The 'little red wagon' is made up of several games. But for the purpose of the following lesson plans I am only going to refer to the mathematics area in relation to independent learning.
From reading the curriculum profile and the national statement on mathematics, the following outcomes have been stated (from band A).
Strand: Applying and verifying
* The child begins to exhibit some self-correcting behaviour in mathematical activities.
Strand: Count and Order
* The child is able to count and estimate collections, orders two or more collections, and orders things within collections.
Level one
* The child represents counting numbers with physical materials.
Class: Kinder class of 25 students
Prior Knowledge: The children are familiar with numbers to 10, shapes and colours.
Resources: Shape blocks (square, circle, triangle), Worksheet containing a pattern, and colouring pencils.
Activity
The following activities address some ways that may extend children's learning in basic mathematical skills.
* Give each student a pattern made from shapes eg. square, square, circle, triangle, square. Have each child work individually to create the same pattern. The pattern may be used with blocks or be drawn on a worksheet. To vary this activity the child may create their own patterns for a partner to copy. The teacher may also choose to begin a pattern and have the student complete it eg. big square, little square, big circle ............(what comes next?). The more 'advanced' students may move up to number patterns eg. 1, 2, 3, ...., 5, ..., 7, 8,
Evaluation
The teacher may evaluate the students learning through: testing, observation, questioning and student demonstration. This will ensure that the teacher is aware of any problems that the children are having, and can assist in rectifying the problem.
Classroom management
A large cleared space may need to be provided so that the children may have plenty of room to spread out their 'block' patterns. A 15 minute maximum for the activity may also ensure that the activity does not drag on.
Class: Kinder class of 25 students
Prior Knowledge: The children are familiar with numbers to 10, shapes and colours.
Resources: Computer and software program (little red wagon).
Activity
The 'Little Red Wagon' provides two mathematical games. They are listed as below.
* By clicking on the flowers the child may play a number/material representing game. In this game there are a number of seeds placed next to the 'little red wagon'. The child must match the number of seeds with the numeral in the garden. If the child is right a flower will grow.
* By clicking on the trees the child may play a representing and estimating game. In this game there are three fruit trees displayed on the screen. Each tree has a number on its trunk. The child is required to pick that number of fruit from the tree by using the mouse and clicking. After completing all three tress, the child must match the number of fruit on the ground to the number bar below.
Evaluation
To evaluate the student learning of this lesson the teacher may observe the child at work, or ask for an demonstration from the child. The teacher may also ask the child questions to find out the child's level of understanding.
Classroom management
There are several issues to address in relation to the
management of the computer activities in the classroom. As there is only one
computer in the class for 25 students, a time limit and roster need to be
allocated; as the software only requires one person at a time. Also a time limit
of 15 minutes would be beneficial, as it will ensure that the students do not
'over use' their computer time. This time limit will also allow the child plenty
of time to complete all the games, and will ensure that the child does not
become to 'bored' with the games.
The computer also needs to be situated by
itself as the sound affects may be distracting for other students. I believe
that the children should be able to access the program any time after 'other'
class work has been completed. As the program may be used for independent
learning which requires little teacher assistance. It may also be used as a
reward.
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