Fractions as a part of a set can be tricky for students. Especially when we spend a lot of time teaching fractions as a part of a whole (1 of the 6 equal pieces of pie) and the area model of fractions (1 of the 6 equal regions of the rectangle). When it comes to fractions as a part of a set, I start easy by asking students to count the number of people in class. If there is an…
By far, this is the game my students L-O-V-E the best. That’s because it’s all about them. And that’s okay because I get to use it to help kids make connections in math. This is a game we used to do in Mathematics A Way of Thinking (Math Their Way) workshops. It’s all about attributes. Attributes are characteristics of something. I actually use the word ‘attributes’ with students because I want them to become familiar with what it means. That…
Print and share this pdf which covers the areas of: Supporting positive attitudes towards mathematics Being an active participant in your child’s learning Creating an appropriate learning environment Promoting critical thinking and problem-solving Showing an interest in what your child is doing and learning in school
Patterns. It was always a theme throughout the school year in my mathematics classes. So to kick-off patterns, during the first week of school, the students create a color pattern using their name. Then, we discuss the patterns made by names of different lengths. It may seem like a simple activity, but some great conversations can be generated when students focus on the reasons why certain patterns appear. For example, in the photo above, there are 15 squares in each…
There are a lot of commercially made pattern block task cards. For the primary grades, this is a great time saver. But what about getting our upper elementary students to make their own cards…ones that can be used with the entire class. Kids love it when they’re given opportunities to be creative. And since learning increases the more engaged students become in what they’re doing, it’s a win/win. Using pattern block triangle paper (link below), have students make a design…