Monthly Archives: December 2015

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100 Things To Do!

Learning to Set Goals

The family all created their own private list of 100 things they want to do during their life time. After three days, when everyone’s list was complete they began discussing each family member’s ideas. Discussions continued over several days as lists were adjusted and common goals were identified.
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Why might we want to do something similar with the children in our life?

1. 100 things is a great way to begin teaching creative thinking and brainstorming. All ideas are worthy of consideration. Start the list, but do not try to finish it in one sitting. Instead work on it over a week. Talk about “incubation,” times when resting from the brainstorming can help us think of new and different ideas. Encourage creative thinking by “piggybacking” ideas from others by listening and changing their ideas for personal preferences. Although 100 things seems like a lot, more ideas are likely to generate the best ones. (Great project for the 100th day of school.)

2. 100 things is appropriate for a four year old, 18 year old, or 70 year old. Some children might need some help writing their ideas or being realistic, but it is an awesome idea for all ages. This is not a list of things we want, but a list of things we will work towards achieving. A nine year old’s goal of having mind control like a video game is probably not a good option for the list. A ride on a Pirate ship may seem unrealistic, but with a little research it might be a possibility. (Check out www.piratecruise.net/) A trip to Hawaii might be the perfect vacation for the whole family, but maybe it will require time for the family to save some money. It still goes on the list. Everything on the list should be a goal or something to work towards, not something to be given. If the list is a toy, do not list the toy as the “thing,” but list earning the money to purchase the toy.

3. 100 things gives ideas of goals to work towards individually and as a group. The power of setting goals is not floating through life, but having direction. If we know what we want to accomplish, we can work towards it. Children learn an important life skill through this process.

4. 100 Things generates conversation where children learn to listen to others, support other’s ideas, and learn from each other.

Once lists are complete and have been shared, choose three items off each person’s list to focus on for the next few weeks or months. Choose an item which can be accomplished rather quickly with a little work, one which will take longer, and another which might include long term planning. Consider one item that everyone is working on together. Post the short lists where everyone can review and support each other. Make it a priority to encourage, discuss, and review the “things” each person is working on weekly.

When a “thing” is accomplished—celebrate. Put the date beside the number, and choose another goal to accomplish. Maybe even add another “thing” to the list, making it 101 Things I Want To Do! The list might be a life time project, or at least several years. It will be a great memory and the list is definitely something to save. Start the brainstorming and creative thinking for your “100 Things I Want To Do” list today.

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Have A Brain? Use It.

Creative Thinking and Estimation

A picture book enjoyed by tweens, Counting on Frank by Rod Clement is an excellent book for Elementary Students with the comical pictures of his absurd calculations and imagination.

A picture book enjoyed by tweens, Counting on Frank by Rod Clement is an excellent book for Elementary Students with the comical pictures of his absurd calculations and imagination.


The assignment: Choose a children’s literature book and explain why the book reveals something about you. Counting on Frank by Rod Clement was my first choice. Frank’s father tells him if he has a brain, use it, and so Frank creates mathematical problems with large numbers and significant estimation strategies. One of my favorites is his calculation for knocking off 15 peas from his dinner plate each night for eight years, bringing the pea level on the floor to the top of the table. Frank explains, “Maybe then Mom would understand that her son does not like peas.” Count on Frank and the peas

Like Frank, I am not a great fan of peas, but it is the mathematical thinking that draws me to the book and the questions: “What if?” or “How many?” What if his toaster was the size of a house? What if he grew at the same rate as a gum tree? How many cans of dog food are needed to fill the shopping cart? How many pieces of candy in a candy jar? How long of a line could I draw before the ink would run out? Frank is a pro at creative math, estimations, critical thinking, and thinking mathematically. He thinks like this throughout the day in all areas of his life. He has a brain and uses it, while taking a bath, watching television, going to sleep. He is a kid who has learned the fun of thinking critically and exploring with math.

As educators and parents it is a book we can use to inspire the same characteristics in our children. After reading the book, set up some estimation problems to get them started in the process. For younger children provide a small jar and a bag of M&M’s. Together create a strategy for estimating how many M&M’s will cover the bottom of the jar and then how many in half the jar, or a full jar. While we could say “guess,” increase vocabulary and mathematical and scientific language by using “estimate,” or “hypothesize.” (Counting to see how close the estimation is to the actual number is a great way to practice counting.) With older students compute the area of their bedroom, and then have a blast predicting how many of a variety of items it will take to fill the room. (Some will be ready to calculate the area minus the area of their furniture.) It would take 769 of my small dog to completely fill my empty office, or with my furniture 691. As active as Tilly is, there is no way that many dogs, could be shoved into place! Using our imaginations, math can be silly, fun, and an excellent way to create a love for math and creative thinking. Remember what Frank’s dad always told him: Have a brain? Use it.

Asking questions can be fun and insightful as well. Ask your kids, what is a book you have read which reveals something about you? How about you? What children’s book would you choose that reveals something about you? Leave a comment below.