Ladybug Math Game

 

An interactive and fun way to work on addition skills!

 

Before playing this game with the class I first read the students a story about ladybugs and what they eat. Once, the students learn that ladybugs eat aphids we then discuss some addition word problems. For example, if a ladybug eats 2 aphids in the morning and 3 at night how many did it eat altogether? I then use this game as a hands on way to have the students solve the addition problems on their own.

 

 

How to play: This game can be played two ways, both individually and as a group. When first introducing this game to students I have them play on their own but with guidance from the teacher. I have each student put on the ladybug cape and look at the addition problem on the card. They then solve the addition problem of how many aphids in total they ate and jump to the leaf with the correct number. This continues until all the addition problems (with answers from 1 to 10) have been completed. After each student has had a chance to do this I then introduce the group game, which is a spin on musical chairs. The students are the hungry ladybugs and when the music starts they each look at the addition problem on their index card and walk around the leaves. When the music stops they have to find the leaf with the appropriate number of aphids and sit on that leaf. The students then switch addition problems with a friend and the game repeats. If the students need a little extra help, each card has the answer on the back so that they may check their answer.

 

 

I believe that the combination of math and movement is one way to get the students more active in their learning and to help those students who usually shy away from math to have some fun and enjoy the learning.

 

 

Content Standards: Operations and Algebraic Thinking 1. Represent addition and subtraction with objects, fingers, mental images, drawings, sounds, acting out situations, verbal explanations, expressions, or equations. 2. Solve addition and subtraction word problems, and add and subtract within 10, e.g., by using objects or drawings to represent the problem.

 

Click here for another great hands on math activity.



Butterfly symmetry

Children learn best through hands on experiences...

especially when they are edible and delicious!

 

We have been discussing the concept of symmetry while learning about different insects. We have read various stories, and made many illustrations to help understand this concept but, I wanted to bring in a special treat to teach this concept that I knew would really get the children's attention.

 

 So...I decided to bake a cake! Now, I know this is not the healthiest thing in the world but it's not something we do often and sometimes life calls for a celebration and a little something sweet! : )

 

I made a round cake and then cut it in half and turned them back to back with the flat sides out to make a butterfly!

 

I then invited the children to take turns putting on two candies at a time, one on the left side and one on the right while we discussed how they had to mirror each other to be perfectly symmetrical.

 

We passed the cake around the table and every child in the class had a chance to use their new found symmetry skills to help decorate the cake. 

 

They did a great job and of course they each got a slice to eat once the fun, oh wait, hard work was over!!! Such a sweet way to teach a concept...literally! Yum!



Insects in general!

Insects!!!

Our sensory table is now filled with plastic grass and various plastic insects!

We went on a nature walk outside to look for insects.

When we came back to the classroom I had the children look through our science books to find the insect that they would like to sketch.

Here are our insect observations!

We also made bug hotels! 

They are similiar to a bug jar but as it is a hotel it is easier for the children to understand that we cannot keep the bug but we can let him stay in the hotel for a short time and then he has to go back home. : )