BREAK UP YOUR MATH BLOCK - WHOLE CLASS GAMES

Over the years, my math block has grown considerably.  While I think this is a totally valid and necessary maneuver, it has made for a gigantic math stretch. This change, combined with our new-ish Common Core math program, is not all that conducive to long-term learning (IMO). Let's be honest here . . . my particular curriculum's lecture-style format and pixellated black and white graphics doesn't give kids the opportunity to really "experience" math.  And, it makes the math block feel like it's twice as long.  (((SIGH)))  With this said, I quickly adjusted my style after the curriculum adoption in an effort to combat this issue. I have always added various math elements and games to my daily line-up. However, I have had to get a bit crafty as of late when it comes to creating meaningful math instruction that is engaging, standards-based, and fun for kids.  

Now, I am not saying to toss out your curriculum.  Admin would TOSS US out on our ears.  However, I am saying that while we add our own spin the the "Kool-Aide" that we must drink, tossing in some fun supplemental activities can be just the ticket to breaking up our math blocks.  I know what you are thinking, "Come on, Dolling.  We already do this in our small group math rotations."  I love me small groups and we do this too.  But, wait . . . that's not my topic today. Have you thought about a DAILY whole class game as well? I'm talking a quick in and out activity that creates a healthy buzz in the room, while tackling a related standard.  There is just something about a whole group ditty that generates a whole new level of excitement and learning.

On that note, I can't have you listen to me preach about this topic and not give you a couple of things to try!  Below I have outlined three kid-tested games that absolutely delighted my first grade crews.  All of the activities are low-prep, require less than 15 minutes of your day, and generate oodles of giggles.  

COUNTING RACES

This one came to me the other day as I was trying figure out ways to squeak in more skip counting activites. I also love me a good team game . . . nothin' gets me grinnin' like seeing kids working together.  Needless to say, this is how COUNTING RACES came to be.

**Before I begin, this game can be used for COUNTLESS activities - counting on from any number, fact families, same sum, greater than/less than, alphabet, word families, etc. (I am going to explain this in skip counting terms, but you will get the idea and can morph it into whatever standard you wish to target.)**

All you need is some adding machine tape, markers, some tape, and a little frontloading.  Decide how many teams you want (I used groups of 3-4). However, this game can be played in pairs or in two large teams.  Next, come up with a standards-based task and cut lengths of adding machine tape that are conducive to the objective (each team will need one strip).  Be sure to target the teamwork aspect before you launch into the game.  A little "working together" and good sportsmanship talk was all my crew needed to have a flawless experience with this one.  

Once your kiddos have been placed into teams, tape one of the strips of adding machine tape to your floor in front of each group.  Have the kids determine an "order" and give Teammate One a marker.  On your signal, call out a counting task (skip count by 10s, skip count backward by 5s, start counting from the number 86, etc).  Teammate One writes the first number in the series and passes the pen.  Teammate Two writes the next number in the series.  Play continues until all the teams have finished the counting task!  

Have tape leftover?  Don't waste it!!!  Play again.  Have your kids draw a line and give them a new counting task.  (See the photo above . . . tens and then fives, baby!)

This was one of the best ideas I have pulled out of my bum in a while.  The kids beg to play and it comes out about once a week in the afternoon when I notice they need a little break. Little do they know that their perceived "break" is jam-packed with learning and team building.  {{{{FIST PUMP}}}}

DOUBLE THE SNOWFLAKES

Raise your hand if you have heard of Kim Sutton?  She is the math mastermind behind the company Creative Mathematics.  Her ideas are nothing short of genius and they always make for a wonderful transition into, out of, or during your math block!  

Kim's math books are absolutely wonderful . . . Drills that Thrill, Place Value with Pizzaz, and Dazzling Dominoes are just a few of my favorites.  They offer up so many amazing supplemental opportunities that never disappoint both students and teachers.  However, she also offers up lots of fun FREE games on her site that are so worth grabbing.  

Case in point . . . DOUBLE THE SNOWFLAKES.  This game is a new freebie on her Web site.  It's brilliant and my babes were absolutely beside themselves yesterday as we played this one.  You know you have a winner when you hear at least three children spout out, "Mrs. Dolling, I LOOOOOVE this game!"

I chose to play this one whole class as a transition out of our daily word problem warm up.  It proved to be just the ticket before jumping into the introduction of a new standard.  I modeled it under the document camera and we were good to go.  The kids enjoyed the "bumping" element the most (you know, that moment when a player gets an answer that is already covered and they boot their friend off of the board.) My darlin' cuties were such good sports and the giggles were absolutely contagious. (Love the corner photo showcasing the emotions involved with a "bump." Don't worry . . . the little one in front got her back . . . hehehehe.)  

The thing I loved most about this game is that it worked on basic fact fluency to 12 and DOUBLES!  Yep. The kids roll the dice, add them, and then DOUBLE IT! This hits two birds with one LARGE stone when it comes to first grade. We definitely will be playing this one off and on throughout winter as it delights students and helps kiddos make connections with those addition facts.  

BUT WAIT . . . is addition too easy for you?  This free game can be used for multiplication too.  I told you it was worth a look-see :) CLICK HERE to read all about this fun freebie from Kim Sutton's Creative Mathematics. **Fill out the form . . . it's so worth it for the goods you have access too.  I promise she won't spam you with oodles of dumb emails :)*** 

PLACE VALUE BINGO

Santa was kind enough to bless me with a bingo set last year.  Let's just say that "Santa" was a retired teacher in a previous life ;)  Anyway, I finally pulled it out this year.  When I was thinking about tossing it into the mix, I didn't want to just play bingo with my firsties (although it is a great number recognition ditty). So, I thought outside of the box and decided to pose questions about the numbers I called instead of giving them outright.  For example, I would ask . . . "Put your finger on the O column.  Find a number with 6 tens and 2 ones."  Or, I would ask, "Find a number in the I row that has a 4 in the tens column and the sum of its digits is 6." In the B row, I had to break away from PV and I would ask addition questions.  It would go a little somethin' like this, "When you add 6 and 4, this number is the sum."

After calling out the question, you can easily see who "gets" what you are dishing. It's a super informal assessment for sure :)  When we play, I give them a few minutes to process before writing it on a white board under our doc cam. This gave those kids who are still struggling with number sense the opportunity to locate the number.  

Let's just say that this one was an absolute winner and they beg to play it.  It is perfect for those LONG rainy days where they have been trapped inside for the bulk of the day.  The best part is that you only need a bingo game and some chips to play. #easypeasy

Alright, there you have it. A couple fun standards-based games that work oh so well when it comes to breaking up that math block . . . especially in a whole class setting.  Give one of these a try this week or pull out one of your beloved math games and give it a go whole group. The vibe is awesome :) 

Interested in more of math ideas?  CLICK HERE to check out more out of the box ideas from little ol' me :)

 

Thanks for popping in for a little visit today.  I will be back soon with a little somethin' - somethin' :)