Teacher tips- How we do math stations

The Rogers In Motion

25 Oct 201709:39

Summary

TLDRThe video offers a detailed explanation of how to teach math to children using various tools and hands-on activities. The instructor emphasizes flexibility, using methods like mental math, manipulatives, tally marks, and stations for different learning styles. Examples include threading activities, dice games, domino parking lots, and number building with beads. The teacher highlights the importance of making math interactive and accessible, tailoring methods to each child’s needs. Stations evolve throughout the year, gradually increasing in difficulty, with teachers providing additional support where needed.

Takeaways

😀 Math teaching approach involves using multiple tools: mental math, manipulatives, fingers, and markers.
🤓 Hands-on learning is key for math comprehension, allowing kids to touch and manipulate objects.
🧠 Students are encouraged to use different methods like tally marks, manipulatives, and counting mentally.
🔢 Stations are organized to engage kids in various math skills like threading, counting, and sequencing.
🧵 The threading station helps with hand-eye coordination and number recognition by matching numbers to manipulatives.
🎲 Foam dice are used in a quiet, controlled way to avoid distractions while practicing building numbers.
🏙️ 'Lola City' station teaches comparison through building and comparing towers using numbers.
📍 Students practice sequencing and filling in missing numbers using popsicle sticks and clips.
🔗 'Chain station' helps kids learn basic addition and subtraction by building visual chains with different colored links.
📏 Measurement station involves using Unifix cubes to measure objects and record their dimensions.

Q & A

What is the presenter's general approach to teaching math?
-The presenter emphasizes providing children with a variety of tools, such as mental math, manipulatives, tally marks, and physical objects, to accommodate different learning styles. The focus is on hands-on activities and flexibility in teaching methods.
How does the presenter teach children to add and subtract?
-The presenter teaches addition and subtraction using a combination of mental math, counting on fingers, tally marks, and manipulatives. For example, children might count numbers in their heads or use physical objects to visualize the process.
What are the benefits of using hands-on math stations in the classroom?
-Hands-on math stations help children understand mathematical concepts more concretely. By manipulating objects, they can better grasp abstract ideas, which improves their understanding of math in the long term.
How does the threading station help children learn math?
-The threading station involves children threading manipulatives onto a string based on a number card. This helps with hand-eye coordination and reinforces counting and number matching by making them physically represent numbers on the string.
What is the purpose of the 'Lola City' station?
-In the 'Lola City' station, children roll dice and build small cities by counting the number of objects corresponding to the dice roll. At the end, they compare the height of their 'cities' to determine who has more or fewer objects, reinforcing counting and comparison skills.
How does the popsicle stick activity help children with number sequencing?
-The popsicle stick activity helps children identify missing numbers in a sequence. They are given a partial sequence (e.g., 2, blank, 4, 5, 6) and must find the missing number (in this case, 3) to complete the sequence.
How does the 'Domino Parking Lot' station reinforce addition skills?
-In the 'Domino Parking Lot' station, children pick a domino, add the numbers on it, and then park the domino in the corresponding numbered spot. This helps them practice simple addition and number recognition.
What is the function of the 'chain' station in math practice?
-The 'chain' station is used for practicing both sequencing and addition. Children build chains of different colors based on numbers or solve simple math problems (e.g., 2 + 8) by creating visual representations of the numbers.
What do the kids learn from the 'Build a Tower' station?
-In the 'Build a Tower' station, children roll dice and build towers with blocks based on the number they roll. This teaches them to count, sequence, and practice fine motor skills while understanding number values.
How does the presenter differentiate the difficulty of the stations over time?
-The presenter adjusts the difficulty of the stations throughout the year. As children master a skill, more challenging activities are introduced, and simpler stations are phased out to ensure continuous learning and development.

Outlines

00:00

📐 Engaging Kids with Math Using Various Tools

The presenter shares their approach to teaching math to children using a variety of tools, such as manipulatives, tally marks, and mental math. They emphasize flexibility in teaching, adapting to children's needs by allowing them to use their fingers, mental math, or physical items like markers. The ultimate goal is to give children numerous tools to succeed in math. A major focus is placed on making math hands-on, which helps children understand mathematical concepts better in the long run.

05:01

🧵 Threading Station for Math and Fine Motor Skills

In this segment, the presenter introduces a threading station designed to improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Children thread beads onto a string based on number cards. For example, if a card displays the number two, they add two beads to the string. The challenge can be increased by using different numbers such as five or seven. The presenter encourages this hands-on activity to reinforce number recognition and counting.

