Each day just before our second recess we do a componenet of our math program called Number Corner. This  time is used to introduce, reinforce, and extend skills and concepts. Number Corner includes the same 5 routines each month, with slight variations depending on the month.

Over the course of any given month we place new markers in our calendar and make observations and predictions abou the pattern that emerges, record the number of days we have been in school by writing numbers on a number line and visually representing it with links and dots on ten frames, create a monthly collection of objects (cubes, craft sticks, pattern blocks) that we use for counting and comparing in different ways, practice the counting sequence and number recognition on a segment of the number line, and work on computational fluency, often using finger patterns or ten frames. 

For the month of January our calendar pattern focused on different ways to make the numbers 3, 4, and 5. Using buttons on a teddy bear's sweater or vest, the sequence of markers helped students develop an understanding of part-whole relationships as they recognized that a set of objects can be broken into smaller subsets multiple ways, without changing the total. We  thought about what would happen if the pattern continued and explored different ways to make 6 as well.

We have completed 91 days of school so far. Each day a volunteer writes the number on our white board and we use the 10 frames and links to practice counting by 10's.

Our collection for January was red, blue, and yellow cubes. Our math helper spun a spinner and took the designated number of cubes out of a bag. The cubes were sorted and graphed by color and we counted and compred the three sets each day, making observations such as "the blue has the most" or "red and yellow are equal."

We have started practicing counting a chunk of a hundreds chart, starting at a random number and counting up about 25 places, focusing paraticularly on turning the decade (49, 50 etc.), which can be tricky. We have also been practicing showing teen numbers with our fingers by showing 10 and then some more.