Half Full, Half Empty

Half Full, Half Empty


It is helpful to explore whole numbers and fractions
through measurement and estimation. Children can see
relationships and the usefulness of studying fractions.





What you'll need


Clear container with straight sides, that holds at least 4 cups
Masking tape
Marker
Measuring cup with 1, 1/2, 1/4, 1/8 cup measures on it
Uncooked rice, popcorn kernels, or water
Other containers with which to compare


What to do


1. Have your child run a piece of masking tape up the side of
the container so that it is straight from the bottom to
the top.

2. For younger children, use a 1-cup measure. For older
children, use a 1/2, 1/4, and 1/8 cup measure. Pour the
chosen amount of a substance listed above into the
container.

3. Mark the level of the jar on the masking tape by drawing a
line with a marker and writing 1 for one cup or 1/2, 1/4,
or 1/8 on the line.

4. Follow this procedure until the container is full, and the
tape is marked in increments to the top of the container.
Now, the jar is marked evenly to measure the capacity of
other containers.

5. While filling different containers, ask your child
"thinking" questions.

How many whole cups do you think this container will hold?

How many 1/2, 1/4, or 1/8 cups do you think the container
will hold?

How many 1/2 cups equal a cup?

How many 1/4 cups equal a 1/2 cup? A cup?
How many 1/8 cups equal a 1/4 cup? A 1/2 cup? A 1/8 cup?





This activity provides a "hands-on" opportunity for
children to experience fractions while making connections to
the real world.


Name that Coin


Children love to look at coins but sometimes cannot
identify the coins or determine their value.



What you'll need


Penny
Nickel
Dime
Quarter















What to do


1. Look at the coins and talk about what color they are, the
pictures on them, and what they are worth.

2. Put a penny, nickel, and dime on the floor or table.

3. Tell your child that you are thinking of a coin.

4. Give your child hints to figure out which coin you are
thinking of. For example, "My coin has a man on one side,
a building on the other."

5. Let your child think about what you have said by looking
at the coins.

6. Ask, "Can you make a guess?"

7. Add another clue: "My coin is silver."

8. Keep giving clues until your child guesses the coin.

9. Add the quarter to the coins on the table and continue the
game.

10. Have your child give you clues for you to guess the coin.



This guessing game helps young children learn to recognize
coins and develop problem-solving and higher level thinking
skills.