As a kindergarten teacher, I know the struggle of finding the perfect supplemental resource for each theme I introduce in my classroom. That’s why I created the Math Bump game, a versatile and engaging resource that has become a staple in my classroom.
Bump games are not only a fun way for students to practice math skills together but also serve as fantastic provocation or engagement materials during spare moments. I love setting up my tables in the morning with different themes and leaving them out throughout the day. My students constantly engage with them, spending a few minutes here and there, which adds up to valuable learning time.
One of the things I love most about the Math Bump game is its adaptability. I’ve designed each game to be easily adjustable for all levels and abilities. Students can practice subitizing with various ways of representing numbers, including dice pictures, tally marks, numerals, number words, finger pictures, and ten frames. Each game board includes variations for using 1, 2, or 3 dice, allowing for differentiation and ensuring that every student is challenged at their level.
Another aspect I’m proud of is the variety of dice options the game supports. I’ve collected specialty dice over the years, including 6-sided, 8-sided, 10-sided, 12-sided (use the 2 dice game boards), 20-sided, and 30-sided dice. The Math Bump game accommodates all these dice types, making it a versatile resource that can be used in various math lessons.
To get you started on your Math Bump game journey, I’m offering the Jellyfish Math Bump game completely free! Simply subscribe to my blog to access this exciting resource and stay updated on new themes and variations.
One of the joys of teaching is exploring different themes with students, and I wanted the Math Bump game to reflect that diversity. Whether we’re diving into the depths of the ocean with a jellyfish theme or exploring the wonders of outer space with a solar system theme, the Math Bump game brings these themes to life in a fun and educational way.
Each theme in the Math Bump game is carefully crafted to not only be visually appealing but also to enhance the learning experience. The game also includes themes like Earth Day, Reduce Reuse Recycle, and colors, which provide opportunities to discuss important topics and concepts in a fun and interactive way.
With over 30 themes to choose from and more on the way, the Math Bump game offers endless possibilities for classroom learning. Whether you’re looking to reinforce math concepts or simply add a fun activity to your lesson plan, the Math Bump game has you covered. Subscribe to my blog to access the Jelly Fish Math Bump completely FREE and transform your math lessons today!
Introduction: Welcome to Groundhog Week in our kindergarten classroom! This week is all about engaging our little learners in exciting activities centered around the theme of groundhogs. With a combination of Reggio-inspired practices and teacher-friendly setups, I’ve created a stimulating environment to foster exploration and learning.
Setting the Scene: To kick off the week, our classroom was transformed into a haven for exploration. Each table was thoughtfully designed around a specific theme, blending Reggio practices with quick and easy setups perfect for our busy teachers.
Literacy Table: Our week commenced with an exciting setup – Groundhog Bump with a twist! We replaced the regular dice with our triangular alphabet letters, adding an extra layer of excitement and focusing on letter recognition. The little ones reveled in the challenge of matching letters while playing this familiar game..
Sensory Exploration: Our sensory bin became a hub of excitement with a bed of grain and adorable printable groundhogs. When materials were scarce, laminated graphics were a quick fix, instantly transforming the bin into a captivating sensory experience. The tactile exploration of grain and the adorable groundhog cutouts engaged our students in sensory-rich learning.
Math Adventures: The math table became a hub for Groundhog Bump games, featuring a switch from regular dice to 10-sided dice for added mathematical fun. Alongside traditional math spinners, we introduced an innovative “Escape the Shadow” Groundhog Bump game. These activities not only strengthened math skills but also encouraged strategic thinking and problem-solving.
Provocation of Prediction: Shadows and Reflections: The heartbeat of our week was the provocation center, where our students made predictions about whether the groundhog would see its shadow. Equipped with mirrors and glass rocks, they explored reflections and engaged in thoughtful discussions about the whims of weather and shadows.
Creative Alphabet Explorations: Monday marked our usual exploration into the letter of the week – G! Brainstorming sessions led to the creation of uppercase and lowercase G’s, alongside delightful playdough sculptures representing items that start with the letter G. Our directed drawing session brought Groundhogs to life on paper, a collaborative venture where each artist brought their unique touch to their creations.
Counting On in Math Adventures: Tuesday’s math exploration revolved around counting on. The little mathematicians engaged in building towers with 5 blocks, using a spinner to determine whether to add 1 or 2 blocks to their towers. This playful approach to counting not only reinforced numerical skills but also introduced a strategy for counting on without starting from scratch. Spinner and idea taken from Carole Fullerton’s new “Good Questions Lessons and Tasks for Building Number Sense in Kindergarten and Grade One.”
Halfway to Grade 1 Celebration: Midweek Joy! On Wednesday, we took a brief pause from our groundhog adventures to revel in a special moment – our “Halfway to Grade 1” celebration! The classroom buzzed with excitement as we reflected on our favorite memories and experiences in Kindergarten so far.
Math Marvels: Exploring the Concept of Half: Our math lesson became an interactive journey into the concept of “half.” Fraction circles made their debut, and the air was filled with joy as we played and explored with these colorful tools. The pizza shop activity captured our imagination as we worked with table mates to figure out how many pieces it took to create a whole pizza using different-sized fraction pieces.
The hands-on exploration not only enhanced our understanding of fractions but also turned learning into a delightful, collaborative adventure. It was heartening to witness the budding mathematicians in action!
Celebrating Together: Outdoor Delights and Treats: To cap off our special day, we ventured outdoors with our fellow Kindergarten friends for a celebration filled with treats and snacks. Laughter echoed through the air as we enjoyed the simple pleasures of being together, fostering a sense of community and shared joy.
The midpoint to Grade 1 was marked not only by academic growth but by the bonds and friendships that have blossomed in our kindergarten community.
Crafty Thursday: G is for Goose! 🦢 Thursday unfolded with our customary letter craft session, and this time, we delved into the letter ‘G’ by crafting adorable geese. The room was buzzing with creativity as little hands eagerly molded playdough into uppercase and lowercase G’s, along with imaginative representations of items starting with this letter.
The artistic expressions were as varied as the personalities in our classroom, showcasing the unique flair each child brings to their creations.
Friday’s Prediction Excitement: Early Spring or More Winter? 🤔🌷 Friday brought a sense of anticipation as we gathered to make our predictions about whether the groundhog would see his shadow, foretelling an early spring, or if we were in for more winter days. The votes were split down the middle, creating an air of suspense.
After casting our predictions, we decided to investigate the groundhog’s official proclamation. Drumroll, please… The groundhog did not see his shadow! Cheers erupted in our classroom as we celebrated the prospect of an early spring.
Crafting Groundhog Puppets: Pop-up Fun and Shadow Play! 🌈🐾 To cap off our week, we engaged in a hands-on craft activity, creating charming groundhog puppets that playfully popped out of burrows. These puppets became our companions as we explored the magic of shadows using a projector.
The giggles and gasps of amazement filled the room as the children manipulated their puppets to create different shadows on the screen. This activity not only fostered creativity but also provided a tangible way for them to understand the concept of shadows.
Reflecting on a Week of Wonder: As we wrap up Groundhog Week, we reflect on the laughter, learning, and shared moments that have made this week truly special. Each day brought new discoveries and opportunities for our young minds to grow.
Stay tuned for more adventures in the coming weeks, as we continue our journey of exploration and learning together.
Kindy Play 