Reflections after 3rd session 3/4/2013

Mathematics concept in Nursery Rhyme

Humpty Dumpty

Lessons in this nursery rhyme

•  Force
•  Counting
•  More man than horses (subtraction)
•  Fractions

Kindergarten

The money concept is a measurement concept. If children have insufficient measuring (length, weight) experiences, it is difficult for them to understand it. Children can learn money concept if they are using it. Money is functional Mathematics.

My colleague once told me that children in Singapore will have no concept of how much money. The joy of counting money has been replaced by cashless initiatives (i.e. EZ link card, Debit card, Credit card). This translated into teachers of young children will potentially mean that we need to introduce more activities that involve counting of money in their Dramatic play centre.

Four equal parts

Origami folding papers are important lesson where young children learn if shapes overlap each other. Through this concrete experience of folding, tearing and cutting paper, young children learn concrete experience on equal shapes.

As the children advance in their learning, they are able to visualize if the shapes can be cut, overlap and rearrange to form desired equal parts.

It is important that young children have adequate paper folding experiences as the paper will be used to introduce Fractions. Paper is a good CPA approach for young children to build their understanding on Fractions. Starting them straight on 3D (apples/oranges) experiences will not help them in understanding the concept.

Kindergarteners must have visualization skills. 

To build visual literacy,

•           Children must have done things using their gross motor skills (e.g. throw and catch) 
•       When they are older, they handle fine motor skills (E.g. Lego blocks)
•       Children play with sand, tied things, hold scissors.
•       Children should be running around a lot and doing art.
•       They should be going to museums with notebooks.
•       Children should be exposed to drawing, visualization. (Observation, processing through the hands of the child, visible evidence contributes towards the visualization of the mind)