TWO, FOUR, SIX, EIGHT, Math is GREAT!

During this ongoing class, learners will have the opportunity to practice their math skills using game based and interactive activities.  I will tailor each lesson to focus on areas that need support as well as highlight the learner's strengths in order to allow the learner to leave each class feeling confident in their abilities and look forward to future math practice.  I will encourage the learner to share interests so that I can create math activities that the learner will enjoy and keep them motivated.  My goal is to provide a fun learner centered class that will improve overall number sense, number operations and learner appropriate math concepts.

Topics that I will cover in this ongoing class (based on learner's need) will be: Number Sense and Operations (Identifying, forward/backward/skip counting, adding, and subtracting numbers 0-100), Shapes and Patterns, Cardinal vs. Ordinal Numbers, Graphing and Tallying, Measurement/Time, Classifying and Sorting, Solving Word Problems, Place Value and Decimals, Odd/Even and More/Less, Fact Families, Recognizing numbers 0-1000, Adding single, double and triple digits, Basic Fractions, and Writing Numbers.  If learner is ready we may introduce more advanced concepts, like multiplication and division.

This class will be learner driven, so weekly themes will be based on learner need.  Below is an example of the weekly layout, but is subject to change base on learner need and focus.

Weekly Themes (Topics/Themes will be adjusted to meet learners individual needs and interests):
Week 1 Theme: Getting to know you, Show What You Know Math Games
Week 2 Theme: (Counting to 10, 50, 100; Recognizing numbers 0-1000)
Week 3 Theme: (Identifying & Counting Numbers, Adding Numbers 1-10, Patterns)
Week 4 Theme: (Identifying & Counting Numbers, Adding Numbers 1-50, Patterns)
Week 5 Theme: (Identifying & Counting Numbers, Adding Numbers, Patterns, Graphs)
*After Week 5, I will add themes and topics based on learner's requests, progress, needs, and interests.

The first part of the class will include an introduction/ice breaker activity.  We will then discuss review our numbers through identifying numbers and counting numbers and review any additional topics as needed.
We will incorporate the math concept and goal we are focussing on into other math skills in order to keep learner interest. (i.e. Goal: counting 0-10 and finding 10 shapes). During this mini-lesson,  we may focus on one math concept or multiple per class depending on the learner's need and if the skills support each other. 

For the second part of the class, I will provide the learner an opportunity for a quick share/movement activity.  The learner can share a toy, a story, or I will share a teacher created story based on daily lesson. (I may include on theme music for a movement moment if learner needs to get out of their seat and move for a minute). I will use these short share/movement breaks to allow the learner a much needed opportunity to refocus and also share interests for future class themes.  I find these share breaks are important for ages 3-7 in order helps them maintain interest in the activities and keep the instruction fun and engaging.

The final part of the class, will include games and activities to support our mini lessons from the beginning of the class.  This may include counting games, adding and subtracting games, pattern finds, telling time and measurement activities, draw a picture that represents the number shown, as a few examples.  I will end each class with an opportunity for the learner to share what they liked in the lesson, game ideas, or just share another story or toy.

I teach my classes so that they are learner driven and fun.  When teaching ages 3-7, I believe it important to be flexible and able to pivot between activities to keep learners engaged and enjoying the activities.  Math is an important skill.  I want learners to feel excited and confident in their abilities. I want to make math fun for my learners!