Making rectangular arrays with tiles is a great visual way to have students understand multiplication as repeated addition. And since we’re making arrays anyway, why not tie in square numbers. A square number is: 1) A number that can be expressed as the product of the same two numbers. 2) The product of a number multiplied by itself. When making rectangluar arrays, square nuumbers (1, 4, 9, 16…) always make a square. Besides, there are some very neat patterns that…
Super simple, and super fun. Great way to introduce bilateral/mirror symmetry. I usually do this with fourth graders but I think third graders could probably do it, too. CCSS: 4.G.3
Recent research points to a students’ early understanding of fractions as critical for later success in mathematics. We need to give our students plenty of hands-on experiences with fraction concepts along with meaningful dialogue about what they are learning. The photo above is an example of developing the idea that fractional parts of a whole unit need to be equal in size. If you feel the colors of the pom poms will get in the way of learning, supply students…
Here’s a great way to help establish a positive classroom environment…a Positive Remarks box. I made this box many, many years ago out of an old shoebox which I decorated with construction paper and stickers. I then told my fourth grade students to be on the lookout for positive things their classmates did. When they saw one, they could write it on a little slip of paper and put it in the Positive Remarks box. To make it easy for…
Here’s a fun game I’ve played with kindergatners and first graders. It’s a twist on the Memory game where two cards are turned over and, if it’s a match, the cards go to that player. The one at the end with most cards is the winner. There are two ways I’ve played it. The first way is to have students match the total number of dots of both cards. The second way is to have students match a numeral card…