advanced for their age? Whether it's dating or the pressure of going off to college early, they may be exposed to peer pressure and stress prematurely. Make sure you take care to prepare them emotionally for these challenges.
4. Can they emotionally handle the discipline expected of them? My three year old daughter is doing first grade math at home, but there is no way I would drop her into a first grade classroom because she would not follow the rules or have the attention span to stay in her seat. She's not sensitive to social protocol such as whispering or not picking her nose in public.
5. Will skipping provide them additional opportunities or deprive them of opportunities? If your child is skipping multiple grades and receives public recognition for being exceptional, it might attract attention of educators or philanthropists interested in investing time or money in your student. They may qualify for special funding for college, or they may be deprived of funding because of their age. Research what restrictions might apply in your state for scholarship programs. When I was in high school a small percent of students who scored in the highest percentiles would be invited by the ASU Honors College to participate in a summer program that allowed you to take college classes for credit. If your child is just going to be average at the next grade level up you might be doing them a disservice when it comes to opportunities that arise from standardized testing.
6. Will your child become bored or unmotivated by staying at grade level? Some students will learn they can just coast and put forth a minimal amount of effort to earn grades other students struggle to earn. If your child does stay at grade level, make sure they are being provided with challenges and are offered gifted education if available in your district. Make sure they aren't being labeled a behavior problem because they are bored and causing distractions to other students who don't work as quickly. Teachers should offer alternative or additional work in this scenario.
7. Are you prepared for early graduation? They should be able to handle navigating a college campus and dealing with the various people that might approach them from class to class. From predators to sales reps, college campuses can attract all kinds. Educate them on how to handle strangers at this level. They may be expected to do internships or activities that take them off the college campus and into the night hours. Are they capable of navigating these events alone? For some careers college extracurricular activities and leadership skills are a factor in hiring. Make sure your student will get everything they need out of the college experience. Make sure your college saving plan can be used early. If they graduate at 15 but can't access the money until they are 18 you need new funding.
8. What are your students social skills like? While I do believe the nurture side plays a role in a child's social skills, I also strongly believe you are who you are. There are some kids that will never "fit in." It doesn't matter if they are home schooled or public schooled they will always march to the beat of their own drummer. If this is your child and they are old enough to express their wishes with logic just ask them what they want. Other kids are very outgoing and find making friends and fitting in easy as pie. If this is your child then they will likely be successful at skipping at least a single grade.
Other options besides skipping grades at a public or private school.
If my daughter continues to progress through her school work at her current pace, she will test into third or fourth grade when she is supposed to be starting Kindergarten. I tell you this so that you understand I have put a lot of thought into this matter. I'd like to tell you I have an answer for what we are going to do if she is really that advanced, but I don't. At this point we just have to take the years as they come and evaluate what is best for her when she starts school. There are more options than skipping.
We will most likely home school the first few years until she can test into a self contained gifted class and then reevaluate.
Homeschooling is not an option for everyone. If your child can be left home alone, they could attend virtual school that allows them to enter whatever grade they can test into and work at their own pace.
Check out what charter and private schools are in your area. There are many accelerated charter schools here in Arizona. There is even a accelerated private school run through ASU that allows students starting in sixth grade to work ahead graduating at 15 and earning 45-60 hours by 18. Don't let tuition be a deterrent. Many private schools offer scholarships, tuition assistance, and payment programs. Find out if your state offers the tax credit program that allows people to pay their state taxes directly towards your students tuition instead of to the state. Look at your states Department of Education website for a list of schools.
Self contained gifted classes are often filled with students working years ahead of their peers. These teachers have taken extra classes and training specifically aimed at working with gifted children.
Concurrent enrollment- I attended both college and high school my senior year. Many community colleges allow concurrent enrollment for advanced students. Be aware that grades may carry over to your college GPA if taken at a University.
