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Collections of 55

Building Blocks Math, Weeks 11- 13: Counting to 10; Connecting numeral to quantity; Comparing quantities; Ordering numbers and lengths; Understanding the plus 1 pattern

Children love collections of objects – found or recycled.  Collections of 55 make it easy for children to associate quantities with symbols from 1-10 with the exact amount needed, building in a control of error for the activity. At this time of year many children have developed the patience, counting skills, and focus to explore collections of 55 in ways that reinforce a range of current math goals:

  • Counting to 10
  • Creating sets to 10
  • Connecting numeral to quantity
  • Comparing quantities
  • Ordering numbers and lengths
  • Understanding the plus 1 pattern

Different structures and scaffolds support the explorations of various learners.  Here are a few examples:

red card with numbers and tray of black dots

Note

Use a cue card to help children remember/rediscover the quantity that each numeral represents.

tray of black dots with red score card and small red cups
red place mat with score card and orange dots

Note

Different structures (# cards, unifx cube frames) provide open challenge or guiding constraints to reinforce concepts.

blue tile rows counting up to 10

Extensions

Building Blocks asks teachers to read number set books, such as Ten Black Dots and Makayla’s Magnificent Machine.  Both of these books creatively use number sets to represent images and ideas of what can be created with a collection of items.  Teachers can use collection boxes to have children create images and tell stories that mimic the stories of these two books.  Collection boxes can also be used for “Placed Scened” work.  Be creative!  And share your ideas back with us!

Year-Long Trajectory

The Year-Long Trajectory is your scope and sequence for learning experiences across the year.