Parts of a Set

To practice parts of a set, each student filled a cup with a random number of two-color counters. They then shook the cup and let the counters land on a random color. This is similar to the game "Shake Those Beans." After spilling the counters, the students counted how many total counters they had. They then counted what part was red and what part was yellow. They then created a four-part foldable to illustrate their findings. After illustrating, they labeled the pictures with statements such as "4 out of 7 are red." and "3 out of 7 are yellow." We talked about the total number staying the same and the first two numbers, the parts, adding up to equal the total amount.

Math Tubbing

This six weeks I introduced Math Tubbing to the students. Math Tubbing is like Literacy Stations but with math content. Instead of going to a station, the students get a container filled with content-specific materials (games, books, manipulatives, etc.) that they can work on independently or in small groups. While the students are working on previously taught concepts, I work with small groups in Guided Math. In Guided Math we focus on the specific areas that individual students struggle in. The Math Tubs that the students are using right now include Number Recognition, Place Value, Graphing, Addition/Subtraction Operations, Shapes, Fractions, and Patterns. Students also have the opportunity to use our online computer program, First In Math. Below are some pictures of the students working with Math Tubs.

First in Math

Our school is utilizing a new online math program this year in all grade levels. The site, First in Math, allows students to practice math facts and concepts in a game format. Each student has a unique username and password. I sent home the usernames and passwords for each student last week; please feel free to contact me if you need it again. We will be using First in Math each week during our computer lab time as well as during our math workshops. You can help by having your child practice at home as well. Each day we will check our status to see who the "player of the day" is and that student will get to wear the First in Math necklace of honor. At the end of the week, I will check to see who the "top player of the week" is to be recognized at Pride Rally.