My niece skipped Kindergarten and has been very successful. She has no problem socially or academically. I expect she will continue to thrive as she moves on form the fifth grade into the daunting teen years. For her skipping was an excellent choice! In today's age of technology more and more students are opting to work ahead early or obtain a GED. I think the world is becoming more accepting of younger, advanced students entering college and the work force.
If you have a child who skipped more than two grades I would love to hear about how you made that decision and how they are doing in school! Please share your insight in the comment section.
1. Are they advanced in all academic areas? It is great for kids to be gifted in math and reading, but especially if you are considering skipping multiple grades, don't forget that there are also science and social studies standards they will be expected to meet. Will they struggle in special area classes like PE or Art because of their motor skills? Will they still test well in the classroom and on standardized tests?
2. Will they be noticeably younger or smaller than other students? If so can they handle this difference? I would never say avoid skipping a child because they are small. I would say be aware of the different ways this might impact them emotionally. Also if you want your child to be competitive in arts or athletics they may be behind in these areas if they are more than a year younger. Being underdeveloped physically could result in low self-esteem for some children or make them a target for bullies. Make sure your child is confident in who they are and what makes them exceptional.
3. Are you prepared to allow them to be to exposed and interact in social situations that may be advanced for their age? Whether it's dating or the pressure of going off to college early, they may be exposed to peer pressure and stress prematurely. Make sure you take care to prepare them emotionally for these challenges.
4. Can they emotionally handle the discipline expected of them? My three year old daughter is doing first grade math at home, but there is no way I would drop her into a first grade classroom because she would not follow the rules or have the attention span to stay in her seat. She's not sensitive to social protocol such as whispering or not picking her nose in public.
5. Will skipping provide them additional opportunities or deprive them of opportunities? If your child is skipping multiple grades and receives public recognition for being exceptional, it might attract attention of educators or philanthropists interested in investing time or money in your student. They may qualify for special funding for college, or they may be deprived of funding because of their age. Research what restrictions might apply in your state for scholarship programs. When I was in high school a small percent of students who scored in the highest percentiles would be invited by the ASU Honors College to participate in a summer program that allowed you to take college classes for credit. If your child is just going to be average at the next grade level up you might be doing them a disservice when it comes to opportunities that arise from standardized testing.
6. Will your child become bored or unmotivated by staying at grade level? Some students will learn they can just coast and put forth a minimal amount of effort to earn grades other students struggle to earn. If your child does stay at grade level, make sure they are being provided with challenges and are offered gifted education if available in your district. Make sure they aren't being labeled a behavior problem because they are bored and causing distractions to other students who don't work as quickly. Teachers should offer alternative or additional work in this scenario.
7. Are you prepared for early graduation? They should be able to handle navigating a college campus and dealing with the various people that might approach them from class to class. From predators to sales reps, college campuses can attract all kinds. Educate them on how to handle strangers at this level. They may be expected to do internships or activities that take them off the college campus and into the night hours. Are they capable of navigating these events alone? For some careers college extracurricular activities and leadership skills are a factor in hiring. Make sure your student will get everything they need out of the college experience. Make sure your college saving plan can be used early. If they graduate at 15 but can't access the money until they are 18 you need new funding.
8. What are your students social skills like? While I do believe the nurture side plays a role in a child's social skills, I also strongly believe you are who you are. There are some kids that will never "fit in." It doesn't matter if they are home schooled or public schooled they will always march to the beat of their own drummer. If this is your child and they are old enough to express their wishes with logic just ask them what they want. Other kids are very outgoing and find making friends and fitting in easy as pie. If this is your child then they will likely be successful at skipping at least a single grade.
Other options besides skipping grades at a public or private school.
If my daughter continues to progress through her school work at her current pace, she will test into third or fourth grade when she is supposed to be starting Kindergarten. I tell you this so that you understand I have put a lot of thought into this matter. I'd like to tell you I have an answer for what we are going to do if she is really that advanced, but I don't. At this point we just have to take the years as they come and evaluate what is best for her when she starts school. There are more options than skipping.
