'Summer Learning Loss', or 'Summer Slide' as it’s also known, is not just an issue for ‘at risk’ students. All students need to practice their academic skills to keep from falling behind over summer vacation. The year I taught 2nd grade I experienced firsthand how much students can forget over the summer. We wasted much valuable time that fall doing remedial work…. re-learning … [Read more...]
Compass Mandalas
The word "mandala" comes from the Sanskrit word meaning "circle" and has it's roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. We know mandalas as circular designs with radial symmetry and repeating patterns. Mandalas can be found today in a variety of cultures as well as in nature. (Ask students where they have seen circles, or patterns with circles, in nature or in man-made … [Read more...]
Designs with Number Patterns
This lesson is adapted from a math activity my own kids did in middle school, where they used colored string to "stitch" their patterns on card stock. I simplified this lesson for my students (4th grade and up), replacing the needle and thread with markers and a ruler.... Have you ever marveled at the fascinating patterns found in nature?? I like to … [Read more...]
Tessellations
Tessellations are all around us! A tile floor is a good example. Encourage your students to find other tessellating patterns in the world around them. Then make your own tessellations inspired by artist M.C. Escher. (Don't be afraid to try these... they are much easier than they look!)First, some helpful vocabulary:M.C. Escher - a Dutch artist (1898-1972) who is best known … [Read more...]
Paper Magic
It's amazing how many ways you can turn kids on to MATH using ART!!! In my teacher workshop, "Teach Kids Math with Art", we experienced lots of ways to do just that! This project makes a great introduction to the study of topology. Topology is a type of geometry concerned with space, dimension and transformation. This activity is SO easy to do, but you may want to practice a … [Read more...]