Instant Math StoryMats
Asalaam 'Alaikum:
Note: I am also going to post this under "Arabic Learning Materials." I have found several things in my search that work well with both English and Arabic learning. If you have an Arabic speaker in the house, they could easily translate these short stories and use them to learn Arabic Math Skills. Or, you could easily use the materials and have the Arabic Speaker make up their own stories. Siince numbers are not written on the materials – they are very versatile for bilingual instruction – which is a plus with me.
Just wanted to let everyone know about a cute little math book that helps to teach primary math skills. It is entitled "Instant Math StoryMats." I am currently using Saxon Math for Kindergarden but thought I'd also throw in some fun things to do from time to time.We just finished a math mat and my daughter actually begged to do another one! The book contains pictures of scenes – for example, a park, or a kitchen table with place settings. I just made copies – colored them with colored pencil and laminated. The book also has little stories that requires your child to use colored markers of some sort (we've been using colored beads) to act out the story on the story mat.
Here are some of the skills that are learned with the mats:
Position
Order
Sorting
Size
Counting
Skip Counting
Addition
Subtraction
Multiplication
Division
Matching
Shapes / Geometry
Comparing numbers
Patterning
Measurement
Estimation
Fractions
Money
Probability
Graphing
Reasoning
I guess because they are using manipulatives it seems to be more fun and they don't realize they are learning – I know my daughter really likes it. If you are interested in the book – you could always check your local library to see if its available. I found mine through inter-library loan.
Each math mat has at least one or two stories – but I think if you do it after a while you will get the hang of it and create your own stories easily.
Insha'Allah this may interest someone.
Asalaam 'Alaikum,
Sumayyah Umm SAA
