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While I would love to say I created this concept, I have not (but I can't remember where it came from!). However, this year, they are really emphasizing students learn their math facts and have them "fluent" (as I tell my students, it's like sight words - you look at it and just KNOW).
Hmmm...you're probably saying. Our school does that already - why does her school seem so far behind? Well (sigh), it all stems from the fact that my district has whole-heartedly embraced Investigations. Don't get me wrong - the program has its merits, but according to the program, "fluency" is where students are fluent with strategies to get to the right answer. Yes, I do agree that students should be presented with a variety of ways to solve a problem. I still get flashbacks of long division and third grade! I never liked the "my way or the highway" way of thinking.
Only, it doesn't help the students learn their facts so that their able to recall them quickly. Yes, repetition and playing games does, but there's something to be said for good ol' fashioned practice! My poor son is struggling with middle school math because although he has the strategies, he does not have the fluency! We often have a multiplication chart sitting next to us during homework!
So, after introducing my students to related facts, we began using triangle fact cards.
I wanted to make this fun for my kiddos. They really do struggle with math. So, I searched my clipart and gave them choices. We now have versions with Xmen, Star Wars, zoo animals, penguins, community helpers (firemen, police, etc.), Transformers, fairy tale, etc. It was a little time consuming, but the end results was great! It motivated the kids to start practicing their facts at home and I also put an Alice in Wonderland themed one in our BUILD Centers. You can find these in my teacher stores, if you're interested! I also have a blank template as well (no characters).
I also found an app on the iPod called "Motion Math: Hungry Fish." Now, I was gifted an iPod Touch via Donors Choose this year, and recently, received a grant from our PTA for 3 more (I'm just awaiting the Otterbox cases before they fall into my students' hands!). Players combine bubbles to add the number that's on the fish (for example, 1 and 2 make 3 to feed the "3" fish).
I also have Math Ninja and a few others. I have just downloaded the free versions, to see what I think would work best with my kids! Obviously the paid versions have more levels, but I want to see what my kids think first!
Do you have any apps or programs you use in the classroom that help with math fluency? Our school also just started Pearson's "Success Maker". Any suggestions are more than welcome! I've also started adding apps that really help my kids on my Pinterest page as well! Thanks for any suggestions! :)
Oh my - is it just me, or do I feel like every few weeks we're changing our calendar over??? I'm linking up with Farley for her November Currently (I think I missed October...that's how crazy time has been!!!). Sure, I'm trying to get work done here at school on my makeshift workday (schools are closed for Election Day....sooo nice! This is only our second year of doing this!), so what am I doing? Blog stalking. Yeah, I just slapped my hand. :)
I think most of this is self-explanatory :) I don't know what's wrong with me this year, but I've had the worst time with respiratory stuff! Every time I get in an exercise routine, it seems to happen, and trust me folks, I NEED TO EXERCISE! It's not just the pants anymore, it's also for stress. My assistant very nicely told me I have been "super grumpy" lately...and I'm usually not like that! The time factor is also when I seem to be running my kids to different activities. Granted, I am VERY happy that my son, especially, wants to be involved, but 4 out of 5 days, I'm either picking up or taking him somewhere. I'm glad the "season" is almost over!
Gosh, music. Classical, as soothing as it is, would put me to sleep! I like something with a beat, something the kids can sing along to. Kids Bop is perfect! It's current, upbeat, and I don't have to worry about screening lyrics! Believe it or not, my kids are more productive when it's on. They have to be quiet to hear it so the noise level goes down, which helps them focus more and stay on task. I don't care about singing (sometimes I've been known to sing as well) and let me tell you - a class of 2nd graders singing "My Heart's a Stereo" is precious! I also have on the shuffle (and yes, I set it to shuffle) Alvin and the Chipmunks and some songs from various albums that my kids have (Rio, Tangled, etc.). It adds a nice variety and the kids get excited to hear songs from movies/shows they know.
Hmm...maybe my "needing" should have been advice. If you've read this far, please see my previous post on Investigations. If you do this program, I need a little advice! Also, I am FREAKING OUT about math fluency. I am taking this course and have to admit, am laughing my head off disagreeing with the fluency factor. Investigations claims that by playing the games, students will be more fluent with their facts.
