Week 6 Math Reflection

This week we learned about ratios. If we want to get all technical the proper definition from our textbook "Making Math Meaningful" is a manipulative comparison between two numbers or we can use real life experiences to better explain this definition. 

Let's say your friend comes over and brings you a snack from McDonalds and on the bag you notice that the Monopoly game is back.  On their bag advertising the game you see that is says "1 in 5 Chances to win". 

If you put that into ratio form it would look something like this:

1:5

This ratio explains that  for every five people who play the game, one person will win a prize. Sounds easier when you apply it to real life, right?!

Retrieved October 23, 2016 from McMath

We had our learning presentations this week where our classmates created lessons around ratios and proportions. One that really stuck out was a friend who incorporated baking into her lesson. I love when teachers use real life experiences to explain their thinking and create problems that are fun to solve because it isn't made up and they can visualize the problem in their head. I think students remember the lesson better if they can relate to it, if the concept is related to their real life.  I hope that when I am teaching in the classroom, that I can use real life experiences to connect my lessons and keep the students engaged and ready to learn. 

Our teacher also gave us a really good resource at the beginning of class. It is similar to the French game J'ai, Qui a (I have, who has) and is very simple to play.


                                

The teacher has a set of cards that you mix up and distribute evenly to your students. 

You then have the student with the beginning card start and read aloud to the class. For example a student would start by saying "I have 38, who has 8 x 2? 

The student who has the card with the correct answer to the previous student’s “Who Has...” question reads their card aloud. (example: I have 16. Who has 5 x 2?) And so on until the chain loops back around to the person who started. 

This is a great way to practice multiplication skills and get the whole class involved. It would also be helpful to pair up a strong student with a not so strong/confident student when playing this game. It is a little stressful trying to figure out your multiplication answer when everyone's staring at you so having someone who is quick with their multiplication already would be an asset to a child who is nervous or still working on perfecting their multiplication skills.


I cant wait to see more presentations next week and learn from my peers!

Have a great Sunday everyone!