We will most likely home school the first few years until she can test into a self contained gifted class and then reevaluate.
Homeschooling is not an option for everyone. If your child can be left home alone, they could attend virtual school that allows them to enter whatever grade they can test into and work at their own pace.
Check out what charter and private schools are in your area. There are many accelerated charter schools here in Arizona. There is even a accelerated private school run through ASU that allows students starting in sixth grade to work ahead graduating at 15 and earning 45-60 hours by 18. Don't let tuition be a deterrent. Many private schools offer scholarships, tuition assistance, and payment programs. Find out if your state offers the tax credit program that allows people to pay their state taxes directly towards your students tuition instead of to the state. Look at your states Department of Education website for a list of schools.
Self contained gifted classes are often filled with students working years ahead of their peers. These teachers have taken extra classes and training specifically aimed at working with gifted children.
Concurrent enrollment- I attended both college and high school my senior year. Many community colleges allow concurrent enrollment for advanced students. Be aware that grades may carry over to your college GPA if taken at a University.
My niece skipped Kindergarten and has been very successful. She has no problem socially or academically. I expect she will continue to thrive as she moves on form the fifth grade into the daunting teen years. For her skipping was an excellent choice! In today's age of technology more and more students are opting to work ahead early or obtain a GED. I think the world is becoming more accepting of younger, advanced students entering college and the work force.
If you have a child who skipped more than two grades I would love to hear about how you made that decision and how they are doing in school! Please share your insight in the comment section.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Products I Love for Phonics and Reading
In the beginning, kids learn their basic phonic sounds and then apply that knowledge to sight words. You can find a list of Dolch sight words by grade level multiple places online by simply searching Kindergarten Dolch Sight Words List or whatever grade you need. Many of my posts are on free products and DIY lessons. This post is different because it is on products you can buy to help teach phonics, sight words, and reading. If your student is already in Kindergarten ask their teacher for a list of the words they will be tested on this year. If you are interested in electronic learning products check out my post on educational apps from August.
Alpha-Bug Step 'n' Spell is hugely popular with any kid who comes in our house. You don't really have to do much teaching yourself with this product because it does so much! It sings the alphabet song, teaches phonic sounds, guides kids through spelling sight words, and as a bonus becomes a musical instrument with every letter a different pitch. It has volume control and two levels of difficulty.
http://www.learningresources.com/product/alpha-bug+step+--8216-n--8217-+spell-reg-.do?search=basic&keyword=alpha+bug&sortby=bestSellers&page=1&
Three letter word puzzle flashcards are great to start teaching flashcards because they can put the words together using the picture as a visual aid. Ask them to spell the word and sound it out phonetically when the puzzle is complete.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-8864119dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=10809999&totCount=0
Phonic Fun airplane by Leapfrog. Find the letters it asks for, make up a word of your own, or find the word it requests. Another product that the child can use with less adult guidance than others.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2786851dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2266012&totCount=0
Melissa and Doug See n Spell Learning Game. This brand has never disappointed. They may need help with it at first, but should figure out how to do it independently pretty quickly. You can also ask them to spell your own words using the wooden letters.
