Mr. Coli’s kindergarten class gleefully belts out the ‘Days of the Week’ song, then seamlessly transitions into discussing the patterns they see in the March calendar. Student volunteers take turns writing numbers on the board, and the class solves addition and subtraction problems by using number sentences. Using various prompts and playful objects, together they discuss math concepts.
The highlight of most days, daily calendar activities extend beyond the traditional days of the week to integrate math through playful exercises. Using sticks, shapes, coins and data to create excitement about math is especially significant, since pandemic conditions have resulted in many of today’s kindergarteners entering grade school with limited math knowledge, due to lack of preschool opportunities.
This calendar-based approach to math is guided by lessons, activities and materials secured thanks to Mr. Coli’s successful Beaverton’s Choice project, giving Hazeldale Elementary School’s youngest learners access to 170 days’ worth of meaningful activities and games that make learning fun while also meeting critical kindergarten math standards.
“I see math come alive for my students,” says Dan Coli, Hazeldale kindergarten teacher. “Giving my students a solid foundation in math and a passion for learning means they will be able to conquer most challenges life has to offer.”
Learn more about all the great projects seeking funding on Beaverton’s Choice.