Today we started a project-based learning unit in our Bridges Math program called, My Little Farm. This comprehensive unit involves money, place value and mapping skills. The children are also involved in counts by 2’s, 5’s and 10’s, as well as solving story problems involving all four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication and division). The First Graders will also determine the area and perimeter of rectangles, and locate positions on a coordinate grid. This integrated unit of study will incorporate mathematics, reading, social studies, science, and writing as the students learn about farm life.
The children will be creating their own farm map, which involves purchasing land with “Farm Bucks”, as well as purchasing a variety of farm animals. Each child decides where they want to put their farmhouse, barn, silo, tractor and various farm animals on their map. The First Graders have to plan out where everything will be located on a 24”x24” grid. They have to follow a “planning code”, and pay for the various items on their farm. For example, the children will soon have the option to purchase their first animal-goats! Each goat cost $7 and needs fence sections ($1 each). Our 1B farmers also have to purchase 2 square units of land for each goat. The First Graders need to plan out and think about how much land is left for pastures for other animals. With each farm animal, the children learn facts through books and poems.
Our 1B farmers have a lot to look forward to as they explore “life on the farm”! Learning to plan, purchase and make various decisions in the designing of their farm will be a major focus for each student.
As the days and weeks go by, ask your child about the progress of their farm.
The children will be creating their own farm map, which involves purchasing land with “Farm Bucks”, as well as purchasing a variety of farm animals. Each child decides where they want to put their farmhouse, barn, silo, tractor and various farm animals on their map. The First Graders have to plan out where everything will be located on a 24”x24” grid. They have to follow a “planning code”, and pay for the various items on their farm. For example, the children will soon have the option to purchase their first animal-goats! Each goat cost $7 and needs fence sections ($1 each). Our 1B farmers also have to purchase 2 square units of land for each goat. The First Graders need to plan out and think about how much land is left for pastures for other animals. With each farm animal, the children learn facts through books and poems.
Our 1B farmers have a lot to look forward to as they explore “life on the farm”! Learning to plan, purchase and make various decisions in the designing of their farm will be a major focus for each student.
As the days and weeks go by, ask your child about the progress of their farm.