For young children, their work is their play and their play is their work. Some of their best math understandings come as they play with carefully selected math games and manipulatives.  Teachers guide the thinking by asking questions, such as “How did you do that?”  and “Tell me what you’re working on.” Or,  “I wonder if you can describe what you’re doing by telling me with numbers.” Students are preparing for the adult world when they will work in teams, collaborate, and need to be able to discuss ideas clearly. Sure, we do paper and pencil math too. And we have high expectations.  But the element of fun in math is never far away. The work is beautiful, engaging, and leads to real learning that sticks.

It took work and negotiation to find enough green blocks to create this pattern!