The Language of Mathematics.

The Language of Mathematics.

All year long we have been saving scraps of paper and cardboard. We have used these scraps to practice or test an idea or technique, to collage, and to cover up an unwanted mark.

We are now beginning a process that will recycle these scraps; we will be turning them into pulp to create a clay.

With scissors in hand, the children have launched this project by cutting the scraps even smaller.  They are preparing the ingredients for making a paper smoothie.

As the cutting commenced we documented the children’s conversation.  Each child is working to fill a small bowl.  The bowl, once filled, is then poured into a deep plexi container that has a yardstick affixed to its edge. 

As you read, listen for the language of mathematics.  How this playful context supports their understandings of volume, mass, height, length, addition, division, and pattern. 

I love gray.  SOFIA

She’s doing super tiny pieces. RUBY

It means I have more room. CHARLOTTE

I did pink first.  Purple second and now red.  CHARLOTTE

It’s going in there you know. SOFIA

Ahhhh, this color. SOFIA

I still have more space.  RUBY

I still have space.  CHARLOTTE

When you fill it to the top then you have no more space.  RUBY

When I push it down I have more space.  RUBY

Sophie has the most space cuz she just started.  SOFIA

A strip of tan crinkled paper is added to the table.

Can I have some too?  SOPHIE

I’ll cut it into three.  RUBY

After red, let me see… CHARLOTTE

It’s getting a little flatter.  SOFIA

Look how much pink I added!  HELEN

I think I want to mix it.  SOFIA, reaching her arm into the container but not able to touch the paper.

I can reach it.  CALLEN, overhearing and trying to help.

Nope.  SOFIA

Look at it.  I’m going to dump it in!  HELEN

I think we need a large spoon.  SOFIA