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/see-and-spell-learning-game?alt=1
Melissa and Doug talking alphabet puzzle allows kids to hear the sounds letters make as they take the pieces in and out. You can also use this later to have the child spell sight words.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2789209dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2267358&totCount=0
If you are lucky enough to come across Puppet Farm at a garage sale like Aly's Grammy then snatch it up. This fun, nine book easy reader set with matching finger puppets retails for $70 used and as high as $405 new on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Puppet-Farm-Caryn-Jenner/dp/1582091293
I got a deal at our local Marshall's on Match It sets by Learning Journey, only $5. I grabbed the Rhyme edition. Rhyming is a Kindergarten standard in Arizona.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Learning-Journey-Match-Rhyme/dp/B000HKVX18
I like to use the Step Into Reading Level 1 books for reading. They offer a variety of titles from favorite Disney characters to Bugs and Dancing Dino's. I find these at our local Kid to Kid store for $1 or buy them new at Barnes and Noble.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-bear-little-bear-disney/1110627442?ean=9780606263917
We also love the Now I'm Reading Series by Innovative Kids. This series is great for many reasons. You can buy travel size versions of the books in a little collection of ten phonics books that are kept in place with clear plastic holders and the whole kit n kaboodle has a magnetic closure. The books come with stickers that reward the child for reading the books. There is a special spot in the front of each book for the stickers. They also offer additional supplies like a word dominoes game. It also has reviews and comprehension questions to guide parents with teaching reading and comprehension. We got our first 20 books and parents guide for free through a children's book club. I've found them every where from Albertson's to local independent toy retailers.
http://www.innovativekids.com/content/view/204/400/
Don't forget workbooks. My daughter loves doing workbook pages. I got an idea from Pinterest to put clear plastic sheets in a binder, slide the workbook pages in, and use white erase markers so the pages can be used repeatedly. We call this her busy book and also bring it to restaurant or places she will need to be entertained for a while. We like School Zone workbooks but their are also good Sesame Street themed ones available at our local Dollar Tree.
Let me know what products you like for teaching reading in the comment section.
Alpha-Bug Step 'n' Spell is hugely popular with any kid who comes in our house. You don't really have to do much teaching yourself with this product because it does so much! It sings the alphabet song, teaches phonic sounds, guides kids through spelling sight words, and as a bonus becomes a musical instrument with every letter a different pitch. It has volume control and two levels of difficulty.
http://www.learningresources.com/product/alpha-bug+step+--8216-n--8217-+spell-reg-.do?search=basic&keyword=alpha+bug&sortby=bestSellers&page=1&
Three letter word puzzle flashcards are great to start teaching flashcards because they can put the words together using the picture as a visual aid. Ask them to spell the word and sound it out phonetically when the puzzle is complete.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-8864119dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=10809999&totCount=0
Phonic Fun airplane by Leapfrog. Find the letters it asks for, make up a word of your own, or find the word it requests. Another product that the child can use with less adult guidance than others.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2786851dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2266012&totCount=0
Melissa and Doug See n Spell Learning Game. This brand has never disappointed. They may need help with it at first, but should figure out how to do it independently pretty quickly. You can also ask them to spell your own words using the wooden letters.
http://www.melissaanddoug.com/see-and-spell-learning-game?alt=1
Melissa and Doug talking alphabet puzzle allows kids to hear the sounds letters make as they take the pieces in and out. You can also use this later to have the child spell sight words.
http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2789209dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2267358&totCount=0
If you are lucky enough to come across Puppet Farm at a garage sale like Aly's Grammy then snatch it up. This fun, nine book easy reader set with matching finger puppets retails for $70 used and as high as $405 new on amazon.
http://www.amazon.com/Puppet-Farm-Caryn-Jenner/dp/1582091293
I got a deal at our local Marshall's on Match It sets by Learning Journey, only $5. I grabbed the Rhyme edition. Rhyming is a Kindergarten standard in Arizona.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Learning-Journey-Match-Rhyme/dp/B000HKVX18
I like to use the Step Into Reading Level 1 books for reading. They offer a variety of titles from favorite Disney characters to Bugs and Dancing Dino's. I find these at our local Kid to Kid store for $1 or buy them new at Barnes and Noble.