Hmm..well, if that was so, then why is one of our Correlates now in charge of a math fluency program we are implementing? Anyway, the way it reads, we do some things in the classroom, but it's basically left to the parents to help their children learn facts. I have some awesome parents. However, I have some very busy parents - ones that don't always have time/energy to sit down with the kids and go over facts. My son, in sixth grade, is suffering b/c he doesn't know his facts (he also has a processing deficit that is either ADHD or something else....they won't test b/c of the ADHD...but that's another post) with higher math.
Anyway, I created some triangle math flash cards for my kiddos to take home. While I know they could pop out to the dollar store and get some, these are more "personal" for my kids. I took some things they like (pirates, star wars, xmen, etc.) and created flash cards for them to use at home. Hence, no excuse AND I can keep a set in the room. I'm hoping that with the characters, they'll be more apt to study them. (It worked with place value!). I've posted them on my teacher stores but I won't plug them here...you can click on the link to the side to visit any of my stores. I do like the whole "triangle" concept and have used it for years (cutting index cards into triangles)....but even though it's cardstock, let me tell you, it'll save my wrists! I figure I'll have my kids pick what "character" they want and only print out that number. If they get lost, I can replace them.
If you've never heard of the triangle concept, it's basically a card with 3 numbers and the "+ -" signs in the middle. I like them because it also helps the kids realize...hey, 2+3=5 and 3+2=5 and 5-2=3 and 5-3=2....good ol' fact families!
Any other suggestions besides games and flash cards? Any magic fluency fairies out there????
Okay, so I am taking this online course about Math Investigations. I am soooo trying to stay positive. I am not a big fan of "scripted" courses. Granted, I feel that some teachers who are starting out, it can be a big help! However, being that I seem to always have a different set of learners each year, I feel that sometimes Investigations makes it a "one size fits all."
Don't get me wrong. There are some good things about the program. For those of you who have been following me for awhile, you know I am a big fan of students being able to explain their thinking, having different methods of finding solutions, and using manipulatives! Investigations does go along with that.
But there are things they are sorely lacking in their program. Not to mention, they only have second graders going to tens and ones places with Place Value (our standards go through hundreds and sometimes, I even approach the thousands, depending on my group!). There are a few other things I could nitpick, but I guess my question to you is this: Does your school use it? How do you implement it?
I force mine into small groups, which means I have "math workshop" everyday (sort of) with my BUILD centers. I pick and choose some activities and frankly, if it seems to complicated, I modify it or completely change it to something I've done before the program.
Do you send home the math games for your students and families to practice? How do your students do with math fluency? I realize part of the series emphasis on fluency is by gaming...but my kids simply aren't learning it that way.
If you don't use Investigations, is there another series you use? I've heard of "Singapore Math," but frankly, I have no idea what it's like. I think "Saxon Math" has fallen by the wayside, but maybe there are some out there that use it as well.
For now, I'm trying to be positive with my class. I am trying to get my answers without being too negative (and it's only been 2 sessions!). It's through Moodle, which is a new experience for me (I've previously used Blackboard).
Okay, well, on a happier note....I used Place Value War (Star Wars Edition) with my class and they absolutely LOVED it!!!! It's now been put into one of our BUILD centers and I have a feeling it might stay there awhile. Funny how a lot of my kids rooted for the "bad guys" to win!
So, that inspired me to make another game...this time to emphasize fact fluency since our school is emphasizing this right now with another program. It's one our correlate came up with, and it'll be interesting to see the results. We did a benchmark with the kids last week where they had facts flash up on a powerpoint for a few seconds before another came. Some of my kids did okay. Others just stared at the screen and said nothing. The whole time. I felt so bad for them!
So, since Star Wars motivated my kids to learn their ones, tens, and hundreds, I'm hoping maybe some more characters might help them with some of the facts I remember struggling with as a kid (like 9+6 and 8+7). So, here it is:
The students have to find the planet/city/bank robbery, etc. with the sum so they can find out where the superhero will save the day! I hope they like it! I figure I'll make a few more, with subtraction and other things we've learned, as soon as I find time. Nothing like having the kids give you their honest opinions!
If you're interested, you can click {here} for TpT and {here} for Teacher's Notebook (it's on sale at TN!). I'll let you know my students' reviews next week! :)
