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Monday, September 2, 2013

Whack!


WHACK!


With the shift toward CCSS and the mathematical practices, what better way to incorporate them! In this gamified version, students WHACK the gopher over his head once they master the mathematical practices. Check out this great resource for Mathematical Practice "Look Fors." 




What does it mean?

  • Understand the meaning of the problem by looking for entry points to its solution
  • Analyze the information (givens, relationships, constraints, outcomes)
  • Design a plan  
  • Monitor and evaluate the plan and change course as necessary
  • Checks for understanding by asking "Does this make sense?"
  • Sticks with the problem - Does not give up easily.


How do I solve it?

  • Makes sense of quantities and relationships
  • Represent a problem symbolically
  • Considers the units involved
  • Understands and uses properties of operations
  • Considers many different strategies when deciding how to solve the problem


Application of strategies

  • Looks for patterns or structure
  • Uses models to solve problems
  • Looks for the big picture or overview
  • Knows and can select the appropriate tools for the problem (calculator, ruler, pencil/paper, concrete model, compass, protractor)
  • Notices repeated calculations and looks for general methods and shortcuts
  • Makes assumptions and estimations to make a problem simpler


Check for accuracy

  • Calculates accurately and efficiently
  • Labels accurately when measuring and graphing
  • Uses appropriate unit labels
  • Checks to see if an answer makes sense, and changes model/strategy when needed


Knowledge I used

  • Uses definitions and previously established causes/effects (results) in constructing explanations
  • Communicates answers by using appropriate mathematical vocabulary
  • States the meaning of symbols
  • Communicates and defends mathematical reasoning using objects, drawings, diagrams, actions
  • Decides if the answers of others make sense
  • Asks questions needed for clarifying and understanding



Wednesday, August 28, 2013

I GOPHER Math!

Starting out the school year, I will be helping teachers gamify their math instruction by using


 "I GOPHER math!"




Using a guided math approach, the stations for "GOPHER" will be...

1. Games

2. Observation (of the instruction in a different format)

3. Practice (via computer or paper)

4. Help (from the teacher - guided math groups) 

5. Explaining (students explain answers and evaluate the answers of others) 
      *Our district used Math Expressions and this would be the MATH TALK

6.  wRiting -
(students will be able to explain answers using numbers, pictures and words)

Posters for these stations can be found here!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Gamification Background



Gamification and education. I have been spending a lot of time studying the effects of gamification in a business setting this summer. Seems like many companies are jumping on the bandwagon by offering points to accumulate or coupons to collect. I have to admit that when we stop at Culver's on our way "up north," we collect the coupons off of the kids meals. For every ten meals you purchase, you get one free! Great incentive, especially when you have four kids. 

As an educator, I am a proponent of guided reading and guided math groups. Ten to fifteen minutes with small group instruction helps me zero in on individual student needs. Well, here goes my venture for the 2013-14 school year..."Gamification of my Guided Math Groups!