“There are two ways of being creative. One can sing and dance. Or one can create an environment in which singers and dancers flourish.” Warren G. Bennis
“I’m always thinking about creating. My future starts when I wake up every morning. Every day I find something creative to do with my life.” Miles Dewey Davis
The quotes above describe so many teachers I know who are being creative in their approaches to helping students truly understand mathematical concepts. Two of these creative people have graciously allowed me to share their original games with you.
The first two games were created by Kathryn and help students explore number sense in really creative ways.
One of the best things about these games is that they could be played at home with materials parents have available. Thanks, Kathryn!
The next game was developed by a 2nd grade teacher. She volunteered (I think she might have been drafted) to help her grade-level team by creating a game for fractions. Fraction Fun is engaging, meaningful, and FUN! Thanks, Margaret!
When I was working with Margaret’s team a few weeks ago, I determined to create several games that would help students at the primary level explore fractional parts of a set. If you can find a bag of buttons and some two-colored counters, I think this games will do the trick! (If you don’t have two-colored counters, then spray paint some large beans!)
Fractional parts of a set is a new indicator the primary-level mathematics classroom and I found just a few games to explore the concept. I loved the game created by Carol Goodrow called, “Jog, Tempo, Sprint!” [http://www.carolgoodrow.com/games/jogtemposprint.htm]. She took a math concept that is difficult to learn and incorporated it into a physical activity that is sure to get the attention of all of your students.
Sorry this blog was late in coming…my head was about to explode for most of the last 48 hours, but the sinus medicine finally kicked in and, with a box of tissues beside me, my Friday blog is finished.
Thanks, again, to the incredible teachers who were willing to share their work with us this week—YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE!!!
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” Benjamin Disraeli
Glenna,
After successfully implementing Tabor Rotation in a 3rd grade classroom, using the basal EDM, I want to explore using in K. We have a Mc Graw Hill Math series. What manipulatives or outside resource/theory books would you suggest to enhance my math instruction.
I have been trained in researched based reading strategies using the Response to Intervention model at my new school. I understand there is a movement to revamp Math in Elementary.
Could you also offer any researched based teacher resources or articles for professional growth?
Hi! I just thought I would leave a comment on how great Tabor Rotation is for Tier 1 in the RtI model. Several schools in our region in South Texas have embraced Tabor Rotation and are having great results. For the first time, many teachers are discovering how to differentiate their math stations to meet students’ needs. They are learning the importance of explicit modeling during whole group instruction and mini lessons so that students will understand completely how to work in stations. Most importantly, students are collaborating /huddling in the classroom like never before and talking about what they have learned that day. I appreciate how it has made teachers understand what Tier 1 in the RtI process is all about. Thanks!
WOW! Way to go South Texas!!! Thanks for letting us know the great work you are doing in Region 2, Molly!
Christy-Great to hear that Tabor Rotation made an impact in your 3rd grade classroom. With just a few modifications, the same impact will be made at the kindergarten level. You may want to use one of the Tabor Rotation Kindergarten Planning Guides that have been developed. I’m attaching it to the bottom of this blog.
I hope the RtI movement in mathematics continues!!! That means many more will join me on my mission to change the way mathematics is taught and learned in classrooms. See the comment from Molly below for more about Tabor Rotation as a tool for Tier 1.
Thanks for commenting!