Penguin Problem Solving and a Very Important Table
Have you looked at table 1 in the glossary of the common core standards? If you haven't (or you have and need a refresher)Go here
Go to page 88. Side Note: If you teach multiplication/division you really need to check out page 89
Here is a screen shot of the table I am talking about
This table shows all the addition and subtraction situations that your students need to be familiar with. The grade level standards specify which ones each grade is responsible for and the size of the numbers involved. I looked at our math program and the problems we were currently using. Oops! We are missing some of those. We seem to have a lot of add to, result unknown. We also had a lot of compare, difference unknown problems. The rest of the problem types either did not exist or where not in an appropriate number range. Time to create some new ones.
Because I have been so involved with the penguin theme, I decided to stick with it. I created a series of picture problems that represent the different problem types in the glossary table 1.
These picture problems are available at my teachers pay teachers store. They are sold on their own and as part of the ultimate penguin pack. Check them out! |
On each problem, I wrote the problem type on the sun. This helps me keep the terminology straight and gives me a chance to expose myself to these different problem types. I used numbers in the first grade (up to 20) range for these problems. I ended up using some of them with kindergartners as well. At the end of this week, I am planning on using some of them with an intervention group of second graders. They really aren't familiar (or proficient?) with some of these problem types and I think I need to back down to smaller numbers and give them more concrete experiences.
Here is another example
Here is a type of problem I hadn't ever thought about presenting to kids. They had a lot of fun with it, were very engaged and practiced their combinations of ten
Another favorite problem is the put together/take apart: addend unknown problem
The kids had some really interesting strategies!
Does your math program expose students to all the problem types? If not, how do you give them the exposure they need?
Head to Tpt to grab your copy:)