A treasure map Ethne made on paper for her materials show and tell provided the perfect provocation for the whole class to explore mathematical language of positional words. We decided to take our big ideas outside and draw them on concrete. Students worked individually or in teams to plan and draw their treasure maps. They described the route and gave directions using words like over, under, up, down, above, below, straight on, in between, across, through, in, out, around, left and right. And not to forget the language of sequencing of course - first, then, after that, later, in the end...The great thing about taking learning outside the classroom is the space and freedom children have to express their ideas, interact with each other and just to be out in the open natural light is invigorating.
Who could resist tracing shadows....it was 11.30 in the morning and our shadows were kinda short. Wonder if they'll get shorter at 12 noon. We'll have to find out.
