These last few weeks we have been counting! I mean a LOT of counting!
In kindergarten, we need time to get that cardinality down. We need a lot of practice!
We start with a discussion on counting strategies.
I model these strategies while my students look on.
I invite students to practice some of these strategies. Some of my students are ready to recognize that if they have a ten frame filled out, they don’t need to count each item. Then just say “10… 11, 12, 13.” My school already had these bear counters, however there are a ton of different options. You can find a few HERE.
Those who are not ready to do this, continue to count each item.
Then students practice on their own with a partner.
Using a spinner makes it feel game-like!
I said, “You might want to check that one.”
After a day with the bears, I handed them their Math Tool Kit and let them select their own materials to count with… exciting times! (Seriously, they loved it.)
As I walked around the room, I was able to provide guidance on how to use a ten frame. These dogs and cats seem a teensy-bit disorganized.
That’s better!
Students then work independently to show understanding of the skills we worked on. This is a great formative assessment opportunity.
I don’t have to pass out endless materials during our explore time.
You can read more about our Math Tool Kits and download your own free starter set HERE.
Binder bags are a great way to keep these kits organized. Find them HERE.
All of our math workshop curriculum can be found in this resource.
I know some of you have asked about our fluency cards. If you already have a math program you need to follow, but would like fluency cards to use in your classroom, you can find them HERE. They are currently discounted.
Have a great week!
My teaching career allowed me to experience teaching in different classroom environments and grades. My heart belongs to early childhood education. My job is to make teaching FUN, ENGAGING, and EASIER. Welcome!
My teaching career allowed me to experience teaching in different classroom environments and grades. My heart belongs to early childhood education. My job is to make teaching FUN, ENGAGING, and EASIER. Welcome!
Hello! Is your anchor chart for the counting strategies in one of the math packets? If so, which one? This is a great reminder for students!! Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful ideas! You always inspire me to try something new in my own classroom! Thanks! Katie
We are using Engage NY for this first time this year and were totally overwhelmed with the amount of supplies we needed for the warm up! I saw your post on your math tool kit and we totally adapted it to math buckets with all the manipulatives and mats that we need. Thank you for your great ideas!
Hi Carrie,
I am starting in a district that uses Engage NY. I know very little about it but can see that it incorporates a lot of manipulatives, too, and was hoping to find a way to combine their stuff with Deedee and Deanna’s Toolkit idea. If you’re willing to share, I would LOVE and appreciate hearing what you included so I can maybe get a jump on it before school starts. Thanks so much!
Do you have the pieces to the anchor chart at the top of this page on counting strategies available? The pictures with the buttons, and other pictures.
14 Responses
HI Deedee! By any chance do those amazing cards fit in the apron pockets? I would be sooooo excited!
Dang it! No… boo hoo! I bet you could reduce the size when they were printed. Let me play with it and I'll let you know dear friend!
Hello! Is your anchor chart for the counting strategies in one of the math packets? If so, which one? This is a great reminder for students!! Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful ideas! You always inspire me to try something new in my own classroom! Thanks! Katie
Yes, It is is the 3rd unit 🙂
We are using Engage NY for this first time this year and were totally overwhelmed with the amount of supplies we needed for the warm up! I saw your post on your math tool kit and we totally adapted it to math buckets with all the manipulatives and mats that we need. Thank you for your great ideas!
Hi Carrie,
I am starting in a district that uses Engage NY. I know very little about it but can see that it incorporates a lot of manipulatives, too, and was hoping to find a way to combine their stuff with Deedee and Deanna’s Toolkit idea. If you’re willing to share, I would LOVE and appreciate hearing what you included so I can maybe get a jump on it before school starts. Thanks so much!
So Deedee. Your math is AWESOME! I only wish you came with the package! 🙂
Kathy kindergartenkiosk.com
Do you have the pieces to the anchor chart at the top of this page on counting strategies available? The pictures with the buttons, and other pictures.
Yes! They are in the Guiding Readers Math Units that I co created with Deanna Jump. The link is above. 🙂
Can I purchase just the pieces to the anchor chart?
I am sorry. The anchor charts are not sold individually.
I'm adding a request to sell the anchor chart individually. I don't teach in a CC state and cannot justify purchasing your whole kit. 🙁
If possible anchor charts sold individually. This math anchor chart is great!
Hello! I’m sorry, we do not have the anchor charts listed individually.