Sharing Kindergarten

  • Home
  • Read More
    • Literacy
    • Math
    • Phonics
    • Sight Words
    • Teaching Tips
  • Newsletter
  • FREEBIE Email Series
  • Professional Development
    • Digital Learning Boot Camp
    • Teaching Top 5 Virtual Conference
  • Shop
    • My Account
    • Downloads
    • Cart
    • Checkout
    • Downloads
  • About Me
  • Shop
  • My Account
  • Checkout
  • Cart

Examples of Engaging Moments in Math

March 9, 2019 By Mary Amoson Leave a Comment

A few years ago, I started a mission for engagement in my classroom. My mission was to create at one engaging moment each and every day and my mission still is to keep creating engaging moments. I want to help you with examples of how I made this happen in my classroom. You will not see anything over the top or invasive to a classroom. Instead, you will see tried and true FUN learning activities my students love year after year.
You can read more about all that here.

Must Haves

My engaging moments have a few key elements, or things I look for to make them work. None of these ideas or activities are out of reach. Some of them may seem very simple and no a bug deal. My students show me what they love and I strive to meet their learning level. I also watch them while they are learning and get feedback on the things they enjoy doing.

-standards based and educational driven
-FUN for students and for me
-hands on
-memorable

Must Not Haves

When planning for these engaging moments in the classroom, there are a few things I avoid or try to stay away from.

-expensive materials
-long lasting activities since I teach little learners
-routine breaking*
-hard to plan or not reusable

I want to explain a reason I strive to make sure my activities are not routine breaking. I work very hard to keep consistency and stability in my classroom. I am usually the SPED collaborative room. One key element for success for many of these students is a routine. When the routine is broken, it can cause some of these students to focus on the routine change instead of the activity we are working on, defeating the purpose of my lesson.  I have found that integrating engagement into what we always do… provides all my learners a more optimal learning environment.

Examples of Engaging Moments: Start of the Year

In the beginning of each year, I have a few go to activities that everyone needs to learn and that have a hook to entice the learner.

Engagement Moments in Math: Sorting letters and numbers

One of the lessons I always teach is the difference between numbers and letters. I found these animal crackers at a local grocery store. We each get a handful or baggie full of these and sort. I love listening to them and seeing who knows what! Now, I have made snack time a little more fun.

Engagement Moments in Math: Sorting Numbers and Letters


Now, no one loves knowing something great like these crackers exists without being able to grab them. I can’t help you there, but I can show you an alternative activities that is similar without the food element. I made the same thing here with cut out accents.

Examples of Engaging Moments: Math- Number Words

I strive to make my math lessons hands on and manipulative heavy. I want us to be building skills and our brains. This usually means I can avoid paper and pencils altogether and create fun activities. Let me give you some examples.

Engagement Moments in Math: Number Words

Here is a Christmas activity where student practice number words and counting. Students read the number word and decorate the tree with the correct number of poms. We could easily add tweezers to this activity to build hand muscle strength.

Now, image similar games with a different theme? Change the theme and you add more interest!

Examples of Engaging Moments: Math- Shapes

Engagement Moments in Math: Graphing Shapes

First, we learn about our flat shapes. Then, we practice naming and drawing our shapes using this fun graphing idea. My students love playing this year after year. And they get really good at drawing their shapes pretty quickly.

Engagement Moments in Math: Building Flat and Solid Shapes

Then, we move onto solid shapes. To talk about both flat a solid shapes, we build them using this Dive into Shapes set. Once we create the flat shapes to make solid shapes. Additionally we can compare and analyze flat and solid shapes. It is also common for my students to expand their knowledge of shapes to build more shapes according to their imagination and innovation. This could also make a great sensory table.

Examples of Engaging Moments: Math- Comparing Numbers

Engagement Moments in Math: Comparing Numbers

We also work hard on skill building like comparing numbers. Instead of using a worksheet to complete on comparing numbers, why not use a pocket chart? During Thanksgiving, you can we use this fun cornucopia number themed game to compare numbers. I have found my students compare MORE using a hands on pocket chart game like this verses a worksheet that a limited number of questions. Not only can students compare using these cards, they can write their math statements using white boards and dry erase markers. (You can gran these pieces here.)

  • Shapes Math Activities
    $5.00
    Add to cart
  • Leaves Math Activities
    $4.00
    Add to cart
  • Spring Math Activities
    $4.00
    Add to cart

Examples of Engaging Moments: Math- Addition Ideas

Engagement Moments in Math: Addition Fun

When we move onto addition, I can change the theme of the pocket chart to match the season and celebration. Now we can compare numbers (see comparing numbers symbols above) but we can also start to add. I give my students a variety of numbers to work with to hopefully not limit their learning. You can see a little mini lesson here of starting with the BIGGEST number and adding the smaller number. All students get a chance to interact with the pocket chart and write their equations on white boards as well. (You can grab these ornament pieces here.)

