​Mathematics is the science and language of patterns. Thinking about sorting and patterns helps children make sense of mathematics and young children are naturally interested in them. They enjoy patterns in rhymes, chants, songs, poems, and stories, and they experiment with creating patterns using play materials. They examine patterns in wallpaper, fabric, and geometric designs, and recognize patterns in their lives (e.g., the sequence of daily routines) and in nature (e.g., the cycle of the seasons). When students enter school, they continue to explore patterns in mathematics and in other subject areas. Developing an understanding of patterns and relationships is central to learning mathematics. In the primary grades, students identify, extend, and create a variety of patterns, using objects, actions, sounds, pictures, letters, and numbers. Through experiences in exploring and discussing patterns, young students begin to make conjectures and generalizations about mathematical relationships. Team Awesome has been using a variety of materials while exploring sorting and patterning activities and having a great time doing it.
Team Awesome did a great job for their first winter concert. ​They had so much fun and came off the stage eager to perform again that evening- thank goodness because they were all pretty nervous beforehand. I know some of you had seats at the back and couldn't see well so here is a quick video from the front. I included the afternoon performance first, with an audience, as well as our morning rehearsal. I'm sorry the children are so hard to see- it was the closest I could get to the stage. Aren't they cute?
We have been looking forward to skating and most of the kids are excited but some are a bit anxious because they don't know how to skate. We will discuss all the things we couldn't do when we started kindergarten and how well we do them now because of all the practicing we have done and how its the same with skating. We will practice how to get up with skates on as falling down is a sure thing. I will remind the kids to bring their helmets and skates, snowpants and mittens (but not hockey sticks) and that there are a few pairs of skates available if they don't have any. Unfortunately the school does not have extra helmets and the children must bring their own. I will have the kids put their skates into their backpacks to travel on the bus because they must be in a bag. We should be at the MacArthur Park arena about 10ish if you are coming to join us (Yay!). We will be assigned a changing room where we will put on our skates and leave our things. Our ice time starts at 10:15. The children will be encouraged to stay on the ice as long as possible as there is nothing for them to do once they are finished. They may sit on the bench and wait for us (11:15ish) but they may not run around or go on the bleachers. I will not be on skates as it is difficult to help the children with them on (and I don't skate well enough to do both) but please, if you are a skater, by all means bring your skates and helmet. Looking forward to seeing you at the arena on Thursday!
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