Estimation 180

In my math classes I am trying to build Number Sense by focusing on using Number Talks and Estimation 180.  I am just getting started with Number Talks, but we have done Estimation 180 quite a few times in class already.  Right now I have started from Day 1 on Estimation 180 and have worked our way through the days, so the students can use their prior knowledge to make their estimates.  In the future, I will probably try to be more strategic about the days that I pick.  However, I kind of like the fact that it doesn't necessarily go exactly with the lesson each day.  I feel like it gives us a chance to review or discuss other concepts in math that we may not be focusing on that day.  

For each day, we discuss estimates that are "Too High" and "Two Low," then we talk about their actual estimates and how they got to the estimates.  When we first started estimating, we had a discussion about "taking risks" with their responses.  I am happy to say my students really have been doing this, since initially I thought my students may not take risks with their estimates.

  I really enjoy having these low pressure conversations with my students.  It really lets me understand the way they think in math, and they really like doing it.  I have already noticed them trying to use other strategies another student may have used the day before.  I love that they are all sharing and trying new things.  This site has really brought a new dimension to my classroom!

Student's Feelings About Math

I took the challenge to survey my students about their feelings towards math.  My results were not too surprising, but I feel like my results are a little skewed since I surveyed my 3rd-5th gifted and talented math class.  Apparently, they don't think math is so bad, which makes my heart happy!!  Now we just have to get other students on board.  I feel that if we continue to talk about math as a learning and growing experience, and not about being right wrong or wrong, these feelings could change.

New Year in 5th Grade Math

Last year was my first year teaching TAG math, so I definitely needed to brush up on my middle school math.  That being said, I did not feel like I got off to the best start last year with teaching my 5th graders, but soon after that it was much better.  Our first unit is Rational Number Concepts.  This year I feel like I did a much better job setting this foundation for my 5th graders.  We started by discussing the different types of numbers and creating an organizer in their notebook, so they were able to see the different classifications and how a number could belong to more than one group.

To deepen the definitions, we did "Always, Sometimes, Never" by rolling dice to fill in the blanks with Rational, Natural, Whole, and Integers, and Irrational Numbers.  

Ex:  A(n) Integer is a(n) Natural Number.  

The discussion that came out of this activity really allowed me to see who truly understood the definitions of each group.

We then sorted several types of Real Numbers into an big organizer on the floor.  Again, it was great to see the teamwork and discussions as they discovered where the numbers belonged.

I feel like my students truly understand the different types of numbers, and I am already feeling much better about 5th grade math this year!!