Math Talk: Counting On

Here's a quick and easy game to practice counting on. It connects to CCSS practice K.CC.2, listed below but I like it mostly because it doesn't require any materials. To practice counting forward, or "counting on" from a number other than one uses several math skills and requires practice. We use this game called "Give Me Three" in our classroom....and beyond! We do it when we're waiting for music class to begin, when we are waiting to get a drink of water after P.E. and when we are changing our gym shoes to snowboots to go home at the end of the day. It's contagious! Here is a quick video on how to play. Any questions? Ask below and my students (or I) will answer them for you!

The standard: CCSS.Math.Content.K.CC.A.2 Count forward beginning from a given number within the known sequence (instead of having to begin at 1).

Note: Don't forget (like I did in the video!) that when playing to say the target number and then, "Give me three," to give students some direction. It will sound like, "8, give me three," for example.

100 Day in Kindergarten!

This year, we focused on some challenge-based collaborative activities instead of making books or coloring as I've done previously on the 100th day of school. By the way, the 100th Day of School is a HUGE, fun, special celebration day in the world that is Kindergarten. We count school days all year for many reasons, all tied to different math reasoning and skills. This culminates in a big ol' bash on 100 Day. Here is a peek at some of our activities:

I challenged my kiddos to 3 tasks before earning their "treat." By the way, their treat was to measure and mix a "trail mix" that contained 100 pieces of healthy snacks: popcorn, pretzels, raisins, chex and fish crackers. They used little cups to measure 20 pieces of each, and poured them into a decorated lunch bag. I had a parent volunteer helping, which I'd recommend in your classroom for this too.

Ok, onto the challenges. First challenge: Aim to review measurement and accurate counting skills

Materials: Small groups, Paperclips (about 100-110 in a baggie)

Conclusion: 100 paperclips are 32 clips longer than the teacher

To complete, I ended up laying on the ground and we talked about measuring end to end (head to toe), much to the chagrin of my students who graciously volunteered to stand on chairs and tables to get the measurement.

Second challenge: Penny Hunt

Materials: 100 pennies (Hidden randomly yet conspicuously around the room)

Conclusion: 89 of 100 pennies were found! My guess is that this one will continue tomorrow....

Challenge 3: Runaway 100 Chart!

Materials: Blank 100 chart 

We used our iPads to complete it in the Showbie app, but paper and pencil would be fantastic too.

Conclusion: 100 numbers is a LOT to write, but is easier when we use the 100 chart. (Paraphrased from students)

We also made 100 Day glasses, like these from Scholastic, ate our trailmix, wrote about what we'd do if we had $100 and OF COURSE built a 100 cup structure. This idea was borrow from Melissa at joyfullearninginkc.blogspot.com.

Happy 100 Day of School to you and Kindergarteners! What other collaborative activities are you planning?