Counting,
grouping and
seeing math
in the real
world
Dr. Jeannine R. Perry
Longwood
University
Objectives:
1. Count objects 1-10
2. Writing numbers and correlate the number with the
correct number of dots
3. Recognize sets of dots/circles (or other shapes) in
the environment
4. Utilize creative thinking to connect objects in the
environment that have dots with dots on a page
5. Recognize a dot or circle shape in the environment
(or other shapes, if you choose that option)
6. Write number words (and possibly color words if you
choose that option)
Review the structure of the writing and post the core words where students
can easily see and copy them. For most students, trying to write text that
rhymes as well as find things to fit each page is too much so do not require
rhyming, but you may want to point it out while reviewing the text.
CORE TEXT:
___ dots can make ______
___ dots are ____
___ dots can be ____.
IMPORTANT NOTES:
It is not essential that student use the same core sentence Donald Crews uses.
Some students may want to write one of the variations above. The objectives
are to practice counting and encourage creative thinking, so don’t let the text
get in the way
OPTIONS: Depending on the age/abilities of the children, this project can be varied in
many ways. This project can be done with very young children just learning their
numbers and beginning to write, but it canalso be enjoyed by older children who would
focus more on the language, writing, and creativity aspects (and perhaps share their
work with younger children when they are finished).
COLOR OPTION: Use multi colored dots rather than just black dots. This is most
economically done by having sheets of white dots and letting the children color them as
needed. For example: 4 green dots can be peas in a pod from my garden.
SHAPE OPTION: Allow students to use any shape rather than a circle. You may want them
to use stencils for this, or draw their own. For example: 6 white triangles can be sailboats
on the river.
Getting Ideas:
Create brainstorm charts with ideas for each number containing useful vocabulary. Add
ideas at the beginning of each day. The more children start looking around them, the
more ideas they will have!
Have students take a sheet home and brainstorm with parents for each number (even
though this will result more in the parents’ exploring their creativity than the children,
it’s still a great family activity and parents’ modeling is always a good thing).
Format of the Book:
Do even or odd numbers (to reduce the work/time required)
Allow students to select whatever numbers they would like to do for a given number of
pages to reduce the work/time required (for example, a student decides to do a book
with only the numbers 2, 3, 4, 7 and 9)
Have students work in small groups, each student assigned two or three different
numbers, then combine their pages into a book (this also reduces the work/time
required)
Don’t even do a full book, do individual posters or sheets instead.
Using the blank book as a place to draft, select each child’s best page, edit for final
publication, have the child transfer it to a large sheet of paper or cardstock, and create
one or more class big books for the classroom library.
Writing:
For very young children who may struggle with writing, reproduce pages that already
have the core text on them and lines for the child to put in the number and the name of
the object.
For older children who are better writers or those who need ore challenge, incorporate
extended sentences that further explain the object on each page or use descriptive
words such as adjectives.
http://aplacecalledkindergarten.blogspot.com/2010/
10/10-black-dots.html
http://www.amommysadventures.com/2
012/03/startten-black-dots.html
http://www.bulletinboardpro.com/BB108.html
Student practice sheet
1 ______________ black dot can be
2 ______________ black dots can be
3 ______________ black dots can be
4 ______________ black dots can be
5 ______________ black dots can be
6 ______________ black dots can be
7 ______________ black dots can be
8 ______________ black dots can be
9 ______________ black dots can be
10 _____________ black dots can be
Ten Black Dots Homework Sheet
Instructions: We have just read a book by Donald Crews called Ten Black Dots. In this book, Donald Crews
discovers different things that sets of dots (from 1 – 10) can be. For example, 2 black dots can be the eyes on a
fox and 4 black dots can be seeds in the ground or knobs on a radio. Your child will be making his or her own
book in class. Please help your child find sets of dots in objects and places around him or her and record ideas
on the chart below. You will be surprised what you find once you really start looking!!
1 One black dot
can be
2 Two black dots
can be
3 Three black dots
can be
4 Four black dots
can be
5 Five black dots
can be
6 Six black dots can
be
7 Seven black dots
can be
8 Eight black dots
can be
9 Nine black dots
can be
10 Ten black dots
can be