Numbers practice and Roman Numerals

The k2 class has been busy at work in their math books, and as a team we figured that numbers would be a good place to start in HWT.  The first official day the K and 1 groups worked collaboratively on building numbers, 1-10 with the wooden pieces.  Once they were finished we examined the numbers and made sure they were all in sequence and there were no reversals.  We fixed the mistakes and as they were in no hurry to leave, I invited them to attempt their names in the pieces as well.

The 2 group is very involved in their Greek Mythology and Terry suggested introducing Roman Numerals- WHAT FUN!  We also worked with the wooden pieces, first forming 1-10 in Roman Numerals and then basic addition.  Last I let the kids come up with a number 1-39 and had the group build the number with their wooden pieces.  We will continue this work throughout the week.  I really look forward to it!

If you are wondering…

Wondering what the assessment looked like, step by step?  Here’s a video I shot during one of them.

We did it!

Well, the year is over and we all finished our workbooks.  The Preschoolers were particularly proud, as this was their first work book at CSWS.  The assessment is one of my favorite parts of the year because not only am I checking their progress, but my own.  The kids really liked the one on one attention.

Here are some bits I took away from it and wanted to share:

When I went to get them from their classroom

Donovan: “I’m going right now, I’m going to take the challenge!”

Jaxon: (as he did for most of 2012) help my hand on the way to my room

During the assessment

Zia: “I’m so happy it’s JUST ME!”

Mia S said “this feels fun, like a private lesson”.

Una was proud of herself at the end stating “I know a lot of things.  This is easy for me.”

Marcus after I tell him nice work: “That’s because I’m smart.”

After:

Sami emerged back into the Studio: “OK, I’m done with my last page of my workbook!”

Sophia: “I like you Jen”

Roman: “How good is THAT???”

Sofia: “I did all my letters and numbers, and now I’m done!”

I love it.  It shows that not all ‘assessment’ even at this young age is bad.  This curriculum does a great job of making everything fun for kids, so of course they are excited to show what they know at the end.  I really enjoy the one-on-one too-it’s a nice farewell for both of us.  For those of you who are returning to CSWS, I am excited for next year.  For those who have moved on, thank you for everything.  Your kids are ready for Kindergarten and I am glad I was able to play a small part.