The numeric passport: an italmatic journey at the kindergarten

Abstract

This article describes an interdisciplinary itinerary mainly focused on the subjects of italian and mathematics. The "Italmatic" project, which was carried out in two sections of the kindergarten in Monte Carasso and Bellinzona nord (Canton Ticino), is based on the creation of a numerical passport. This identity document summarizes the main numerical information that characterizes the children from different aspects (personal numbers: age, height, weight etc.). The children participated in different laboratory activities together with classmates, where the focus is not solely placed on numbers, but also on the linguistic aspects tied to the themes that are dealt with and on the competent identity of the children. For pupils in kindergarten and elementary school, it is very significant to identify their “personal” numbers to learn more about themselves and others. Through this interdisciplinary work, the children had the opportunity to deal with activities that are clearly put into the context of the real world. This allowed them to develop their skills in a rich and positive way.