Waldorf Gnomes & Numbers

Waldorf math is introduced using the help of coloured Gnomes.

http://www.oakmeadowbookstore.com/Math-Gnomes-p3332.html
Each colour represents a math process (add,  subtract, multiply & divide) and lessons are given in story form, without naming the processes involved.

We used the story of 'The Elves and the Shoemaker' from 'The Book of Little Folk', to introduce our new Gnome friends. This book is chock full of international fairy and gnomes stories as well as several famous poems.

I left out patches of unfinished felt cut-outs to be made into Gnomes capes & caps for the morning!

Each of the Gnomes has a little poem to tell about their character.
http://rosegardenhomeschool.blogspot.ca/2012/10/waldorf-math-for-youngest.html?m=1

Plus keeps what he finds

He has quite a heap

He adds the new to the old

And yells, “They’re mine to keep!”

Minus has a loving heart

But his pockets are always bare

For what he doesn’t lose

He is always willing to share

Our friend Divide

Takes the greatest care

To ensure that everyone

Has an equal share

Times is quick and able

He gathers with great speed

Handfuls at a time he gets

His bounty multiplies indeed!

Good King Equals is always fair

He sees the same amount everywhere!