Math

I always thought math was hard when I was in school. I was not confident and always struggled.  In fact I couldn't spell the word "arithmetic" without learning an acronym,

A Rat in the House Might Eat the Ice Cream !!

It really has nothing to do with math, but it was everything to do with how I felt.

       
As a teacher I never wanted the kiddos I taught feel the same way I did about math.  I wanted them to learn, but in a way that it would be in a  game, manipulative, or free play.  I also wanted the kiddos to be able to learn many different ways to get the objective taught.  I taught math throughout the day, but in short time frames, as I said before...games, manipulates, free play, class games, and pencil, paper and scissors.  I had a college professor who opened my eyes even more to the use of manipulatives and hands on experiences. He  also stressed the drawing when working out story problems. 
I think about this every time I set up an activity. 
Working with partners or buddies is also another way to help children enjoy math.   

One of the ways I can work with the kiddos in a short time frame is the Daily Math Journal for each month.  There is variety of activities in each journal  and a sequence to learning.   The kids can work independently or with a friend.  I use them in the morning as part of the morning jobs.  This way I can check what the kiddo is doing before they move to another job. At the end of each month they can be sent home or saved as a portfolio item for the year. 

You can find the Monthly Math Journals in my store for each individual month or I have bundled them Fall, Winter and Spring

Daily Math Journals.  I also have a Shapes Math unit which teaches shape activities in many different ways,but still learning the same objective of recognition and manipulating shapes.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Teacher-Bin

Did you ever have a similar experience with math?

I'd love to hear from you!