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/big-bear-little-bear-disney/1110627442?ean=9780606263917
We also love the Now I'm Reading Series by Innovative Kids. This series is great for many reasons. You can buy travel size versions of the books in a little collection of ten phonics books that are kept in place with clear plastic holders and the whole kit n kaboodle has a magnetic closure. The books come with stickers that reward the child for reading the books. There is a special spot in the front of each book for the stickers. They also offer additional supplies like a word dominoes game. It also has reviews and comprehension questions to guide parents with teaching reading and comprehension. We got our first 20 books and parents guide for free through a children's book club. I've found them every where from Albertson's to local independent toy retailers.
http://www.innovativekids.com/content/view/204/400/
Don't forget workbooks. My daughter loves doing workbook pages. I got an idea from Pinterest to put clear plastic sheets in a binder, slide the workbook pages in, and use white erase markers so the pages can be used repeatedly. We call this her busy book and also bring it to restaurant or places she will need to be entertained for a while. We like School Zone workbooks but their are also good Sesame Street themed ones available at our local Dollar Tree.
Let me know what products you like for teaching reading in the comment section.
Learning to Count by 5's
Learning to rote count by fives is a Kindergarten standard in our state of Arizona. Actually, skip counting by 2's, 5's, and 10's are all part of Kinder standards. This post is about how I am teaching my daughter to count by fives. I have multiple tools in my teaching bag for this one!
Let me know how you teach your child skip counting in the comment section.
- There is a dot to dot book we got from Barnes and Noble for $4.95 that is called Dot to Dot Count to 50 by Balloon Books. At the top of each page there is a number line that shows counting by fives visually.
- There is a pop style song and video by HaveFunTeaching on Youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_awKlEMyleA that encourages kids to dance and sing the count by fives song. Studies show that most boys learn better when they are moving so a video such as this that has some dance moves and hand clapping will more likely help boys memorize counting by fives than the rote method of just repeating.
- We also found a Curious George game on the PBS Kids website called "High Five" http://pbskids.org/curiousgeorge/busyday/fives/ that allows the player to place a painted high five hand of George's on a canvas and counts by fives the number of prints the player makes. You can also have it repeat the count when you are done.
- Using a white board, chalk board, or paper, trace the whole families hands. Right the numbers counting by fives inside the hands. How many fingers are in your family? Lay them on the floor and have your child count by fives.
- There is also a free app by Little Monkey Apps called "Teaching Number Lines" that allows you to both practice and test skip counting by 2's, 3's, 4's, and 5's.
Let me know how you teach your child skip counting in the comment section.
Monday, September 17, 2012
Advanced Toddler Shapes
My daughter learned her shapes very early. Many parents teach their children shapes before kindergarten and it seems to be a subject that interests them. Many parents ask me what to work on next once the child has mastered the basic shapes. Once your child knows the basic shapes ie square, circle, triangle, rectangle, diamond, heart, and oval have them identify attributes of the shapes. How many corners? How many sides? Is it flat or round? Will it stack or roll? Identifying attributes of these shapes will allow them to identify new shapes faster. After that, introduce the next level of shapes ie crescent, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, rhombus, parallelogram. Then you can introduce more specific shapes such as the different kinds of triangles.
OK. I am aware of how totally crazy it sounds that I'm teaching my three year old the difference between an isosceles and scalene triangle, but it's not as nuts as it sounds. It started with an app called Toddler Teasers. The app offers a variety of subject matter from such as animals, camping, fractions, shapes, and numbers with different levels of difficulty from square and circle to scalene triangle. I set the game to advanced and selected only shapes. I hadn't paid attention to what would be taught in the advanced level, but I knew she mastered the level she was on so why not? One day I notice she's playing the game and identifying the different kinds of triangles. It teaches scalene, isosceles, right, and equilateral triangles.
As always I created a lesson to reinforce learning.
First game- Eat Me a Triangle
1) Pick out different foods that are straight: pretzel rods, yogurt tubes, granola bars, fruit twists, whatever. Open it or leave it in the packaging.
2) Draw and identify the different triangles for your child describing the attributes.
3)Then ask them to form a triangle using the food. If they get it right then can eat it!
If the different triangles are a new concept. Try giving hints. For example, if you have an equilateral triangle you could tell them they need three foods the same length. For a scalene, they need three different lengths.
