Sunday, October 13, 2013

Tally Marks

I am behind in my blogging...I have millions of pictures on my phone and computer but have been in dire need of some time {and focus} to blog about everything we've been doing in class.  I have {sort of} made a commitment to cut back on the amount of work I am doing at home int he evenings.  Typically, I spend between 3-4 hours a night doing stuff for school.  Which is ridiculous.  BUT, it's become such a habit after 10 years and is hard to break.  Today I am scheduling some posts out in advance.  Do you ever do that? It's great!  This post is all about tally marks.  We learned tally marks a few weeks ago but like I said, I'm behind...

Counting by 5's is such an important skill for young children to learn.  It's a stepping stone for all sorts of things to come...tally marks, money, telling time, etc, etc, etc.  One of my favorite activities to do with skip counting is to have students click the Unifix cubes together in order.  I started doing this many years ago and have my bags all ready for partners to do it.  This year, I found this cute visual worksheet to help the kids.  I also like to have my kids practice counts by 5's with Youtube clips.  This is one of our favorites.  Click the picture to check it out.


I always begin my intro to tally marks using the "Five Stick Friends" poem that I found in a Mailbox Magazine a few years back.  I have it written on a poster and the kids really seem to get the fact that the fifth tally "fell" down.  The visual is great for that, too.  Next, we go over anchor charts, vocabulary, and do some pencil practice from Reagan's "Mark and Sally Tally" pack, which is fantastic, BTW!  We also read Tally O'Malley by Stuart J. Murphy.  On this first day, students get some hands-on practice with tally marks.  I love using craft sticks for this.  It keeps kids engaged and makes learning very fun!


On the days to follow, we practice tally marks on our slates, on paper, and I take some quick checks. The quick check shown below is part of my "Math Quick Checks" pack.  I love having them at my fingertips for a fast assessment! We also play Dice Tally at home!!!!  This game is included in my "Math Take Home Game Bags" set, which is full of fun and minimal prep Math games to send home for kids to play with their families and return to school the next day.



Be sure to check everything out that was mentioned in this post! It's all on sale through the 14th of October!

xo
Megan




5 comments:

Melissa said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I have started using tally marks in my calendar time for my kinder class. They are already picking it up and love using tally marks for counting their table points.

Melissa said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I have started using tally marks in my calendar time for my kinder class. They are already picking it up and love using tally marks for counting their table points.

Fluttering Through First Grade said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Such great ideas! We have some kiddos that just can't grasp the concept. It's just practice practice practice.

~Christy & Tammy
Fluttering Through First Grade

Cindy Calenti said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I just loved the counting by fives dancing song. It was so cute. I found myself doing a little foot tapping!

Thanks for sharing!
Cindy
Granny Goes to School

Unknown said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

I love your tally tale!!! Thank you so much for the shout out! I adore you!

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