Unstructured time with math manipulatives would give my students an opportunity to make sense out of what they have in front of them without adults directing them and interrupting their discovery. The addition of a 'play table' to my classroom would give them a place to experience the joy of learning through discovery during play.
Through the fun of play and the power of discovery I hope to nudge them to be able to say not only can I do math but I love math. I plan to put out one 'play item' (say the Magna-tiles) at a time and keep it out for a week. Based on the input of math experts who have developed the concept of 'play tables', I will "mess up" the work of my students at least once a day so that it does not become a museum of work but rather encourages everyone to participate. Students will be welcome to use the 'play table' during any downtime throughout the day. I will not provide directions or handouts but rather, I will watch, listen and learn from them.
About my class
Unstructured time with math manipulatives would give my students an opportunity to make sense out of what they have in front of them without adults directing them and interrupting their discovery. The addition of a 'play table' to my classroom would give them a place to experience the joy of learning through discovery during play.
Through the fun of play and the power of discovery I hope to nudge them to be able to say not only can I do math but I love math. I plan to put out one 'play item' (say the Magna-tiles) at a time and keep it out for a week. Based on the input of math experts who have developed the concept of 'play tables', I will "mess up" the work of my students at least once a day so that it does not become a museum of work but rather encourages everyone to participate. Students will be welcome to use the 'play table' during any downtime throughout the day. I will not provide directions or handouts but rather, I will watch, listen and learn from them.