Nature is the first classroom for children. Every leaf, flower, insect, and stone offers opportunities for exploration, curiosity, and learning. Through our eTwinning project *MATH IN MY GARDEN*, we invited children to discover that mathematics is not only found in books and classrooms, but also hidden all around us in nature. Throughout this journey, our young students explored numbers, patterns, shapes, symmetry, measurement, and problem-solving through hands-on experiences in gardens and outdoor settings. They observed, researched, counted, compared, created, and most importantly, enjoyed learning mathematics through meaningful real-life experiences. This book is a compilation of our discoveries, creativity, and learning adventures. We hope that this book inspires children, teachers, and families to look at nature with curious eyes and to notice the mathematics that surrounds us every day. Because every garden has a story... and every story contains mathematics.

*MATH IN MY GARDEN eTwinning Project Team*

In March, we completed the first two phases of the Dienes Math Learning Model, including listing, representation, grouping, geometric word and number completion, as well as examining flower seeds, planting flowers and observing their growth. We are finishing the activities in our garden using natural materials.

March

Writing the title of the project together on International Mathematics Day!

In April, a diagram of an insect species and detailed characteristics such as leg counts and body structure were integrated with mathematics. By the end of the month, our components had created a natural history museum, decorating the insect species with their natural features.

     April

In May, we held a nature-based mathematics workshop with expert invitation or parental participation. In the workshop, we applied the first four stages of the Dienes Model using natural materials.

May

We regularly involved parents in the project process by organizing various activities at school or at home. Here are some images.

My mom and dad are in my garden!