Free Manipulative ACORNS!

Free Manipulative ACORNS! Yep, free manipulatives for Math Activities! Go outside! Surprisingly, they are everywhere! Unless the squirrels get the acorns first!

TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills)

Some of the Math TEKS that are addressed in this activity.

Kindergarteners will…

K.2. (B) read, write, and represent whole numbers from 0 to at least 20 with and without objects or pictures
K.2. (E) generate a set using concrete and pictorial models that represent a number that is more than, less than, and equal to a given number up to 20;
K.8. (A) collect, sort, and organize data into two or three categories;
K.8. (B) use data to create real-object and picture graphs; and
K.8. (C) draw conclusions from real-object and picture graphs.

First Graders will…

1.2. (D) generate a number that is greater than or less than a given whole number up to 120;
1.3. (B) use objects and pictorial models to solve word problems involving joining, separating, and comparing sets within 20 and unknowns as any one of the terms in the problem 2 + 4 = [ ]; 3 + [ ] = 7; and 5 = [ ] – 3;
1.3. (C) compose 10 with two or more addends with and without concrete objects;
1.5. (B) skip count by twos, fives, and tens to determine the total number of objects up to 120 in a set;
1.8. (A) collect, sort, and organize data in up to three categories using models/representations for example tally marks or T-charts;
1.8. (B) use data to create picture and bar-type graphs; and
1.8. (C) draw conclusions and generate and answer questions using information from picture and bar-type graphs.

Second Graders will…

2.2. (D) use place value to compare and order whole numbers up to 1,200 using comparative language, numbers, and symbols (>, <, or =);
2.4 (A) recall basic facts to add and subtract within 20 with automaticity;
2.10. (A) explain that the length of a bar in a bar graph or the number of pictures in a pictograph represent the number of data points for a given category;
2.10. (B) organize a collection of data with up to four categories using pictographs and bar graphs with intervals of one or more;
2.10. (D) draw conclusions and make predictions from information in a graph.

To collect their free manipulative acorns, you’ll supply each kiddo with 1 plastic baggie. The oak trees are everywhere. The kiddos can “hunt” for the free manipulative acorns in their yard, neighborhoods, or in the recess area at school.

Moreover, learn about what acorns need to become an oak tree. Also, there other animals that eat acorns!

Steps for Categorizing Your Free Manipulative Acorns

First, the kiddos will need one sheet of 12×9 sheet of construction paper to make their sorting grid.

Secondly, the kiddos will fold the 12×9 sheet of construction paper in half horizontally. It will now measure 6×9 now.

Next, the kiddos will fold the 6×9 sheet of construction paper in half horizontally. It will now measure 3×9.

Then, the kiddos will fold down from the top, fold down about an inch. Press hard to really crease it.

Lastly, the kiddos will open the folded paper. They will see four columns and 4 spaces for “labeling”. Then, they will use a crayon to trace all of the fold lines.

Afterwards, the kiddos will spread out their free manipulative acorns on a paper towel or another sheet of construction paper.

Finally, the kiddos will separate their acorn collections into groups of like pieces. Pick one of each group and place in the top box.