Second Game- Paint Me a Triangle
Same procedure as Eat Me a Triangle but with paint. Draw three lines making four columns on the paper. Draw the triangle and write the word for each. Paint a triangle yourself. Point out attributes. Have the child copy. Show how the isosceles looks like a Christmas tree, the scalene a mountain, a square can be drawn in the corner of the right triangle, an equilateral has three side the same like the instrument the triangle.
Third Game- Triangles in Motion
I gave Aly some saying with motion to remember the triangles. We scale the scalene triangles and pretend to climb a triangle mountain. We make an isosceles tunnel with our legs being the long sides and the floor the short. Crawl through each others tunnels. I have to admit, I don't really crawl. I basically lay still while she walks over me, but she still finds it hilarious. I make an equilateral triangle with my arms and chest. I make a right triangle with my upper arm being the bottom line, lower wrist to elbow the vertical line, and my other arm the diagonal. Then I say, "I like my triangles right." I move one of my arms up and down like a gate opening and closing as she runs past.
That concludes today's post. Tell me in the comment section how your child likes to learn shapes.
OK. I am aware of how totally crazy it sounds that I'm teaching my three year old the difference between an isosceles and scalene triangle, but it's not as nuts as it sounds. It started with an app called Toddler Teasers. The app offers a variety of subject matter from such as animals, camping, fractions, shapes, and numbers with different levels of difficulty from square and circle to scalene triangle. I set the game to advanced and selected only shapes. I hadn't paid attention to what would be taught in the advanced level, but I knew she mastered the level she was on so why not? One day I notice she's playing the game and identifying the different kinds of triangles. It teaches scalene, isosceles, right, and equilateral triangles.
As always I created a lesson to reinforce learning.
First game- Eat Me a Triangle
1) Pick out different foods that are straight: pretzel rods, yogurt tubes, granola bars, fruit twists, whatever. Open it or leave it in the packaging.
2) Draw and identify the different triangles for your child describing the attributes.
3)Then ask them to form a triangle using the food. If they get it right then can eat it!
If the different triangles are a new concept. Try giving hints. For example, if you have an equilateral triangle you could tell them they need three foods the same length. For a scalene, they need three different lengths.
Second Game- Paint Me a Triangle
Same procedure as Eat Me a Triangle but with paint. Draw three lines making four columns on the paper. Draw the triangle and write the word for each. Paint a triangle yourself. Point out attributes. Have the child copy. Show how the isosceles looks like a Christmas tree, the scalene a mountain, a square can be drawn in the corner of the right triangle, an equilateral has three side the same like the instrument the triangle.
Third Game- Triangles in Motion
I gave Aly some saying with motion to remember the triangles. We scale the scalene triangles and pretend to climb a triangle mountain. We make an isosceles tunnel with our legs being the long sides and the floor the short. Crawl through each others tunnels. I have to admit, I don't really crawl. I basically lay still while she walks over me, but she still finds it hilarious. I make an equilateral triangle with my arms and chest. I make a right triangle with my upper arm being the bottom line, lower wrist to elbow the vertical line, and my other arm the diagonal. Then I say, "I like my triangles right." I move one of my arms up and down like a gate opening and closing as she runs past.
That concludes today's post. Tell me in the comment section how your child likes to learn shapes.
Math Monster
Aly is learning to fluently add and subtract so I have been doing a lot of new lessons. I found this great website with free math games perfect for her at the age of three. The website is fun4thebrain.com It has a particular game she likes called Murb. Murb is a world of monsters and we LOVE monsters in our house! You walk one monster into a diner. In the diner there are five different monsters. Each monster has a different job. One monster opens cans in the kitchen while another cleans up messes in the dining area. They give an addition or subtraction equation based on which option you select. Then you have to find the can, mess, dining patron, ect. that has the right answer for the monsters to do their job.
http://www.fun4thebrain.com/murb/murb.html
I always reinforce media learning with another non-media activity. When we were done playing we got out the white board. I would draw a monster with body parts based on the answer to an equation. For example, yesterday we were working on our 1's addition table.
