The importance of manipulatives!

Using manipulatives in a classroom promotes several different lessons:

Sorting & ordering is a pre-mathematical skill that aids in comprehension of patterns and functions and enhances number sense and other math related abilities.

Distinguishing patterns creates the foundation for making mathematical generalizations,
recognizing geometric shapes and understanding relationships among them.

Children enjoy using measurements, both non-standard and standard units with application to both two and three-dimensional objects and understanding the base-ten system of numbers.

When comprehending mathematical operations such as  addition, subtraction, multiplication, division children begin recognizing relationships among the mathematical operations.

This experience with exploring and describing spatial relationships help to identify and describe different types of symmetry, develop and utilize spatial memory, learn about and experiment with transformations and engage in problem-solving.

 Using manipulatives help to represent mathematical ideas in a variety of ways teaching children to
connect different concepts in mathematics and communicate mathematical ideas effectively, plus they have fun too!

                  The children of Pre-K planted flowers for God and used their sorting and fine motor  skills to plant these in our playground garden planter!

 

                            Sorting skittles, and using them to paint with!

Summer Fun!

Holly Tree is pleased to have such great outdoor activities planned for the children! Last week our Pre-K class painted the bricks using chalk paint as science experiments. The colors were vibrant and stuck to the wall very good! They used their fine motor skills and painted with tiny brushes. The children also enjoyed using their gross motor and manipulative skills to dig in the mud for worms, play in the sand, and jump in the sprinkler. They love to swing and learn about how the Earth works. We are so blessed to have such a great place to learn and play!

Wednesday Bible Yoga Class

The children got to go outside today to participate in our first bible yoga class. We were so proud of how well they listened and participated! They got to hear the story about Samuel and how he had to listen with his ears and be attentive. They also learned about how Batman watches with his eyes and the story followed through to teach them to listen and see with their hearts!  Each child got to enjoy a blessed and energized yoga experience. We are so grateful to open their minds and bodies to exercise and developmental growth both spiritually and physically! We will continue with the class twice a month outdoors while the afternoon weather is so beautiful!

First Summer Water Day!

The children had so much fun for their first summer water play day. They enjoyed splashing in a  water table full of new toys and throwing balls through the huge beach ball sprinkler! When we asked the kids what their favorite part was, they said getting all wet! The children learn more than gross motor and socialization, the water acts as a sensory tool plus they get to express there feelings and independence to decide whether or not they like to be in  the cool mist of the sprinkles! We can tell who loves to take a bath! Looking forward to sending more pictures soon!