🎲 Fun Math Game: Lola City Station

The presenter introduces a station called 'Lola City' where children build cities using blocks based on numbers rolled on a foam dice. Each child builds their own city, and the winner is determined by either having the tallest city or the one with the smallest size. A tip is given to keep dice quiet by using foam dice inside containers. This activity promotes counting, building, and comparison skills.

🔢 Missing Number Activity with Popsicle Sticks

This station focuses on helping children learn number sequences by finding missing numbers. Popsicle sticks are used, with numbers like '2, _, 4, 5, 6' written on them. Children are tasked with finding the correct number to complete the sequence, such as placing a '3' in the blank. This activity strengthens children's understanding of number order and logical reasoning.

🧮 Counting and Combination with Beaded Necklaces

Children use beaded necklaces, cut into groups of ten, five, three, and two, to form number combinations. For example, if they draw a cup labeled '7', they could combine beads in groups of five and two, or three, three, and one to make seven. This activity helps children learn different ways to combine numbers to reach a total, building a foundation for addition and subtraction.

🚗 Domino Parking Lot for Number Recognition

In this domino-based game, children park dominos in numbered parking lots from 0 to 12. They pick a domino, add its values (e.g., 6 + 3), and place it in the corresponding parking spot (e.g., number 9). The first person to park all their dominos wins. This station enhances both number recognition and addition skills.

🔗 Chain Station for Simple Math Problems

The chain station helps children practice simple addition and subtraction. They build chains with different colored links to represent math problems. For example, two links of one color plus eight links of another color would represent '2 + 8 = 10'. As children become more comfortable with these problems, they progress to more complex cards where they write the solution on a blank space using a whiteboard marker.

🔢 Sequencing Station with Chains

This station is designed for children who are not yet ready for addition and subtraction. They practice number sequencing by building chains in order, such as 4, 5, 6, or 1, 2, 3. The station helps reinforce their understanding of number order and sequencing without the pressure of solving math problems.

➕ Hands-On Addition with Colored Beads

Children are given a math problem, like '3 + 1', and they build the equation using beads of different colors. For instance, they would take three beads of one color and one bead of another color, then group them together to represent the total. This hands-on approach reinforces the concept of addition through tactile learning.

🏗️ Build a Tower Game with Dice

This station involves a tower-building game using dice. Children roll a dice and stack the corresponding number of blocks. For example, if they roll a six, they build a tower with six blocks. The game continues until a child builds all the towers on their page. This activity helps children practice counting and fine motor skills.

🎲 Enhanced Tower Game with Two Dice

A variation of the tower-building game uses two dice, where children roll and sum the numbers to build their towers. For example, rolling a '4' and '3' means they would build a tower with seven blocks. This version of the game increases the difficulty by introducing the concept of addition.

🁢 Domino Math with Giant Dominos

In this station, children use giant dominos to practice addition. For example, if a domino has four and two, they write it as '4 + 2 = 6'. The children then record their answers on a piece of paper. This activity helps them visualize and solve simple addition problems using a fun, game-based approach.

🧩 Sorting 2D Shapes and Real-Life Objects

In this bagged station, children sort real-life objects, such as houses and TVs, into categories based on their corresponding 2D shapes. This activity reinforces their understanding of shapes while also helping them make connections to the real world. Sorting activities like these are simple but effective in teaching geometry basics.

🃏 Giant Deck of Cards for War Game

The presenter uses giant cards to teach children the game of 'War', which involves flipping cards and comparing numbers. The child with the highest number wins each round. This game helps children learn sequencing, comparison, and the concept of greater than or less than in a fun and engaging way.

📏 Measuring Objects with Unifix Cubes

This station helps children learn about measurement. They measure the width or height of various objects using Unifix cubes, then record their findings on a laminated recording sheet. This hands-on activity introduces the basics of measurement while improving fine motor skills and attention to detail.

🔢 Bead Experiment with Number Combinations

Children experiment with beads on pipe cleaners to explore number combinations. For instance, if the task is to work with the number six, they can create combinations like '5 + 1' or '4 + 2' by moving beads across the pipe cleaner. After experimenting, they record their combinations on a laminated sheet, reinforcing their understanding of addition.

