We have been working hard on word problems in math and using our thinking patterns (Some-Some More, Some- Some Went Away and all the organizers that go along with those) to help us solve. I love that our district supports and encourages us to teach about thinking patterns. I did not learn this way of solving math problems when I was a kid, and always had trouble with math. We simply learned to memorize facts. I want my students to have many many more options when working on math!
Well, I finally got around to making some mini posters as reminders for the kids as they practice trying out thinking patterns and for using the tried and true CUBES strategy as a way of getting through a word problem. C- circle the numbers, U-underline the question, B-box the key words, E- eliminate unneeded information, S- Select thinking pattern and Solve. Today we got out the life size replicas of CUBES (you know how much I love a life sized math activity!) and the kids got small snap cubes. I decided to make them in certain colors,(Kids gotta have those rainbow colors!) and have the kids follow what the cubes said using that color marker. It really helped in organizing our thinking!
Here are some pics!
After going through the word problem together, the kids were able to practice using their CUBES and thinking patterns on some other stories. Here are a few pics of some of the Thinking Pattern Mini Posters. the entire packet includes 15 different posters.
And a pic of the CUBES mini poster:
If you think you might be able to use these, I am sharing the printable download.
I hope my kids learn to love math! I know I am going to do my best to help them!
Til next time!
Thanks for stopping by for a peek!!
Take a second a leave a comment. Am I on the right track with this whole blogging thing? Do you want to see something different? Less of some things, more of other things? I am here to help and share!!
Joyfully!
Nancy
