During math we have been using ten frames to  think about the different ways in which numbers can be put together and taken apart (composed and decomposed).  Building numbers on ten frames helps students explore relationships between small quantities visually and begin to recognize quantities between 0 and 5 instantly.  It also encourages students to use 5 and 10 as landmarks to help them recognize a quantity without necessarily counting.  As we build numbers students have a chance to share observations such as "I know it is 6 because it is 1 more than 5," or "It is 6 and you would need 4 more to make 10."

We have also continued working on counting and recording numbers up to 10 by rolling dice or spinning spinners and tracing the numeral.  As we work on this children are practicing using a pinch grip to hold their pencils or high-lighters and starting at the dot for correct numeral formation.  This takes a lot of concentration and practice!