Engagement Moments in Math: Math fluency without worksheets

Many people ask if I have my students practice answering addition or subtraction problems on paper. Sometimes we do. But most of our learning will look like this… addition or subtraction problems on cut out or fun paper. I have seen my students RUN to this center or small group and work HARD to answer the math questions because they wanted to write on the cat or the frog. Or because the presentation of the materials interested them.

Examples of Engaging Moments: Math- App Ideas

Engagement Moments in Math: Technology to Teach

Integrating technology is also so smart. We are using a multiple player app called Counting Together Plus to work on number sense, counting, and number recognition. This week we used the app Math Fight to work on addition fluency. Adding a little bit of technology with a partner who can challenge them and make them smarter is FUN. I can look around my room to see ALL my students building their math skills on their level, interacting with others, and having fun all at the same time.

What About You?

Now that you have seen some examples of ways I make my activities and lesson plans for math more engaging… what ideas can you use in your classroom?

Looking for Math Activities?

I have a HUGE bundle of 21 themed Math activities you can use for hands on fun in your classroom.
You can check out this learning bundle here.
You can read more about what a pack of math activities looks like here.

  • 20 Questions Numbers
    $4.00
    Add to cart
  • Monthly Math Activities BUNDLE
    Sale Product on sale
    $80.00 $64.00
    Add to cart
  • Pocket Chart Numbers 1-100 {12 Themed Sets of Cards}
    $6.00
    Add to cart

Related Posts

  • Christmas Books Kids LoveChristmas Books Kids Love
  • Letter NnLetter Nn
  • Center SaturdayCenter Saturday
  • Christmas with a FREEBIEChristmas with a FREEBIE
  • Centered on Learning: Letter IiCentered on Learning: Letter Ii
  • Center SaturdayCenter Saturday

Share this:

  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
«
»

Filed Under: 8 August, Math, Math Centers, Teaching Tips

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Looking for Something?

Check Out These

  • Earth Day Lesson Plans
    Earth Day Lesson Plans
  • Earth Day Books
    Earth Day Books
  • Printer Hack with Printable Magnetic Sheets
    Printer Hack with Printable Magnetic Sheets
  • Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
    Kindergarten Readiness Checklist
  • Insects Printables and Insect Activities
    Insects Printables and Insect Activities

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Facebook

Latest on Pinterest

  • Super fun Book Talk Forms to improve your students' comprehension, writing, and oral communication.  Sweet or Sour? Lemon themed Book Talk / Book Report forms are perfect for your students to share their favorite books with the class.  Teachers can also assess students' reading comprehension and oral communication skills.  #bookreport #booktalk #teacherkarma #readingcomprehension #bookreportforms #bookreports #opinionwriting
  • Interactive Bobble Bee Paper Craft for Kids | An engaging, fun and easy Spring Craft that children will love to make at school / in the classroom or at home! Use our printable templates to create a bee that buzzes and bounces around its beehive. Grab them here along with more easy spring crafts for kids! | Easy Spring Paper Crafts for Kids | Bee Crafts for Kids | Easy Spring Craft Ideas for Kids | Easy Spring Kids Crafts #CraftsForKids #SpringCrafts #ArtsAndCrafts #BeeCrafts #KidsCrafts
  • Gorgeous collection of spring science experiments for kids. Make minibeast lifecycles, change the colour of flowers, grow beans in a jar and lots more science fro kids #springscience #scienceforkids.
  • Pool noodles seem like pretty much a summer activity, but it turns out there are lots of ways to use pool noodles for DIY crafts! Here are a few ideas...
  • I have another food related game ideas for you guys, but after chatting with Caitlin from Kindergarten Smiles, I am going to work a little more on one of the games to make it outstanding for you. I know you won’t mind holding tight until it is ready. I promise it will be yummy and […]
  • 10 Steps to Center Success
  • Oh the weather outside is frightful… and I know it is still winter… {I live in GA and we might have a delayed start tomorrow because it is SOOOO COLD.} BUT I am already making some FUN plans in the spring using the NEWEST book from Lucille Colandro called… There Was an Old Lady Who […]
  • I have a help to make Osmo Words and Numbers even better in your classroom. Here is how you can organize Osmos in your classroom.
  • Use Earth trivia questions and learn more about our amazing planet, while playing this printable educational game for kids!
  • Let's rename "meet the teacher" to "meet my heart" because this is the day you meet the faces of the students who will find their way into my heart.
Follow Me on Pinterest

