Math Investigations

Early in the school year students in my class spent time exploring the math materials in the classroom. They gained familiarity with pattern blocks, geo blocks, power polygons, snap cubes, and geo boards. S.E.S. uses the Investigations in Number, Data, and Space math curriculum across all grades. A major component in the primary grades is using manipulative math tools to help children think about numbers and represent their thoughts with concrete objects and images.  Students also learn to represent their ideas with numbers and equations. Here are some photos of the explorations:

Students have been using these tools most recently in a geometry unit.  Soon they will begin thinking more deeply about patterns by making paper quilts.  As you can see by the designs above, they already have a strong sense of pattern and geometric layout.