Monday, September 7, 2015

Free Exploration

Many years ago during Math Their Way training, I learned about the power of free exploration. Before I ever ask kids to use math manipulatives for a specific reason or in a specific way, they get to use them for their own purposes. They can explore, be creative, use their imaginations, and play. It honestly does lessen the amount of issues we might have later when I really do need them to use the tools for particular  objectives. 

There are only two rules:

  • We never toss, drop, or throw manipulatives.
  • We never take apart someone else's creation unless they give permission.

I love that the kids use their math skills during free exploration without even trying. They naturally sort, count, build, compare, create patterns, etc. They also use the same creative imaginations that they'll be using in the near future to make up their own math strategies. Also, they must rely on those all-important social skills. It's difficult to successfully pull off free exploration without cooperation and the ability to share.  







Whether at the beginning of the year or at the start of a new unit with new tools, free exploration is a great strategy. 



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8 comments:

  1. Yes! I completely believe in this as well. We have admins who don't understand-they want them to be able to tell them an objective they are working on-but it's how I start out every year.

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    1. Miss Trayers, As you know, it's so worthwhile for so many reasons, objectives or not. :)

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  2. Yup, we do this, too! It definitely reduces playtime later on when we're using them as tools.

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    1. I think you have to do this. Especially with the primary grades. They have to be able to build or create with them before they can focus. And who can blame them? Give me some colorful bears, I want to line them up and play, too!
      Ann

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    2. Ann, you're right. We all need that play time!

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  3. Would love to come and sit with your kids and just soak up what they are learning from you!
    Lori
    Conversations in Literacy

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    1. Lori, Please do. I could use a few extra hands. :)

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