How to Activate Your Students' Math Brains Right Away
We all know the beginning of each school year requires lots of organization and set up time, not to mention all the talking we have to do. Why not activate your students' math brains by involving them from the start with this engaging math activity? For many years, I've used the collection of students' heights, wingspans and footprints, as a way to grab their attention and do a quick check on their ability to read centimeters. After all, what better way to engage their interest than to get them up and moving, collecting data about themselves? Their curiosity is piqued when, on one of the first couple of days, they see two 3-meter tape measures stapled (or taped) to the wall as a cross. What could Mrs. K be up to? I start by setting the stage. "What are some of the biggest wingspans you can think of?" They usually think of birds and name several. It's always fun when I discover those outside-the-box thinkers who add airplanes...