An Inquiry into Maths in Discovery Time

This term I have begun to focus on incorporating Maths concepts, specifically Geometry to begin with into a play based learning format. 

On Friday mornings we have Discovery Time and I have set up 3 or 4 maths based investigation areas. Our first week used art as a base to learn about 2D shapes and experiment with them.

 

Our first option was to tape out shapes and paint in the spaces, removing the tape when the paint was dry. 

We also used print making with polystyrene containers and 2D shapes. 

Finally we used the story 'The Dot' as inspiration to experiment with circles. 

During this time I asked students to tell me about the shapes they were using finding out what they knew and how this fitted with the Junior Team's maths Learning Intentions. From here I could group the students for Maths workshops. 

This was designed so that workshops would cover areas students struggled with. I would then plan for relevant play based activities to be focused on in the following weeks Discovery time. 

So at the heart of the play was structured workshops, some opt in activities based on need and open ended rich maths tasks which would help guide our learning. 

The following week we focused on using more hands on manipulatives. Firstly making a simple road map in workshops. We looked at the shape names in Te Reo and expanding this concept at Discovery Time making giant roads. 

It was interesting to note that the girls had huge interest and impressive design ability in making the roads and adding features such as roundabouts, traffic lights and signs. In comparison to the boys who enjoyed playing with the roads and talking about driving around the shapes. 

The second choice was making origami animals with our visiting Japanese teachers. The teachers spoke primarily Japanese and the Year Ones spoke to them only in English! Every student was successful in making their design and could easily follow the instructions. They were really proud of what they had produced. 

The final activities were based around experimentation with shapes using blocks, Popsicle sticks and thin cork to make shapes and designs with. 

As we move through the Term we will continue to develop our maths thinking and maths literacy as we make, discuss, design, create and manipulate shapes through play based learning. I would love to see how other teachers have incorporated maths into their play based learning environments, so if you know of anyone or are doing something similar, please comment.

Nga Mihi Nui.