Math Links: Graphing

Recently, Izzie has been very interested in measuring objects around the house with her ruler. However, she refuses to allow me to show her how to properly use the ruler. So, I decided I would at least teach her the concept of measuring.

I found this fabulous book, Inch By Inch, which tells a story about a little inchworm, who was getting ready to be eaten by a bird, but was able to talk his way out of being lunch by showing the bird that he was important because he could measure things. The book then shows illustrations of 5 different animals that you can measure with any unit because it does not state the correct measurement.

I found these adorable inchworms (not truly an inch in measurement) that were labeled 1-10 for Izzie to use to measure the animals. As you can see in the above picture, the number 2 inchworm is missing..."she" is pink; therefore, Izzie had to hold her, the inchworm, the entire time!

I created an Inch By Inch Graph (Microsoft Word) for Izzie to record her data.

The completed graph. I liked Izzie being able to see the results in a bar graph. As we analyzed the data, she was quickly able to determine which measurement was the longest, shortest, the same length as another, etc.

I created another graph (Blank Graph), so she could measure various objects around the house and record the data. However, after the book, she was done "measuring" for the day...

Visit Joyful Learner for more math ideas!

Science Sunday: Biomes

This week, Izzie has been learning about the different biomes around the world. To introduce the vocabulary, I printed off pictures for each biome and laminated each onto construction paper. I added a color coordinated biome name. She enjoyed matching the name tag with the correct biome picture. We talked about the different features of each biome and she really liked telling everyone that we live in the Deciduous Forest biome with all the pretty leaves!

I found these two packs of flashcards at Target in the $1 section. They're really nice and heavy flashcards with a lot of information about each animal on the back.

I found five animals that live in the Tropical Rain Forest and five that live in the Savannah. Izzie was able to quickly determine which animals lived in which habitat.

We discussed why each animal lived in that particular habitat....introduced the term, adaptations.

To see more Science ideas, check out Adventures in Mommydom!

I survived...

The first week of preschool (homeschool style)! Izzie will be four years old in a couple of weeks and we have decided to continue our "homeschool" preschool approach. However, we did join two Homeschool Co-ops, which are held weekly for 3 hours. Honestly, I never thought that I would want to homeschool my girls...yes, I was a public school teacher with many misconceptions about homeschooling. However, this past year, I've had so much fun with Izzie's Tot School...the planning and organizing...things I live for and can spend hours doing that I'm seriously considering homeschooling the girls, as soon as I get my public educator husband on my wagon.

For Tot School, we didn't have a strict schedule (she's only three) and I didn't follow a particular curriculum, but she learned so much and really enjoyed it too! However, this year I've decided to have somewhat of a schedule and I'll be using several different homeschooling curricula. But, for the most part, we'll read a lot of books, play games, work on fine and gross motor skills, and continue working with math, reading, and writing skills.

Back to school time has always been my favorite time of year. I can spend hours roaming around the back to school section in the various stores, and do! I've been organizing and planning all summer and I'm ready to begin this new adventure with Izzie and Mac. I'm so excited to begin our homeschool journey. I'll be linking up to Preschool Corner for Izzie (4 years old) and Tot School for Mac (18 months old).

Tiny Talk Tuesday

Izzie is 35 months old.


Scene: In the kitchen, looking at her artwork on the refrigerator.

Izzie: Mommy, I have so many pretty pictures.

Me: Yes, you do!

Izzie: I want to give one away.

Me: That would be wonderful. Who do you want to give one to?

Izzie: Ummm...I think, the trash can!

To share or read, please visit Tiny Talk Tuesday hosted by Not Before 7.