I love Math in Kindergarten. We are working hard each day in Developing Number Sense. I have Math first thing in the morning from 8:00-9:05. We begin Math with Number Talks. I am using the strategy of rethinking calendar. Common Core does not include calendar activities until 2nd grade. We use our calendar time as a Math Time. Yes, I add dates to the calendar but we use the date as a counting on point (counting on from a given number) and count how many days until a special day (field trip, Saturday, etc.).
We have a number of the day and work on decomposing that number in as many ways we can.
This weekend I made Rekenreks for my Number Talks and will use them in small groups during math workshop. I had seen expensive ones online but decided to try my own. I made 14 for about $10.00. I used foam board, elastic cord and beads from AC Moores. I think that they turned out great.
I hope to blog more soon on REthinking Calendar Time in Kindergarten and how this time can be so powerful for Number Sense.