I am very surprised as to what activities constitute as math. I thought this class was going to be about simple equations and the basics of math, specifically regarding numbers. As we do more activities, such as pentomino activities, creating patters, etc., I see how much goes into teaching lower level learning, but how strongly it applies to more difficult learning. It's teaching the importance of logical thinking. So many of these activities are great for the classroom.
https://www.pre-kpages.com/pattern-block-mats-for-preschool/
The link above is a lesson plan that I thoroughly enjoyed and it uses patterned blocks. It introduces problem solving skills to young children and is an activity young learners would find fun. Specifically, it says:
"Consistent use of pattern blocks in the early childhood classroom can help develop these important math skills:
- Recognize and describe two-dimensional shapes
- Comparison
- Visual Discrimination
- Recognize and describe three-dimensional shapes
- Angles"
These are all vital skills, and the activity does not require a crazy amount of materials.
Mathematical Autobiography:
I remember preschool-1st grade math was heavily based on finding patterns. I feel my teachers did a great job explaining how they can be found everywhere. I do not remember specifics, but I remember finding them at home on dishtowels. However, jumping to middle/high school, my teachers taught for a test score and not mastery. I was not strong in algebra or geometry, and my teachers looked for a passing grade. Material wasn't revisited if we got it wrong. In particular, over 50% of my geometry class did not understand proofs, and the teacher said, "These are not important, they won't be on your SAT." Then, we got one on our test for that chapter. I was pleasantly surprised at how much my freshman year Algebra 110 professor (college freshman) helped me and truly wanted me to understand what I was doing. It was totally backwards for me. I feel I would have been less lost when I first came into college if my teachers in high school cared more about individuals, as well as the majority. I understand that it is impossible to accommodate to every single need though. There needed to be a balance.
