Impact on the course

Mathematics is still not my favourite subject...

BUT

Dr Yeap has helped me to try to learn more about it. His creations, materials, ways of delivering his knowledge, tricks and activities have atleast made me be attentive to his lectures.

I like the cookies collection system. It actually boost our level of participation. I never thought I would participate and challenge myself to solve the problems posted by Dr Yeap.

When Dr Yeap shared with us the objective of learning Math, I finally understood why Math is collaborated in the education system.

But I think, some teachers should understand and work on the Math vision set by MOE.

"We should practise what we preach."

Math is a form of vehicle for the development and improvement of a person’s intellectual competence and it is applicable in everyday living and in the workplace. Math is fun and allows us to enjoy.

To end of, I did have some fun in class. Perhaps, I should join in more of Dr Yeap's lessons to gain more knowledge on Mathematics and learn more tricks.

Dr Yeap, thanks for the knowledge.

To date: I got 3 cookies.

(SHOULD BE MORE ATTENTIVE AND I WOULD HAVE MORE)

Websites that I found: Math activities

http://www.ixl.com/math/grade/pre-k/

http://www.coolmath-games.com/

http://www.education.com/activity/preschool/math/

http://www.kidsnumbers.com/

* I personally like http://www.coolmath-games.com/*

Assessing of blog

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Geometric thinking

We did an activity that has got to do with angles, sides and shapes. We were challenged by Dr Yeap to find the angles in a pentagon.

It was indeed a challenging activity for me. It took me quite awhile to understand on how to manipulate with the shapes and find the angles. Luckily there were people who were able to explain to me about it. Thanks classmates!

I personally think this concept (angles in shapes) should be introduced to the Kindergarten two children. I do not think it is suitable for the younger ones as it may be too complex and difficult for them. (If an adult is unable to solve, it may be more difficult for the young ones.) But of course, no harm letting them try. I just do not think it is appropriate.

Like what was said in class... We need to learn to see what's inside the picture.

Some information to share: Names of polygons

Name	Alternate names	Sides	Internal Angles (Regular Polygons Only)
Henagon	Monogon	1
Digon		2
Triangle	Trigon	3	60° / Total 180°
Quadrilateral	Tetragon	4	90° / Total 360°
Pentagon		5	108°
Hexagon		6	120°
Heptagon	Septagon	7	128.571°
Octagon		8	135°
Enneagon	Nonagon	9	140°
Decagon		10	144°
Hendecagon	Undecagon	11	147.273°
Dodecagon		12	150°
Tridecagon	Triskaidecagon	13	152.308°
Tetradecagon	Tetrakaidecagon	14	154.286°
Pentadecagon	Quindecagon Pentakaidecagon	15	156°
Hexadecagon	Hexakaidecagon	16	157.5°
Heptadecagon	Heptakaidecagon	17	158.824°
Octadecagon	Octakaidecagon	18	160°
Enneadecagon	Enneakaidecagon Nonadecagon	19	161.053°
Icosagon		20	162°

For more: http://www.purplehell.com/riddletools/polys.htm

Reflection on practise : Number Sense

Throughout the four years being in this field, I have only taught the Nursery class. Based on the curriculum that I have carried out, I personally think that the Math lessons that were planned for the children are very minimum.

The aspects that are covered for the four year olds are,

1. 
   
   Number recognition
2. 
   
   Rote counting
3. 
   
   Counting and understand the quantity of ten
4. 
   
   Straight lines and curve lines

Yes, concrete materials are used to introduce this concepts to the children, but I think at the age of four, these children should learn and be exposed to more concepts.

        

Based on the textbook, children may learn to write numbers by letting them trace on dotted lines. Perhaps, this will allow children to practise their "number writings", but I do not think this is a great idea as children may trace blindly without understanding how the number should be written correctly.

We, use number cards to introduce numbers to children. Sometimes, in order to let the children practise their "number writing", we provide threading materials to let them explore the correct way to write.

Using technology to teach Mathematic

Technology is a great tool to capture children's interest. 

Now, technology have become one of the important aspect in life. Many are turning to technology to fulfill their expectations and also to do their work. 

Years ago, we use "abacus" to calculate. Now, we are using calculators to help us calculate sums. Yes, we can do it mentally but only for those numbers that are not large. 

In my childcare centre, we are using technology to teach children. Not only for Mathematic, but for other subjects as well. We are currently using the Interactive White Board. It is a good medium to use in the childcare. It boost children's interest to learn. And most importantly, the children enjoy the learning process. 

A child pointing to pictures shown on the computer.