Diffy

I was looking at the NLVM site and came across the game: Diffy.

The name stood out and I thought to give it a try.

Diffy is an interesting puzzle involving the differences of given numbers using whole numbers, fractions, intergers, decimals and money. This is a great problem sovling activity for all.

I tried the whole numbers. You first start with 4 problems on the outside of the puzzle and work you way in. Its a great way to challenge your students in addition and subtraction.

Below is the problem I was presented to solve: (the numbers in the middle was blank and I had to solve the missing number.

Here is an example of a problem. What do you think are the answers?

Virtual Math Manipulatives - Base Blocks

Base blocks was a perfect way to review this weeks Math objective: count/use objects to show 6, 7, 8 or 9.

First I modeled to my students how to use the virtual manipulatives. I explained the value of the ones and tens columns (because this is a new concept). The teacher can dictate different numbers for students to represent using the base blocks or students can work independently on computers by clicking "Show a problem".

For a kindergarten level if you clicked Show a problem the direction stated: Use blocks to show 3. Use blocks to show 5. This was a nice way for me to review our topic of numbers 6 - 10. I asked my students to use blocks to show me numbers 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10. When I asked a student to show 10; they went up to the smartboard and clicked ten ones. The virtual manipulatives did not correct to show one 1 tens = 10 ones. When the child I was done I said that is one way and then modeled again the tens column.

This is also a great way to introduce addition or subtraction. If you add one more block how many are there? Now take away two how many are left? I plan to use the base blocks again when we get to addition and subtraction.

Virtual Manipulative Game - Geoboard

My students LOVED playing Geoboard!

This was a great game to play with my class to review shapes and colors.

Directions consisted of the following steps: Coloring Triangles and Squares
Color the inside of each triangle green. Color the squares yellow.

To play the game a child had to click on the shape then click the appropriate color.

This was a great way to practice two step directions, waiting in a group, using the smart board, identifying shapes and colors. Along with motor skills.

This was a very basic and easy game for my students to use. However unlike other games there were no directions or feedback "nice job" "wow" or any kind of reinforcement. This is something I would like to see added to this game.

When we were done with the directions given I cleared the board and had student come up to the board and try to create their own shapes and pictures. This was great to watch!

Lesson Plan: Color Tiles

Objective: Students will use objects to count to 6 and 7; make 6 and 7 using color tiles (show two parts)

Materials:

• Crayons
• Color Tiles
• Paper
• Pencil
• Smart Board

Procedure:

• Review numbers 6 and 7.
• Hold up an index card students will use color tiles to show that number.
• Model to students on the Smart Board how to make 6 and 7 in two parts.
• Break up into 3 groups.
• Group 1: Workmats
• Group 2: On Computer watching Interactive Learning Video: Making 6 & 7
• Group 3: Hands on work with color tiles

Assessments:

• Workmats
• Teacher observation
• Data Collection

Exploration with Color Tiles

Today, Tuesday March 2nd

I decided to take out the color tiles and let my students explore. I placed them on the table after lunch. My students had a blast! They immediately began forming patterns. They showed pride in their work and were eager for me to take photos of their work! :)

Private Universe Project in Mathematics 3

Workshop 3: Inventing Notations

"In mathematics, how do we make visible an idea"... this is important for teachers to realize. Students at all ages are unique; they all have a way of preceiving a problem. As a teacher we must keep this idea in mind and try to realize how our students go about a problem/their thought process. "The teacher in a sense has to become a learner."

As a teacher of children with special needs I try to visualize the best way to break up a problem for my students. I try to visualize methods my students will use to make a connection. I often use connection to real world situations to help them apply their knowledge. My students benefit from pictures. Just like mathematics we use manipulatives and symbols.

In the video it mentions, "there are limitations on what a teacher can do, given classroom time". This is true. I have observed in the faculty room many teachers discuss standards and testing. I believe many teachers get lost in these requirements and only test to the test; they forget to make learning fun. I feel these workshop video demonstrate how learning can be educational, motivating and enjoyable. In each problem the students are communicating with eachother, learning, have a different thought process - that they can teach to their classmates and not bored!