Changes to the Environment

Thematic Unit Topic: Coral Reef

Classroom Area: Math
List the Items You Plan to Introduce and How Much The !ill Cost "a minimum o# $%:
&emem'er:
The items should 'e sa#e( child)directed( encourage the use o# multiple intelligences and provide
opportunities #or sensor learning%*
The items should 'e reasona'l priced( a'le to 'e made ' the teacher or easil o'taina'le*
Tr to use o'+ects that are alread in the classroom in creative( new was*
Thin, a'out what items ou might o'tain through donations #rom #amil( local 'usiness( etc*
-* .eashells Cost: /ree) provided ' teacher0donated
1* Measuring cups Cost: 23*44
3* Pieces o# coral ree# roc, Cost: /ree)donated
5* 6ried star#ish Cost: 23*44
7* Magnetic 'oard with #ish magnets Cost: 27*44
$* /ish tan, with ocean water Cost: /ree)teacher donated
8* Card'oard 9#ish: Cost: #ree)teacher made
;* Mil, caps with stic,ers o# a<uatic animals Cost: 2-*44
=* Container o# 'each sand Cost: /ree)donated
-4* .trings o# 9#ish: to hang in Math area Cost: /ree) teacher made
!hen will ou introduce these items> "At the 'eginning o# the thematic unit( throughout the unit ?
during a small group lesson plan( circle time%
I will introduce these items at the beginning of the thematic unit during circle time. This will allow the children to
understand what the items are, and that they are special items included for our thematic unit.
Are there an 9special: rules that the children need to #ollow when using these items>
There are not any special rules the children must follow using these items. The children will be free to discover
the items and their abilities.
!hat do ou hope the children to learn>
I hope the children will learn math while sorting the seashells, matching the bottle caps and measuring different
materials in the area, including the sand. I am hoping the children will learn social skills while sharing with others.
I would also hope the children would develop language skills and critical thinking skills while in the area. I hope
the children would feel comfortable in the new environment, and gain more knowledge about coral reefs.
!hat are some was that the children can 9re#lect: on what the have learned>
The children can reflect on what they have learned when I scaffold, and while going over circle time. During
story time and other activities, I will connect with the different centers. I will use RR statements like,
!Remember when you matched all those seashells"#. I will use open ended $uestions like, !%hen you were
measuring the sand, what did it feel like"#. I will allow the children their own time to reflect during the free time
as well.