Here is something I have learned about kindergarteners and kids in general . . . engaging them often means using real life objects in new and interesting ways. So when it was time to think about community helpers and math stations, I wanted something that was hands on and would hold my students’ interest. (differentiate by readiness, learning profile or . . . INTEREST!)
The key?. . . KEYS!!!
Now I have a boat load of keys in my manipulative arsenal. Most are from my dad who was a long time hand man and jack of all trades. But a couple of years ago, I also I sent out notes to my students’ parents asking for any and all irrelevant and thow-away keys that we could add to our math manipulatives. This is a super easy request for parents to help with in your class. You will get a ton back. Parents ask their friends, who ask grandparents and aunts and uncles. And who would have guessed that my kinders would have loved exploring with them. They explored, compared, sorted by size and color. . . You name it. Kids LOVE keys.
So in starting my community helpers math stations, I knew I wanted to get more use out of my keys. Here’s what I came up with . . .
For my students who are still working on number recognition and producing quantities and for matching numbers, I have these self-correcting . . . (i.e. independent=yippee!) . . . counting mats.
They select a card, write the number in the box, sort out that many keys onto the tens frames mat and write the numbers that come after. You can differentiate it based on your students readiness. Numbers 1-10 for your students still at that beginning number recognition stage, or 1-20 for students are working beyond that.
And for your really high fliers, there is a making ten option. Students select a card, write the number in the box, select that many keys to place on the ten frame . . .
Then they count the empty boxes to see ‘how many more keys’ they would need to make 10.
They write that number next to finish the number sentence, open the self-correcting card and check their answer.
I promise you, this is going to be a popular station, but remember, it’s ok to give them some time to explore with these before they get right down to work. It is kindergarten after all.
In addition to keys, Community Helpers Math Stations Galore also includes 12 other stations from which you can choose in selecting activities for your math stations. Included is community helpers number writing/counting book above.
A number linking activity
Self-correcting patterning cards and mats
A counting on activity
Roll say keep shapes game (with a twist)
Counting how many and recording mats
Calling All Cars number identification fun
number play-doh mats with tens frames
and ‘Call 911’ number recognition game to name a few. Differentiated and all stations include a handy ‘how to play’ reference sheet like the one below.
These are really helping my students ‘remember’ or recognize the games when they get to the station.
So that’s it for community helpers math stations. If you’d like to see the whole kitten caboodle, you can click on the pictures above or on the one below to see the preview.
Now get out there and get some keys to play with already.
With more than 20 years of teaching experience, it is my pleasure to bring you my most favorite ideas and activities to keep young learners engaged and loving learning.
We have quite a few that come from a Junior Kindergarten or Pre-School program that was in our school last year. Those teachers know exactly what our kinders will need to know to be successful coming into kindergarten. It’s those couple of move ins or kiddos that did not have preschool that are not as prepared. Most of my kids can recognize numbers 0-10, maybe 2 or 3 don’t have all those numbers. And a really good number recognize 0-2O. Writing numbers is a bit more of a struggle. We needs lots and lots of practice with that. They have turned out to be amazing problem solvers though. When they don’t know how to write a number, they know what they need to do to figure it out. Marsha
I just love all of your products that I have bought and tried with my kidlets. This pack might just be my next purchase!! 🙂 Love the idea if using things like keys as counters.
I love all your products! Thank goodness for the TPT sales events! LOL! Question: i am spending Big Bucks $$$$ on printer ink, b/c i have to print at home; my school does not allow color copying/printing. :/ Have you found a printer and/or cartridges that are inexpensive but good quality? Thanks for the help. Keep up the great work! 🙂 anne
I love reading your posts and ideas!! I’m wondering, how do you keep the children on task and accountable for the work they do at math and literacy stations?
I love the playdough mat w/ 10 frames and the self-correcting counting mats. Is there a way to buy just those two products? or do you have similar products in a different pack? Thanks! tracymolina36@gmail.com
With nearly 20 years of experience as a full-time kindergarten teacher, I’m committed to creating a classroom where learning is joyful, engaging, challenging, and fun. Each day, I work to ensure that my students feel successful through instruction that considers their unique interests, learning profiles, and readiness levels. I believe that students should be excited to come to class and enjoy a myriad of hands-on activities that encourage exploration and discovery.
While I continue to teach full-time, I find so much joy in connecting and building friendships with teachers worldwide. It’s why I started this blog back in 2012. My hope has become a reality as I have been able to forge relationships with teachers, sharing ideas and building friendships beyond my little neck of the woods through professional development sessions and this blog.
So by all means, take some time to look around and explore A Differentiated Kindergarten. Gather some new ideas, fun tips, and most importantly, don’t forget to reach out and say, ‘Hi!’
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