Math Specialist Update
What's Happening in Your Math Class?
Which One Doesn't Belong?
Are you looking for a great way to engage your students to begin math class? Which One Doesn't Belong is a fun and engaging warm-up activity that sparks student creativity and critical thinking. In this activity students observe and reflect upon a graphic displaying four images. They then apply their mathematical and reasoning skills to decide which of the four items does not belong and also justify why their choice is valid. There is not a single correct answer and the images are designed to be interpreted in a variety of ways in order to spark deep mathematical discussion in small groups, whole class, or both.
Which One Doesn't Belong (WODB) activities can be used for all grade levels and topics. The graphics can be topic/lesson specific or more broad and open-ended. The idea is to spark enough student thinking, interest, and curiosity at the beginning of your lesson to last the entire class.
The three links below have many graphics to get you started with this activity. A google image search or a search on Pinterest will give you many additional graphics for WODB. If you would like more information about this activity or if you would like me to model the activity with your class, just let me know.
YouCubed
YouCubed is a great resource for all math teachers. There are many articles with current math practices, videos, online courses for teachers, resources for parents and students, tasks, and much more. The tasks are engaging for students. Some of my favorite tasks on YouCubed are the Low Floor High Ceiling tasks which meet the varying needs of the students in a classroom. Most of the tasks require very little prep work and could be implemented into your classroom today.
Math Family Night
Just a reminder that Math Family Night is around the corner, Thursday, October 11. Free food will be served from 5:00 - 6:30 and the math booths will be open from 5:30 - 7:00. Thanks to the many volunteers, this is a going to be a fun night for our students and families. Flyers will be sent home this week. If you could help promote this night with your students, that would be great.
Contact Information
Email: sklocke@washburn.k12.wi.us
Website: washburn.k12.wi.us
Phone: (715) 373-6199
Twitter: @KlockeSarah