I love Wednesdays because it is hump day, my two older boys spend two hours at church and I can get some things done, and it is Ideas by Jivey's Workshop Wednesday linky party!
My math instruction usually includes some form of cooperative learning structure, however, this year's group often cannot handle the non-teacher directed activities. If I do use them they are normally whole-class and I am giving the directions the entire time. My students struggle with allowing another classmate give directions.
Today I did have my students work in pairs to review comparing decimals and to introduce ordering decimals. I am very fortunate to have inherited math games and manipulatives from our Media Specialist; she left the classroom several years ago to become our librarian. She used to teach fourth grade and passed down her box of fraction, decimals, multiplication, division, and measurement games. Fortunately for me she is a bit OCD and every set of cards or game is color coded and organized.
The games and cards are from old Mailbox magazines and other teaching resources. The picture above shows the ones we used today.
To review comparing decimals students played "Decimal War". Some really got into it and were slapping down cards as fast as they could. Others needed a quick lesson on how to play "War", kids these days :)
We used another set of cards to order decimals least to greatest. There were some good discussions and reasoning going on in some of the pairs.
Next, year I will not have this type of cluster class and I am looking forward to trying out a form of Math Workshop. I would like to have centers where students are engaged in a spiral review throughout the year.
Don't forget to stop by on Sunday for my 24 Hour FREEBIE Giveaway to celebrate my 200 followers!
Thanks for linking these up! I love the color coded OCD-ness. I am that way too!
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ideas by jivey
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I love the different variations! :) We play addition war...but what an easy idea to have kids order numbers from least to greatest with these same cards. I love it and I think my kids would think it was a fun challenge! Thanks for the idea! :)
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Learning to the Core
I am color coded OCD when I print my stuff too. I am also planning on trying out math workshop next year. I've started gathering and coping items to help me as I plan this summer. I look forward to hearing what you are doing in math next year.
ReplyDeleteHunter's Tales from Teaching
That is great that the games are color coded. It is sad when kids don't know how to play basic games like "War". It will be great if you can teach math the way you envision it next year.
ReplyDeleteI love these cards! I probably need to make some...maybe this summer!! And mine will be color coded too. I may be a little OCD myself...maybe...
ReplyDeleteAmanda
Collaboration Cuties
I love your color coded cards...I am one who files her construction paper! I think color coded cards make life easier! I am your newest follower and I am new to the blogging world. I would be honored if you would follow me.
ReplyDeleteRosie
Rosie's Rambles
Color coding the games is an awesome idea. I have just learned two new things for my classroom.... having students place the cards in order and playing decimal war. I will have to make some cards this summer. Thank you for sharing.
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