Making Thinking Visible - Math Edition

Our school has been reading and attending workshops on Making Thinking Visible.  (You can purchase the book here). The text written by Ron Ritchart, Mark Church, and Karin Morrison contains strategies, or as they refer to them - routines, for getting students to show their thinking.  When we know what and how the students are thinking about a topic, it helps us clarify misconceptions or expand on their current understanding.

Much of our work this year has centered around literacy.  I decided to step outside of my comfort zone, and try one of the strategies outlined in the text called, "See, Think, Wonder" during math.  I used this thinking routine as an opener for a math lesson on line plots.

This thinking routine involves projecting an image, then asking students to name what they see, what this makes them think, and anything they are now wondering.  You can do this aloud as a whole class by writing down their thoughts on chart paper as shown below, or having students complete this routine independently.  I chose to do this as a class because I wanted to see how the students thoughts would build off of each other.  Pictured is the chart that contains the student thinking based on the line plot.  Excuse the messy writing; I was trying to keep up with all of their thoughts!

It can be tricky for students to differentiate between what they see and think.  I often paraphrase what they're saying with, "Oh, so what you're thinking is that..."  Using this routine is a great way to introduce a new topic, and get students thinking about math conceptually.  We want our students to be doing the thinking, after all!

Enjoy!
-Hayley

Rounding on a Vertical Number Line

We're about to begin our rounding and estimating unit.  Our district utilizes the Eureka curriculum.  I created the reference sheet and worksheets to help my students practice rounding on the vertical number line.  It was a little daunting at first but actually makes more sense than just thinking about the good ole 0 to 4 rounds down and 5 to 9 rounds up.  This is a great strategy for visual learners.  I would recommend sending home the reference for parents and a support at home.

    

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Organizing the Classroom Library

We have been back at school getting ready for our new students to show up on Wednesday.  Summer sure did fly by after those seven snow-days were added on to the end of the school year!

One of my major projects this week was rethinking the leveled library in the third grade pull-out space.  Every general education classroom has an extensive library but I wanted to offer some lower level books for students who may not find what they're looking for at their "just right" level in their homeroom classes.  I was able to clear out a few shelves to make a mini leveled library that all students in third grade can access.  It's currently a work in progress, but here's an idea of how I'll be using the space.

This year, I discovered Townsend Press.  They offer a range of leveled books for just $1 each.  The books feature diverse characters and realistic school and home situations that all readers can relate to.

This morning I created book bin labels with clipart I found from Krista Wallden. She has lots of free clip art, fonts, and teaching resources on her TPT site.  My book bin labels include one label per A to Z level, a variety of topics, and all genres.  Snag them for FREE now!

Building Community in the Classroom

Building a strong community in the first month of school is so important to the success of your classroom.  When students feel part of a whole, they are more likely to be engaged in what they are learning.  Here are a few of my favorite community builders.  These have been successful with second and third graders but could be used for lower and higher grade levels.

1. Hula Hoop Challenge - As a class, stand in a large circle holding hands.  One pair will start with the hula hoop between their connected arms.  The goal is to pass the hula hoop around the circle as students continue climbing through.  Remember - you cannot let go of each other!  I like to stop after each round and have the students discuss what went well and what they will do differently next time to make the passing of the hula hoop faster.  The students love to keep track of time and try to beat their previous pace.   
2. Count to 10 - This community builder involves patience, self-control, and listening.  As a class, the goal is to be able to count to 10, or higher as an extension.  There is no planning, students need to say each number once, and only one student can say a number at a time.  If more than one student says a number, you start back at zero.  They get an absolute kick out of this and no materials are necessary!
3. Mirrors - This activity is for partners.  One student acts as a mirror while the other partner moves about.  The mirror must reflect their partner's actions as best as they can.  This is all about working well together!
4. Back to Back - This is another activity geared for partners.  Pair off students into groups that might not typically work together or socialize.  Have the students sit on the floor, back to back with their partners.  Their challenge is to stand up together without using their hands to push off the ground.  This requires a lot of talk about how to best work together to reach the goal.  
5. The Wind Blows - This community builder will require a little modeling.  Have the class stand in a large circle.  Start in the middle and say the phrase, "The wind blows anyone who..."  This is where things can get a little tricky.  Model picking ideas that will be common among the class.  For example, anyone who likes the color green, went on vacation this summer, prefers math over reading, etc.  After the person in the middle makes the statement, anyone for whom that rings true will need to find a new spot in the circle.  The last one to find a new spot becomes the person in the middle.  This gives students a chance to see commonalities among their classmates.  

I try to use at least two team building activities a week, especially in the first month.  These can easily be a part of morning meeting, or integrated at some point throughout the day for a little extra movement.