Sunday, June 23, 2013

TEACHING THE COMMON CORE-Go Math or Math in Focus?

What are you using to teach the Common Core?  Two years ago we piloted Math in Focus. We found ourselves supplementing several different books (examples above).  Last year we piloted Go Math.  I am very impressed with Go Math because it supports the Common Core and was written after the Common Core came out.  It also has engaging concrete activities and I really like how the Common Core Standard is shown above each new lesson.  We used it more than we used Math in Focus and I am very happy with it.  I consistently refer to other resources; e.g., Primary Mathematics Calif Edition, Math in Focus, and Singapore Primary Mathematics for ideas to help me, as well as help my students gain a deeper understanding.  They have been great resources in helping me teach Concrete, Pictorial, and Abstract.

Thursday, June 6, 2013

SUBITIZING

Subitizing” is being able to instantly recognize the amount of objects without actually counting them. Much like the importance of being able to calculate estimates, subitizing is something that comes up in the every day lives of students.  One example of subitzing is counting the dots on the faces of dice: when you roll a six, chances are you don’t actually count out each of the dots. Rather, you have come to recognize the pattern of three rows of two as being equal to six. - See more at: http://mylearningspringboard.com/subitizing-as-an-important-math-skill/#sthash.aoaE2idd.dpuf
 Subitizing is the instant ability to recognize objects without counting them.  Subitizing is something that is done everyday in each of our lives.  One example of subitizing is when you roll a dice.  If you roll a six, do you count every dot or do you identify two rows of three?
Developing automaticity with addition and subtraction fact begins with subitizing.  It is very important that our k, 1, 2 students get a lot of practice at this skill.  Do your remember playing Yahtzee and having to add the dot dice?  You were subitizing. 


http://mylearningspringboard.com/subitizing-as-an-important-math-skill/
Games to practice Subitizing:


SUBITIZING FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT 

CAN YOUR STUDENTS SUBITIZE?
At the beginning of the year we even give our fifth grade students a quick subitizing quiz (shown below) to assess their ability to "see" numbers at a glance, without one-to-one counting.  It's amazing how many of our 5th graders struggle with subitizing!  
We use several different subitizing activities to help them build this foundational skill. One activity we use throughout the year is the "First to 100 Game."  We also use warm-up smartboard activities and have the games (above) in our classroom to again reinforce subitizing.

This 23 page assessment is available on Smartboard or Powerpoint.  You can purchase it on Teachers Pay Teachers for only $3.50.  


While “subitizing” may not be a well-known word, it is certainly an important mathematical skill.  “Subitizing” is being able to instantly recognize the amount of objects without actually counting them. Much like the importance of being able to calculate estimates, subitizing is something that comes up in the every day lives of students.  One example of subitzing is counting the dots on the faces of dice: when you roll a six, chances are you don’t actually count out each of the dots. Rather, you have come to recognize the pattern of three rows of two as being equal to six. - See more at: http://mylearningspringboard.com/subitizing-as-an-important-math-skill/#sthash.aoaE2idd.dpuf
While “subitizing” may not be a well-known word, it is certainly an important mathematical skill.  “Subitizing” is being able to instantly recognize the amount of objects without actually counting them. Much like the importance of being able to calculate estimates, subitizing is something that comes up in the every day lives of students.  One example of subitzing is counting the dots on the faces of dice: when you roll a six, chances are you don’t actually count out each of the dots. Rather, you have come to recognize the pattern of three rows of two as being equal to six. - See more at: http://mylearningspringboard.com/subitizing-as-an-important-math-skill/#sthash.aoaE2idd.dpuf

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