Naturally Educational » Logical-Mathematical
Teaching Two-Digit Addition with Regrouping
My daughter just moved on to two digit addition with regrouping (that’s “carrying” for us old folks). Since a dime conveniently equals 10 pennies, I thought we could use coins to make the concept more concrete. We start with the basic concept that each penny is one cent and that each dime is ten cents so one dime is equivalent to ten pennies. Next, I write out a two-digit addition problem that will require regrouping (the … Read entire article »
Filed under: 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Visual-Spacial
5 Picture Books About Rainbows
Who doesn’t love a rainbow? They are colorful, magical, and full of hope! Rainbows are a bridge into other times and cultures, science, color theory, and so much more! Here are a few children’s picture books about rainbows to get you started on your journey! What Makes A Rainbow?, by Betty Ann Schwartz; illustrated by Dona Turner (ages 0-3): In this cute tale, a young bunny asks his colorful friends what makes a rainbow. With each turn … Read entire article »
Filed under: 0-3 (Babies and Toddlers), 1-2 (Toddlers), 3-5 (Preschool), 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 5-6 (Kindergartners), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Science, Sight, Spring, Visual-Spacial, Weather
March: Yup, In Like a Lion!
While we still haven’t seen the kids’ much-wished-for snow, March entered like a lion with a wet, cloudy, chilly day. As in past years, we will be reading In Like a Lion, Out Like a Lamb, by Marion Dane Bauer, and making some sort of craft, like our lion and lamb masks from last year. Last year we created a March weather bar graph of lions and lambs. This year, my daughter will also create a chart … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Science, Sight, Spring, Weather, Winter
How Sweet it Is: Maple Sugaring
Each year we visit a local family farm for their Maple Sugaring demonstration. What a hands-on (and tasty) way to learn about Native American and Colonial culture and history, chemistry, the weather, and ecology! We followed the maple sugaring process from start to finish. First, we learned a bit about the sugar maple (which is so important that New York, Vermont, Wisconsin, and West Virginia share it as their state tree). Farmer Bob gave a talk on how … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), All Ages, Bodily-kinesthetic, Ecology, Featured, History and Culture, Home Arts, Logical-Mathematical, Science, Spring, Taste, Weather, Winter
Candy Heart Bar Graph
Still have candy left over after dissolving it in hot or cold water? If you have M&Ms, Skittles, or Conversation Hearts, here is another way to use them up and learn. Directions: 1. Create a grid with columns for the numbers and each color of the candy and 11 rows. Write the numbers 1-10 in the first column (skipping the first row) and then write the colors in the bottom row for each column. My daughter was … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Visual-Spacial
Candy Hearts Experiment
Have lots of leftover Valentine’s Day candy? Expand your mind instead of your teeth (or mom and dad’s waistlines). We actually did this one last year and ran out of time to post it! Experiment – Do Candy Hearts Dissolve More Quickly In Hot or Cold Water? Materials two bowls of water, one hot, one ice-cold two candy hearts pencils and pads Directions: 1. Form a hypothesis. My children predicted that both hearts would dissolve but the one with the hot water would … Read entire article »
Filed under: 3-5 (Preschool), 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), 9-11 (Elementary), Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Science
Why is the US Behind in Math and Science? Join the STEM Challenge #PBSKidsSC
Remember when every kid wanted to go to space camp and become an astronaut? The frontier is now digital but sciences and mathematics are just as important as they ever were. Curiosity about the world and a creative approach to problem solving are at the core of what I want to impart to my children. And the sciences are building blocks of those sorts of critical thinking skills. Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) are increasingly the access … Read entire article »
Filed under: Academic Achievement, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Science, Technology
Mathematics Beach Party!
Beaches, water tables, sprinklers, the sink, the bath–if it involves water and getting soaking wet, it is sure to be a hit with young children…especially during the hottest days of summer! We were off to the beach yesterday and while the kids built sandcastles, waded in the water, and floated in an inflatable raft our friends brought along, I threw in a little math and science. Which molds better? Wet sand or dry sand? Interesting! The water helps … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Bodily-kinesthetic, Featured, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Science, Summer, Touch
Skip Counting with Coins
I have to make a conscious effort to ensure mathematics gets equal time in our house. And, really, there are so many mathematics learning possibilities in play! Just spending ten minutes with dice or coins opens up a world of possibilities. We grabbed our jar of change and sorted our coins. Even toddlers (at least the ones past the mouthing stage) can participate in this step. Then, I printed out a sheet with 10 columns and labeled the top … Read entire article »
Filed under: 5-6 (Kindergarten), 6-8 (Early Elementary), Featured, History and Culture, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Smart Summer Challenge
Mapping a Nature Hike #SmartSummer
Knowledge is supposed to enrich our lives, not just reside in dusty books (or hypnotic bits and bytes). So, we took our map skills on the road and used them to explore a “new to us” nature trail. Check out this map! Ain’t she a beaut? Most of the trail maps we encounter are faded, sad affairs. Not this one. This one has a lovely compass rose for finding directions, words for … Read entire article »
Filed under: All Ages, Bodily-kinesthetic, Ecology, Featured, Geography, Interpersonal, Logical-Mathematical, Mathematics, Smart Summer Challenge, Visual-Spacial
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About the Author
Candace Lindemann is a published children’s writer and educational consultant. She holds a B.A. from Yale University and an M.Ed. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Working with school districts around the country and some of the most well-known companies in the education industry, Candace creates custom strategies, textbooks, and lesson plans. Her articles have appeared in print and online.
While Candace’s degrees prepared her for a career in education, she’s found that the best preparation for parenting is on the job training.
Contact Candace via e-mail, read her full biography, or connect with her using the social media icons below or on Google.
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