Kibo

One of my students took Kibo home this past weekend!  This student met all the math objectives for the week.  Other students also deserved to take Kibo home for the weekend but, unfortunately, there is only one Kibo.  The students actually liked Kibo alot!  As soon as I placed Kibo on the student's desk about 5 other students immediately went over to the student's desk and hugged Kibo.  Wow!  Surprising to me! :)  Kibo, the flying math dragon, is looking forward to going home with another student for the weekend this coming Labor Day Weekend! 

Another important skill: Reflecting on Math Solutions

When elementary students have solved a math problem it is critical that they reflect on the steps they took to solve it. Allowing time for reflection in the classroom should not be viewed as "wasting time", but as an opportunity to make connections with the information or to innovate other ways to solve past, present or future math problems.  

Creative Word Problems by Students

To add some creativity to word problems, have students write their own math problems.  This could be a great small group activity (group of 3 or 4 students). Later, have them share their math creativity with their peers.


A. Have student come up with 2 or 3 words that have nothing in common.
B. Have student write a math problem using those words.

*Model those two steps before having students write their own word problems.

Example:
A.    dog    tomatoes

B. As the dog, Pirate, ran through the market, he took 7 tomatoes and 6 bananas from Mr. Smith's stand. Karla, the owner of the dog, stopped Pirate and took away 3 tomatoes and 5 bananas from him. How many tomatoes and bananas did Pirate eat?