🎮 Math Stations and Ongoing Skill Development

The presenter wraps up by explaining how math stations evolve throughout the year. Stations gradually become more challenging as children develop new skills. The stations include a mix of hands-on activities and technology, with some incorporating iPads and educational games like Osmo. Teachers observe and assist children who are struggling, ensuring that every student receives the support they need to grow.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Math stations

Math stations refer to designated activity areas in a classroom where students engage in hands-on tasks to practice various math concepts. In the video, the presenter emphasizes the importance of stations in helping children build math skills like counting, addition, and problem-solving through interactive and tactile experiences. Each station is designed with different tools and activities that cater to varying levels of math proficiency.

💡Manipulatives

Manipulatives are physical objects like beads, dice, or blocks that children can handle to help them understand mathematical concepts. The presenter highlights how manipulatives are used in different stations to teach counting, addition, and number combinations, making math more engaging and easier to grasp through touch and interaction.

💡Mental math

Mental math refers to solving math problems in one's head without using physical aids like calculators or written equations. In the video, the presenter mentions that one method for teaching math to children is encouraging them to do mental math by counting in their heads, which helps develop cognitive math skills alongside more tactile learning methods.

💡Tally marks

Tally marks are a simple visual way to count using lines. In the video, the presenter explains how tally marks are used in math stations to help children count, add, or subtract. By erasing or adding marks, students get a hands-on experience of adjusting quantities, reinforcing their understanding of numbers.

💡Threading station

The threading station is an activity where children thread objects onto a string to practice hand-eye coordination while matching numbers with quantities. This station helps students work on fine motor skills while learning basic math concepts like counting and number recognition, as they are asked to thread a specific number of objects based on a number card.

💡Domino parking lot

The domino parking lot is a math station where students use dominoes to practice addition by matching the numbers on dominoes to a parking spot labeled with corresponding sums. This game-like activity helps children visually connect domino patterns to numerical values, reinforcing their ability to add and recognize sums.

💡Number combinations

Number combinations refer to different ways of adding numbers to reach a particular sum. The presenter uses an example of pulling a cup with the number '7' and having students find combinations like 5 + 2 or 3 + 3 + 1 to make 7. This helps students understand the flexibility in addition and how numbers can be broken down in various ways.

💡Sequencing

Sequencing is the process of arranging numbers or objects in a particular order, typically based on size, value, or time. In the video, the presenter explains how one station focuses on sequencing by having children build chains of numbers, which helps them understand numerical order and patterns, such as placing numbers like 2, 3, and 4 in the correct sequence.

💡Greater than or less than

This concept teaches children how to compare numbers to determine which is larger or smaller. In the video, the presenter mentions using card games, such as War, to help students practice recognizing which numbers are greater or less, reinforcing their understanding of numerical comparison and value.

💡Scaffolding

Scaffolding is an educational technique where teachers provide temporary support to help students achieve a deeper understanding of concepts. In the video, the presenter mentions walking around the room to assist students who are struggling with counting or addition, providing guidance that helps them develop the necessary skills before working independently.

Highlights

Math learning involves using a variety of tools including mental math, manipulatives, tally marks, and markers to give kids multiple methods for problem-solving.

Hands-on learning is emphasized to help children better understand math concepts, including activities like threading, tower building, and number matching.

The teacher uses a flexible approach based on students' needs, using both hands-on and mental strategies depending on what works best for the class each year.

Threading station helps improve hand-eye coordination while incorporating number cards to match quantities and build patterns.

Use of foam dice inside containers to avoid noise while shaking them, adding an innovative way to focus on the task without distractions.

In the 'Lola City' station, students build towers based on dice rolls and use a spinner to determine the winner based on the height or size of their towers.

One station focuses on identifying the next or missing number in a sequence using popsicle sticks and clips.

Ketchup containers and beaded necklaces are used to teach combinations of numbers, helping children understand how different numbers sum to specific values.

Domino parking lot game helps children practice addition by matching domino sums with corresponding parking spots numbered 0 through 12.

Chaining station encourages kids to solve addition problems using different colored chains for each number and combines them to demonstrate the total.

Another chaining station focuses on sequencing rather than addition for younger students, helping them practice ordering numbers.

A tower-building game teaches counting and number recognition as students roll dice and build towers with the corresponding number of blocks.

For variety, the teacher uses giant dominoes and cards to teach sequencing, greater than/less than concepts, and addition.

Stations include measurement activities where students use cubes to measure and record lengths of objects, reinforcing practical math skills.

A station focused on number combinations allows students to experiment with different ways to make a given number using beads and recording their results.