Magnet Board Math: Pattern Block Puzzles

I'm beginning to doubt my intelligence.

For years I have put pattern blocks in front of my kids only to have them slide all over the place on the block puzzle sheets. I had a DUH moment and finally gave them a magnet board (this could be a cookie sheet) to STICK the puzzle on while they used MAGNETIC pattern blocks to complete the puzzle.

My son explored symmetry in the process. One page asked him to complete patterns "so that the dotted line becomes a Line of Symmetry." You'll see (right) that he made a lovely pattern WITH symmetry, but didn't pay attention to the dotted line/line of symmetry. We had a good discussion about "line of symmetry" and used a ruler to help (below.) This was a nice extension to our symmetry lessons with Magic Mirrors that I'll show you later this week.

Note on materials: I own several different pattern block books: Pattern Block Problems for Primary People, Patternables and Magnetic Pattern Blocks. (That last one should have given me a clue!) I took all the pages out of the first two books, slipped each page into a plastic sleeve, and put them all into a 3-ring binder. This allows multiple children to use materials at once; I just pull out a page or two at a time.

Math App Saturday (#13 Sudoku)

Each Saturday, I link a free game to download on your iTouch/iPad/iPhone. I try to select games that provide fun practice with math skills and concepts. This week...Sudoku, an electronic version of Sudoku rated #9 game of the year by Apple.

I like to have math games on my iTouch for a variety of situations...waiting in line, as a Workbox activity, while driving in the car (for my ds, not me!) 

Find the other games I've listed here.

If you have games to recommend, please comment!

Frigits Marble Roll (Gift Idea #3)

We bought the Frigits Deluxe marble roll last Christmas. It's been a hit at our house with ages 3* and up...way up. (*This assumes the 3yo does NOT put things in his/her mouth. That would NOT be true of the child I caught in my son's preschool class this morning. I asked him what the lump was in his mouth and he guiltily spit out a marble. True story.)

I bought the marble roll thinking it would be a good exploratory learning tool prior to beginning our math lessons on "measurement with marbles." While it was great for that, it's also been used by numerous visitors (ages 3-adult), my teens, and...heheh...yes, even myself!

The set is magnetized and designed to stick to a refrigerator. My biggest worry prior to purchase was that the magnets wouldn't be strong enough to really stick well on the fridge. It's been a non-issue...the magnets are VERY strong and no part has ever fallen off. Some parts are more "little kid" (preschool) user friendly than others; to use the entire kit really takes some thought or cause/effect construction skills. My 8yo can use all the parts effectively but it takes some effort...effort he is willing to put in because the result is quite fun. We did not buy the Frigits Extension - Launcher or the Frigits Extension - Corners, but my son says "we should buy a bigger fridge so we can get them."

In order to keep the play interesting, I get this out for up to a month at a time and then take it down for a while. It continues to be a sought-after toy!

See more math "Gift and Game" ideas here.

Disclaimer: I bought my own set. Love it. Make nothing from my review unless you purchase one through Amazon, in which case I make a few cents commission at no cost to you.

P.S. This would make a great math/science workbox activity! :)

The Children's Mathematics Calendar 2011 (Gift Idea #1)

In anticipation of the upcoming holidays (yes, sigh, I did see Christmas decor displayed at the store already!), I'll be posting gift ideas...math games and activities that feel like way too much fun to contain real learning! (Heh heh...what the kiddos don't know won't hurt 'em...and might just educate 'em!)

I've had my eye on the first one for several months: The Children's Mathematics Calendar 2011. The creator, Theoni Pappas, is also the author of several well-known math books for children, including titles such as The Adventures of Penrose the Mathematical Cat, Fractals, Googols, and Other Mathematical Tales, Math Talk: Mathematical Ideas in Poems for Two Voices...all titles that I own and use in my math/literature class.

The math calendar contains a new problem each day. Although I haven't seen the 2011 calendar, I own an older one and enjoy the format. According to the Amazon product description, "This calendar includes stories that make math ideas come to life, problems with new twists, and ways to share math exercises with parents and friends. Much more than just a reminder of the date (though it does that too), this calendar stimulates curiosity and imagination and helps children develop a positive attitude about mathematics."

If you are looking for more difficult mathematics, check The Mathematics Calendar 2011, also by Pappas. (I read that the children's version is suitable for grades 3-8.)

I will be compiling a list of gift ideas on my Math Gifts and Games page, linked from the menu on the top of the homepage.

Math App Saturday (#10 pentominos)

Saturday series on using free educational apps for iTouch/iPhone/iPad continues with...


Zentomino
"Find your Zen, with this challenging take on the traditional pentomino puzzle game!"



And while you're in the mood for pentominos, try reading Chasing Vermeer, a mystery chapter book in which pentominos lead to a solution.

Proud Polydron Producer!

A couple years ago, I helped LilDude build this structure using polydrons. This morning he made one himself. See the pride in his eyes? ;)

Math App Saturday (#5, Puzzles & Problem Solving, Part 2)

Saturday series on using educational apps for iTouch/iPhone/iPad continues with Part 2 on games related to puzzles and problem solving. Most are particularly good for spatial awareness and encourage players to look for patterns, a key "ingredient" to building mathematical thinking skills. At posting, all the games are FREE...


reMovem
Pop bubbles to try to link as many bubbles of the same color as possible.


Dots Free
Electronic version of the traditional paper/pencil "dots" game.

Unblock Me
Similar to the game, Rush Hour, the object is to find a way to slide a designated block out of a puzzle. The free version contains hundreds of puzzles.


Last week: "Puzzles & Problem Solving, part 1"

P.S. I'm in the midst of math workshop season, hence the slowdown in posts. I'll be back in full-swing, come September. I look forward to share more teaching ideas then! Join me! :)

Math App Saturday (#4, Puzzles & Problem Solving, part 1)

Saturday series on using educational apps for iTouch/iPhone/iPad continues with several traditional puzzle/problem solving strategy games. Most are particularly good for spatial awareness and encourage players to look for patterns, a key "ingredient" to building mathematical thinking skills. At posting, all the games are FREE...


Touch4
Electronic version of the classic "Connect 4" game.


Peg Jump
Electronic version of the classic wooden board and peg puzzle game.
 
Tournament Reversi
Super easy to learn but challenging to master. (If this is easy for you, please don't tell me!) Object is to capture the most game tokens by the end of the game. I mentioned this in a post on the board game, Othello, as it's an electronic version.


Return next Saturday for "Puzzles & Problem Solving, part 2."