Winter Wonderland Sensory Math
Introduce addition and subtraction
This lesson uses sensory play with fake snowballs to teach basic addition and subtraction. Students will engage in hands-on activities to explore math concepts in a fun, winter-themed setting. This approach helps make abstract math concepts more concrete and accessible, fostering engagement and understanding among students with severe cognitive and physical disabilities.
Grade 2-3 with Cognitive Disabilities
Introduce addition and subtraction
Fake snowballs, Large container or sensory bin, Number cards, Printable snowball cards, and Worksheet: Snowball Math
- Welcome students to the 'Winter Wonderland' themed math lesson.
- Explain that they will be using fake snowballs to learn about addition and subtraction.
- Show the materials and demonstrate how to handle the fake snowballs.
Step 2
Sensory Exploration
5 mins
- Allow students to explore the fake snowballs in the sensory bin.
- Encourage them to touch, squeeze, and count the snowballs.
- Ask questions like 'How many snowballs do you have?' to engage them.
Step 3
Guided Math Activity
10 mins
- Use number cards to introduce simple addition problems (e.g., 2 snowballs + 3 snowballs).
- Guide students to physically add the snowballs together and count the total.
- Repeat with subtraction problems (e.g., 5 snowballs - 2 snowballs).
Step 4
Independent Practice
5 mins
- Distribute the 'Snowball Math' worksheet.
- Assist students as needed to complete addition and subtraction problems using the worksheet and snowballs.
- Review what students learned about addition and subtraction.
- Ask students to share their favorite part of the activity.
- Praise their efforts and encourage them to practice counting and simple math at home.
