As I mentioned in the context of cross-stitching with boys, we are venturing into the technicolor world of geometry. Rather than stick to the books and worksheets which can be intimidating and frustrating to some young folks, we've chosen to get acquainted with the shapes first. The premise: Origami and paperfolding can be used to teach math. The result:
Origami and paper boats can be found in every room of the castle.
By following instructions on how to create 3D shapes and figures, Max is secretly getting a geometric primer. Math On the Street has a sweet list of links to lesson plans and activities on how origami can be used to teach math concepts, including fractions, ratios, geometry, and others.
Maxer made it.
Some people are good at folding paper. And some people can never quite get the hang of it. Max falls into the former while yours truly settles scowling into the latter. Usually, he folds and I watch. Today, he folded and we both laughed.
Using the awesome illustrated printable paper bow tie tutorial from David Petty, Max's first attempt was a flop. But it wasn't David Petty's fault. And it wasn't Max's fault either. As he duly noted, the Romanian leu currency bill "doesn't fold".
Enter the good old-fashioned American dollar and some patience on Max's part- exit one super dollar bill bowtie to sport at holiday parties and get-togethers.
Milla watched as Max posed with his new bowtie and then put the bowtie on his nose, exclaiming, "Birdie, see! Bird fly!". Just to think we may never have discovered this alternate conception of the dollar bowtie with Milla's keen observations.
