3-Dimensional Shapes

Kindergarteners have had a great time learning about 3-dimensional shapes recently.  Our goal for the 3rd quarter is to be able to identify the cone, sphere, cylinder and cube.  To help us better understand the differences between the four, we created an anchor chart.  We wrote about what we see when we look at each shape, including what shape the base is, how many sides there are, number of corners, etc.  We also talked about objects in our environment that are these shapes.  I was amazed at some of their responses! 

However, our FAVORITE part was learning a new song called "3D Shapes I Know".  This is highly requested and we LOVE to listen to it!  Check it out below!

Teen Numbers Always Start With a 1!

Those teen numbers are tricky, aren't they?  Some friends in our class commonly transverse their numbers.  For instance, instead of writing "17", they will write "71".  I thought a catchy song might help us remember that teen numbers always start with a 1!  Our goal the third quarter is to be able to write numbers from 0-20.  Keep practicing at home!

The Action of Subtraction

Introducing the concept of subtraction is always tricky because it is the opposite of what we have worked so hard, and so long, on...addition.  Over the last few weeks, we have been working to understand that subtraction is when we start with a group of objects and "take away".  We have been practicing by using manipulatives and story problems.  You can help your child understand this concept by using any manipulatives you have around the house, including pennies, cotton balls, or race cars!  Make it fun!  We had fun making up story problems about animals on the farm doing silly things!  (For instance, there were eight pigs on the farm.  Six pigs went rolling in the mud and had to take a bath.  How many were left?)  We read a few different books to help us further understand the concept.

And...another fun video for you too!