Kids who have a strong number sense can compose and decompose numbers, make reasonable estimates, and use numbers in flexible ways. Here’s a great example. (Aligns to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics: Mathematical Practices – Look for and make use of structures.)
This is a super easy, super fun activity where students discover the interior angle measurements of different polygons. I start with the triangle (see photo) and then have them work in groups to prove other interior angle measurements. Collaboration and communication in the math classroom is so important and this is an easy way to do it. Teams can then do a 1-2 minute presentation which helps develop their public speaking skills. CCSS: 4.MD.5; 4.MD.5; 4.MD.7
I love M.C. Escher! I have a whole book on his work and love to share it with my students when we’re studying angle measurement. That’s because we’re going to tie math and art together through modifying polygons similar to how M.C. Escher did it in some of his paintings. It’s all about tessellating shapes and angles. Using pattern blocks, I show students how shapes tessellate. See photo below. Then, I have students determine the angle measurement of each of…
I absolutely love the sound of a Family Math Night event! There’s nothing like a room full of kids, parents, grandparents, teachers, brothers, sisters…all having fun communicating about math. This short video will give you a flavor for what I’m talking about: .
The Nifty Numbers™ theme is filled with fun and engaging activities that get kids to think about and make sense of numbers. There’s nothing like seeing and hearing families get excited about math during a fmily math night event! (Designed for Grades K-5) .