Latest On Instagram

sharingkindergarten

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 wife & mommy of two girls
📱a little techie
👩🏻‍🏫 Passionate Kindergarten Teacher
🎤 Educational Presenter
💻 #sharingkindergarten

Sharing Kindergarten
Plant themed math activities. #sharingkindergarten Plant themed math activities. #sharingkindergarten https://sharingkindergarten.com/springintomathfun/
Grab this freebie printable. And if you love it, y Grab this freebie printable. And if you love it, you can check out more! #sharingkindergarten https://sharingkindergarten.com/earth-day-activities/
✨✨ENTER TO WIN BIG!!!!✨✨ Need help trackin ✨✨ENTER TO WIN BIG!!!!✨✨
Need help tracking student progress?! I'm excited to team up with ESGI to giveaway a Site Licenses for one lucky school! A $2500 value!
For a chance to win simply have your team register for a trial of ESGI with Promo Code TEAMMARY at esgisoftware.com. #sharingkindergarten
New release! Plant Life Cycle Print & Play Pack ht New release! Plant Life Cycle Print & Play Pack https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Plant-Lifecycle-Print-Play-Pack-6773669
I love using the book There Was an old Lady Who Sw I love using the book There Was an old Lady Who Swallowed a Frog activities. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/There-Was-an-Old-Lady-Who-Swallowed-a-Frog-1636346
Looking for Kindergarten Readiness Checklist? You Looking for Kindergarten Readiness Checklist? You grab this one for free!  https://sharingkindergarten.com/kindergarten-readiness-checklist/#sharingkindergarten #sharingkindergarten
#kindergarten
#kindergartenteacher
#kindergartenlife
#kindergartenrocks
#kindergartenready
#iteachk #iteachkindergarten 
#iteachtoo #iteachfirst 
#teachersofinstagram #teachersoftpt #teachersfollowteachers #teachersofig #igteachers #kindergarten #KindergartenLife #ITeachToo #TeacherBlog
Anyone else covering living and non living things Anyone else covering living and non living things soon??? #sharingkindergarten https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Living-and-Nonliving-Things-1424371
Today is a fun day!!. Instagram post 1791208896163 Today is a fun day!!. Instagram post 17912088961637476
TpT just sent me TWO $10 give cards to giveaway in TpT just sent me TWO $10 give cards to giveaway in honor of their Spring Sale!
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Sharing-Kindergarten

To enter just tag a friend below. I will pick a winner at 10pm EST.
Instagram post 18138731170163452 Instagram post 18138731170163452
Stack up all those deals... Check out this LIGHNIN Stack up all those deals... Check out this LIGHNING deal...
ad: https://amzn.to/39Jivn6
55% off, plus $1 coupon, plus use the code EASYONE0 to get another 10% off.
All my washcloth bunnies are made and ready to be All my washcloth bunnies are made and ready to be hunted. Each one is labeled with a specific student’s name and a personal message inside. I have included the link for the how to make these. #sharingkindergarten https://sharingkindergarten.com/easy-easter-ar/
Check out this offer on an AMAZING VIRTUAL PD even Check out this offer on an AMAZING VIRTUAL PD event that you can afford...The Educator Summit!
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW:
https://www.theeducatorsummit.com/a/45942/23qehj6E
I am thrilled to announce that I will be a featured presenter at The Educator Summit!
The Educator Summit is a three-day virtual conference with over 30 sessions presented by nationally recognized educational leaders. It runs from June 28-30th. 

As an attendee of the summit you will receive:
❤️Over 30 hours of on-demand professional development sessions
❤️The ability to watch and replay to all of the sessions until September 30, 2021*
❤️Certificate of attendance (please check with your district for their requirements)
❤️❤️Exclusive VIP free products that have been created specifically for this event

*30 days for The Keynote Speakers
Right now, you can secure your seat at the virtual conference with a special discount.
You can attend the 3 days for 50% off the tuition price.
This special discounted rate will only be available until April 5th at midnight MDT.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW:
https://www.theeducatorsummit.com/a/45942/23qehj6E
Did you love The Impatient Caterpillar? The sequel Did you love The Impatient Caterpillar? The sequel is perfection! #sharingkindergarten https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Little-Butterfly-Who-Could-6720914
Day one with Invisalign and my hopeful last day wi Day one with Invisalign and my hopeful last day with Invisalign. It has been two years and the progress is evident! Best news... almost NO TMJ pain now. It is very rare that I have TMJ pain. I will always have a night guard/retainer. And I will most likely always have a permanent retainer on the bottom. #sharingkindergarten
Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2021 · Website Design By Jumping Jax Designs · Privacy Policy