Differentiated & hands-on Math

[Penguin222]

Hi!! I'm new to teaching first grade this year. My school is big on differentiated instruction. It's a "non-negotiable". I love the idea of differentiated instruction and have adapted quite well with my reading.

With math, however, I typically do whole group instruction :eek: and because they're learning to add and subtract they use counters all the time. I'm looking for some creative, innovative ways to have them work in groups doing hands-on activities. Does anybody have any ideas? We'll be learning subtraction, related addition/subtraction facts (fact families), finding sums through 12 by counting up 1 or 2 (i.e. 6 + 2. Count 2 more from 6), commutative properties of addition, using a number line to count forward and backward, and finally geometry.

I know that's a lot, but if you can give me something...ANYTHING....that would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks much!
Lisa

[mopar]

I have taught my students how to play a few simple math fact games (war, go fish, etc). I also use computer programs with my students to reinforce concepts or facts. Then I place my students into different groups and try to meet with two groups for the time I have usually 15-20 minutes a group.
Typical math day: I have four groups (one only has 2 students). One group plays some type of math game or center activity that was previously taught. A second group works on the computers for math facts or concepts. A third group works on independent activity (usually a worksheet or group word problems to apply the concepts that they have learned). The fourth group works with me on developing new concepts or working on old unmastered concepts. After 15/20 minutes, I switch groups.
Many times I will do a short mini-lesson on a topic with the students and then use groups to reinforce the topic with the students. For groups who are reading to move ahead, I may introduce larger numbers or more challenging word problems but I try to keep all groups working on the same concept.

[mopar]

Let's look at fact families.
You have four groups...one working on addition facts by playing a fact game. Another on a set of computers. The third group is working on an addition or subtraction worksheet with counters. The fourth group is the group that you work with on fact families. You have introduced the topic to the entire class and then you take small groups and focus in on where they are struggling. As students begin to master this, fact families can become part of the independent work station.
As one group begins to understand fact families, move them onto families with larger numbers or ask them to write word problems in two ways (one addition, one subtraction). This will allow other groups to get the practice that they need.

[chele]

How can I incorporate songs into my math activities? My 2nd graders last year felt math was too boring and asked for fun ways to learn math. How can I make it better this time around?

[mopar]

Try the website: www.songsforteaching.com/mathsongs

You do have to buy the songs if you want all the words and beats. However, many of the songs have most of their words posted so you can see some examples of them. A lot of the songs even have part of the song recorded to preview.

I know that there are some great raps for teaching facts. Try www.rocknlearn.com/html/math.htm

[busbus]

Try the website: www.songsforteaching.com/mathsongs

You do have to buy the songs if you want all the words and beats. However, many of the songs have most of their words posted so you can see some examples of them. A lot of the songs even have part of the song recorded to preview.

I know that there are some great raps for teaching facts. Try www.rocknlearn.com/html/math.htm

I found "songsforteaching" purely by accident early in this school year. Since finding it, I have informed my elementary grade teachers about it. I even subscribe to it and get new songs sent to me. I think that it is a good resource for teachers.

Now I have to check out the "rocknlearn" website that you mentioned. Thanks! ;)

[busbus]

Hi!! I'm new to teaching first grade this year. My school is big on differentiated instruction. It's a "non-negotiable". I love the idea of differentiated instruction and have adapted quite well with my reading.

With math, however, I typically do whole group instruction :eek: and because they're learning to add and subtract they use counters all the time. I'm looking for some creative, innovative ways to have them work in groups doing hands-on activities. Does anybody have any ideas? We'll be learning subtraction, related addition/subtraction facts (fact families), finding sums through 12 by counting up 1 or 2 (i.e. 6 + 2. Count 2 more from 6), commutative properties of addition, using a number line to count forward and backward, and finally geometry.

I know that's a lot, but if you can give me something...ANYTHING....that would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks much!
Lisa

You might want to investigate Dr. Kathie Nunley's Website for Teachers at http://help4teachers.com/

On this website, she discusses differentiated instruction through her trademark, "Layered Curriculum." She provides six steps to creating layered activities. In addition, you will find sample lessons on the topic. They are grouped according to school level, grade level and subject area.

I hope that this helps.

[jsfowler]

May I suggest 2 great books for differentiated instruction:
1. The Differentiated Classroom (Carol Tomlinson)
2. Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom (Carol Tonlinson)

In the first book, one section discusses elementary math specifically and highlights a teacher who has set up four math stations in her classroom - The Teacher Station, Proof Place, Practice Plaza, The Shop, and Project Place. Very informative!

I have also found that there are several children's books that relate to math concepts. Have different books at various reading levels and allow the children to read and perhaps complete an assignment based the books.