Math About the House. . .Money-- Early Elementary

Many of you know that math is my thing.  I come from a long line of people who do like math.  Growing up my father loved to make everything into a math problem.  He would encourage us to do the extra problems in the back of the book.  Life was about math.

Though I would like to say I am like my dad,  sometimes life gets in the way of thinking mathematically.  As home educators we have so many opportunities to incorporate math into our  life.  I thought I would begin to post some ideas(reminders)  of how to incorporate math into our day. I am planning on taking my own advice.    I am going to do these by math topic.  Today's is money. 



Change Purse Dump

Simply dump your change from your wallet and help your student count it.  Money can be a challenge for some kids.  This is a great way to practice counting money.

My old wallet  with change. 

Rolling up Change

Collect all the change you have been meaning to roll and take to the bank.  Have your kids count them.

The Great Exchange

This is a great dice game to play with your kids.  It teaches the idea of money equivalency.  You will need the following: one or two dice depending on the skill level of your student, many pennies, and some nickels.

1.  The player rolls the die/dice.
2. They take the number of pennies of their roll.
3. When they get up to 5 pennies they exchange them for a nickel.  I would recommend modeling this first, and having your child say out loud " I am exchanging five pennies for a nickel."  That seems to help them.
4. Continue taking turns. 

You can also play this with dimes.  You can change pennies to dimes.  I would start with nickels and pennies, and then move to only pennies and dimes.   As as your student becomes more advanced use pennies, nickels, and dimes.

The key to this game is modeling, and making sure Everyone announces what they are doing out-loud.

Playing The Great Exchange

~ Becky

The Mom Song. .

I just gave my children a lecture on what they should do while we are painting the kitchen.  My husband said he thought adding "I love you guys" at the end was a nice touch.  So, in honor of all the things we say as moms "The Mom Song."

Ready Made Preschool

Many of you know that I have seven children that range in age from 13 to 4 months.  I would be lying if I did not tell you that sometimes my little ones get a little squeezed out by things like writing, biology,  and comparing and contrasting World Wars etc.  It seems like the little ones can get the end of the day and my energy.  I did wonderful things with the older ones, but find I am a little more tired and busy with the last few.

I read  about Ready Made Preschool   on the Midwest Homeachool Convention we site.  I was so excited!  I went to her site and read about her program and was sold almost instantly.  She has everything you need to complete the projects in envelopes.   She includes art supplies, stickers, and copies all in folders divided by weeks.  I do not have to search my house for that elusive red puff ball that has rolled under my china hutch,  or set of wiggly eyes that another child has found and used to create a flock of birds on a scrap piece of wood.  It is all there!  I was so excited to hear about her program. 

Weeks 1-4 supplies

  I met Kate Funk at the Midwest Homeschool Convention in Cincinnati, OH.  I bought the program Seasonal ABC's Level 1 on the spot.   Katie gave me everything in a white bankers box.  As you can see everything you need is in there. 

Look at the paint, spray bottle, extra pieces if I loose one, and wonderful teachers guide. 

The lesson plans are for 4 days a week and include a book you read every day.  I emailed Kate and she sent me a book list that goes with the program.  The books are not included, but  are probably already in your home or at the public library.

A sampling of some of the books in Ready Made Preschool.

I will let you know how it goes next Fall.  I am excited to have a plan for my little one for next year. 
~Becky~