Math Difficulties

I know that I should have taken pictures today. I actually didn't think about doing it.

This afternoon I had three activities planned. One of the activities was a version of a color by number. In this case it was a color by number that required us to solve an addition problem. In Kindergarten we typically only deal with math language. Math can be abstract, so we work hard on understanding the vocabulary associated with adding and subtracting. Saying 3 + 2 = 5 really isn't very easy in Kindergarten. Most often we would say that equation using some sort of a story problem. The reason to do that is that it helps build skills necessary to add. We might say "Tom had three balls. His dad gave him two more. How many balls does Tom have now?" Yesterday one of the tasks we worked on was to solve a problem by drawing a picture.

Today, I went with a more difficult approach. The color by number (using addition) tested their ability to critically think about numbers. I did encourage them to use some sort of manipulative to help them come up with the correct answer and I split the class into two groups so that I could have two separate smaller groups working at the same time. I worked with one group while, Mrs. Ratzlaff worked with the other group. I really enjoyed this experience. I was able to watch some light bulbs flicker on, off, and on again.

I don't expect them to remember everything that I taught them today. I do believe that the experience will serve as a natural gateway for these kids.