Today's (Fri Oct 14) math went really well. Some good reminders for me for learning with 9 and 10 year olds. We started by all making our own place value odometers. A fair bit of scissor work, good to provide opportunities for them to keep these skills sharp. The youthful exuberance of cutting and following the directions to make sure theirs turned out created great energy in the room. Fast finishers helped slower students, really positive friendly interactions. Once done teacher led (TL) 3 column chart on the board, Ss followed along copied into notebook (a common element, slowly completed helps keep them together, allows all to be successful). Intro a dice give Ss turns rolling to create a 4 digit number: multiple challenges opportunities completed with the number: create the biggest number, the smallest, one in between, had students up in front of class in group of four holding number cards and arranging themselves accordingly (I am the ones, tens, etc). to build four digit number. Had another student build the number using manipulatives in the middle of the room where all could see them then had 4 more students represent each place value hold the manipulatives up,etc. TL record the number on the board in column one standard form, have all students make the number on their place value odometer, invite one student up to show, have all students check read out the number to their elbow partner. Record the same number in column 2 expanded form/relate numbers to groups on odometer, have student read number out write word form in column 3, have Ss copy in their books. Repeat process with 2 more 4 digit numbers, then a five digit number (switched from dice to pick a number between 0-9 randomly throughout the room helps keep them all on their toes-used name sticks for some of this). Repeated process with 6 digit number, and 7 digit introducing millions (Gr5 concept). Concluding activity was a partner (I quickly partnered while distributing dice) dice game modelled between me and P (one of 4 students identified for "Lens" project). Take turns rolling die decide where to place digit on place value odometer to build biggest number, win the round score a point, race to 5 points. Ss had fun playing the game and really demonstrated solid understanding of the concept.
2 at risk Ss, C and N struggled getting going, can't find scissors, making mistakes, etc. removed barriers, lent them scissors, partners with a stronger student, had them copy their partner. Both ended up being successful, N had more smiles than have seen in a long time, doesn't seem happy most of the time. C, enjoyed was more engaged but not sure if he really understands the concept well will have to follow up check for understanding one on one next class with him.
Lessons for me: when possible make it hands on/keep them busy with things they can experience success with, they want to be busy, short instructions, more action, single step at a time, must keep a strong element of structure to keep whole group moving in desired direction together (too much freedom can lead to being lost/struggles), keep it fun try to include low risk high reward games whenever possible, make use of student leaders/partnerships to help each other beneficial to the Ss and me.
Challenge is to create a similar lesson/learning environment for LA lesson, thinking about how to do.
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