Free Choice Time

There are two different times of the day that children are given "Free Choice."  One is at the beginning of the day, the other is at the end.  Parents often get to see this activity and I am sure it sometimes looks less than 'instructional.' Sometimes people will ask me WHY do I let the children have such time during the day.  Here is one reason:

(I am trying to post a video here but having some technical difficulties.  I know I did it last year so I will keep trying!)

Yesterday, one student decided to use some small rolled paper in the writing center to make a number line.  Today our class is full of number lines!  And there are awesome discussions about what number should come next!  They are using a blocked 100's chart as a reference and writing those numbers out in order on a line.  They are going back and counting and rechecking that they have the numbers right and didn't miss any.

They did this all on their own!  This is the kind of thing students will do to enhance their learning if you give them an environment in which they can create and make choices.  That is one of the many benefits free time offers to your child!  Yes, it sometimes looks and sounds messy.... but if you look closely.....