Using Math Manipulatives: SUM BLOCKS

Hi everyone!

Math manipulatives bring abstract concepts to life for students in the elementary classroom. They have tremendous benefits and should be incorporated into every lesson, whether that is a model or a hands on experience for your learners. Sum blocks are something I recently purchased for my daughter and I am already obsessed and can definitely picture them being used in multi-aged classrooms.

Basically, they are wooden blocks. They are shaped like numbers, 1-10. The numbers are sized according to their value. For example, a ten block is equivalent to a seven block and a three block stacked on top of each other. Get it? Perfect for those kiddos learning what adds up to ten! Additionally, I noticed right away, coming from teaching second, third, and fourth graders, that these block will perfectly demonstrate multiplication and division. Use them for repeated addition! Three 3s are equivalent to a nine block! 3 x 3 = 9 and 3 + 3 + 3 = 9! Amazing. I just love giving kiddos that visual representation of tough concepts. No more simply memorizing and relying on skill and drill. Give the kids a picture in their mind and teach for deeper understanding.

But that's not all. These blocks come with challenge cards to incorporate into your math station rotations, or even STEAM or STEM times during your school day. Heck, the kids will want to use them at recess - they're that cool.

So, go check them out. I got them on Amazon. They are pricy when you think about how they are just wooden blocks. But they will be useful for years.

Classroom Fairy Door

This little door from Amazon has worked wonders in my classroom for behavior management! My little third graders really believe that there is a fairy living on the other side of the door. They think that diary brings them clean desk notes and treats, messy desk reminders to clean up, and little rhyming notes for fun in their mailboxes!

The coolest part about the fairy door was the WRITING it inspired. My kids write stories about the purple door and what is behind it. They write mysteries, fictional fantasy stories, and riddles. It has been INSPIRING! And a ton of fun for me to sprinkle glitter on the floor every once in a while. :)

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Classroom-Fairy-Starter-Pack-2938546

Secret Agents Day

Last year we had so much fun transforming our second grade classroom. I used white string and went crazy taping it all over to make the lasers. I bought black lights from Party City on sale. Each child had "spy" glasses. I also printed secret agents badges and put them on string to make necklaces. I had four tasks throughout the day, each in a manila envelope. The tasks in second grade focused on each subject area. We had a close reading, Oregon Trail writing, math activities, and synonyms/antonyms. 

This year I plan on doing four tasks ALL ABOUT AREA. My third graders have been struggling with area so I created four tasks to practice this skill before our state assessments. It's going to be a lot of fun!

WE HAD A BLAST LAST YEAR! 

And I am so excited to bring this to my third grade class this year.

Check out the product on TpT if you're interested:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Secret-Agents-Day-AREA-2989107

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Secret-Agents-2350119

Math Modules: Incorporating Written Expression

I know what you're thinking...like we need any additional work to do during the math block, right? Well, I use a center system and teach math in two small groups, so I actually DO need to create activities for my kiddos to complete independently while I'm teaching a small group math. I have the usual goodies - Everyday Math games that I still love, websites that make math fun, worksheets that focus on skills requiring practice, file folder games, frog games, etc. Anyway, each kiddo has a center folder with activities to work on while I teach a group. SUPER easy differentiation.

So, I was thinking, these modules are totally sweet in lots of ways. I'm not being sarcastic. I actually really like elements of the modules. My school is pretty cool in that we are adapting the modules, not adopting, so I have some freedom to do what I need to do, supplement as necessary, etc. I decided that the modules were lacking the extended explanation. I mean, that will get to the core; do these kids really UNDERSTAND? Next came my mini-books!

I created a mini book for each module in fourth grade. They have 13-17 questions, all fairly lengthy, and each question has a written response to go along with it. Sometimes it is simple, like, "Explain how you solved this problem." Other times it asks the kids to apply the strategies used in that problem to other areas of life. (Ah, generalizing. Transferring knowledge can be a trickster for kiddos under the age of 10.) Anyway, the mini books have a rubric for grading, hints for solving word problems, and a cutesy little cover page. I started creating them for third grade, too. For my lowest fourth grade lovelies, it turns out that fourth grade skills are not always independent, and that's what I'm after - getting these kids independently thinking.

Here's the link for the Math Module Mini-Books at my TPT store:

Teachers Pay Teachers

Here are some other SUPER math link:

Mr. Nussbuam
XtraMath
Sumdog
Scootpad