Did you know that when we can visualize a math problem, whether through the use of manipulatives such as linking cubes, OR just in our minds, we can access effective problem solving techniques?!
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| Using PENTOMINOES to find the largest area for our Llama! |
It is really important that students learn to visualize problems in order to find a variety of paths to available solutions.
This is why this week, our students really focused on HOW to use manipulatives effectively. We worked on developing our spatial sense so that we are ready to tackle open-ended, real-world math problems throughout the year.
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| CUBE WAR (top) - How many different figures can be made with 4 and 6 cubes? TOWER SUDOKU (bottom) - Each day the students challenged themselves with more challenging problems. WAY TO GO! |
We want to make sure our students are able to take problem-solving skills discovered in class, and apply them to problems they come across in all areas of life. Some of these problems might include finding the best way to save and invest money when considering interest rates, choosing weather to buy the value pack of cereal over two smaller individual boxes, or calculating how much to tip.
The second area of focus for this past week was on PERSEVERANCE! Students are learning to recognize when they are frustrated and stuck on a problem, and how this affects their efforts. Students are learning that when they persevere and become resourceful despite their feelings of being stuck, they eventually lead themselves to succeed.It is important to remember that perseverance DOESN'T just mean KEEP DOING WHAT YOU'RE DOING AND DON'T GIVE UP.
It DOES mean, try a NEW strategy. Find a NEW connection between what you have done in the past and what you are doing now. ASK for help.
The grade 6/7s have demonstrated an openness to learning and persevering. We will continue to work and reflect on our perseverance, as well as our spatial sense.
Please stay tuned for our first MATH NEWSLETTER.
