I was caught out recently. We needed to go out to the shops which of course then led to a trip to the coffee shop. I usually take a book but we left it in the car by accident. So I was wondering what I could do or talk about to take advantage of the opportunity to be sitting down together with Sunshine's full attention. Then Sunshine and Sweet-pea on their own started counting the tables in the shop, which led me to asking them a string of real-life maths problems for them to solve. Ahah! maths, what a good topic. Across the counter was a row of 21 thermos cups, perfect for adding and subtracting. Here is a list of what I remember asking them.
- How many tables are free?
- If some customers came in and sat down at one of the tables, how many would be left?
- How many thermos cups are lined up on the counter?
- How many of each colour?
- If a customer came in and bought 5, how many are left?
- If another customer came in after that and bought 4, how many are left?
- Can you count backwards from 20?
- Can you count just with even numbers?
- How about counting in 10s, can you count in 10s?
I just love it when I figure out ways of teaching that aren't planned and instead just flow naturally out of our daily life.
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