Math in Nature
Math in Nature
When adults hear the word "math," we sometimes have a big reaction. Unfortunately, many of us believe we are "bad" at math because of our experiences in primary or secondary school. I can understand these negative feelings because I had them until I realized I wasn't bad at math; I just wasn't allowed to learn in a way that met my needs.
One of the most wonderful aspects of working with young children is the chance for a fresh start. We can rekindle our interest in topics that we once found challenging. Young children, in their natural curiosity, are budding mathematicians. They find joy in math, exploring its concepts in their daily activities. And what better way to make math fun than in our outdoor spaces? From counting the leaves on a flower to tracing the spiral on a pinecone, math is a vibrant part of our surroundings.
One year, as a preK/K teacher, I witnessed a remarkable transformation in my students' relationship with math. They became enthralled with the subject, engaging in math challenges on the floor with their dry-erase boards and markers. As an advocate for child-led learning, I sought to nurture their interest. During this time, I stumbled upon a captivating book,' Growing Patterns: Fibonacci Numbers in Nature. ' After reading it during our morning meeting, the children were eager to venture outside and discover these numbers in nature. Their fascination with the Fibonacci sequence was so profound that they incorporated it into their daily math challenges.
Let go of your math fears and enjoy math in nature with your students!
Math in Nature: 5 Stunning Ways We See Math in the World
Discover 15 Examples of Mathematics in Nature
Math Learning—and a Touch of Science—in the Outdoor World
Taking Math Outdoors: A Natural Learning Environment
Nature Math Activities that will Encourage a Love of Learning!