I would write out 1+1=
Then tell Aly, "I'm going to draw 1+1 noses. How many noses will the monster have?
That's right, 1+1= 2 noses.
Repeat
"I'm going to draw 1+2 eyes. How many eyes will the monster have?"
1+3 arms
1+4 fingers
1+5 legs
1+6 hairs on his head
1+7 freckles on his face
1+8 teeth in his mouth
Be creative!
Aly is excellent at pattern recognition. Write out the equations neatly in a column and identify the pattern half of the way. Have your child finish the pattern.
1+1=2
1+2=3
1+3=4
1+4=
Point out the relationship between the second number and the last number. Show them the answers are ascending in order, 2,3,4, ect. Have them repeat the whole equation when they say the answer. Initially they are just following the pattern, but by repeating the equation the are learning rote addition.
If your child is ready for more advanced math try an app for free called Sushi Monster. Sushi Monster teaches decomposing numbers which is a kinder standard in our state of Arizona. Note decomposing number up to ten is the kinder standard and this game goes up to 20 at the easiest level.
Decomposing number means if you give a child a number than can tell you the different equations that equal that number. For example:
If you say 5
They know...
5+0
4+1
3+2
2+3
1+4
0+5
all add up to 5.
If you have a little math monster like me tell me what games and activities you like in the comment section.
http://www.fun4thebrain.com/murb/murb.html
I always reinforce media learning with another non-media activity. When we were done playing we got out the white board. I would draw a monster with body parts based on the answer to an equation. For example, yesterday we were working on our 1's addition table.
I would write out 1+1=
Then tell Aly, "I'm going to draw 1+1 noses. How many noses will the monster have?
That's right, 1+1= 2 noses.
Repeat
"I'm going to draw 1+2 eyes. How many eyes will the monster have?"
1+3 arms
1+4 fingers
1+5 legs
1+6 hairs on his head
1+7 freckles on his face
1+8 teeth in his mouth
Be creative!
Aly is excellent at pattern recognition. Write out the equations neatly in a column and identify the pattern half of the way. Have your child finish the pattern.
1+1=2
1+2=3
1+3=4
1+4=
Point out the relationship between the second number and the last number. Show them the answers are ascending in order, 2,3,4, ect. Have them repeat the whole equation when they say the answer. Initially they are just following the pattern, but by repeating the equation the are learning rote addition.
If your child is ready for more advanced math try an app for free called Sushi Monster. Sushi Monster teaches decomposing numbers which is a kinder standard in our state of Arizona. Note decomposing number up to ten is the kinder standard and this game goes up to 20 at the easiest level.
Decomposing number means if you give a child a number than can tell you the different equations that equal that number. For example:
If you say 5
They know...
5+0
4+1
3+2
2+3
1+4
0+5
all add up to 5.
If you have a little math monster like me tell me what games and activities you like in the comment section.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
Sight Words- Action Words Game
Aly is a very high energy child. If she can learn in a way the allows her to jump, dance, make noise, and act crazy she's all over it! That's how I came up with the Action Sight Words game. A friend gave is a set of foam rectangles and foam letter stickers of various sizes and colors. Aly loved making her flashcards. We did two sided opposite cards. For example, one side says MOM and the other DAD. One says SUN and the other side says MOON. You get the idea I'm sure. I would let her pick a word, tell her how to spell it, and she would put the letters on the cards. I made a series that had the following words:
- jump
- hop
- dance
- sing
- wiggle
- wave
- clap
- kick
First I started with just three words. I pointed out the beginning letter and phonic sound for those words. I told her the word the first few times we played. Then I would just show her the card without saying the word. Next I added a new word in the same fashion as the first three. Being active and learning sight words in a fun way...that's what I call creative learning. :)
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