Table Topics
Mind-stretching brain games and conversation starters. It's the perfect opportunity for sharing stories, building knowledge, strengthening character, and having fun!
One of the big changes in standardized Math assessments is the requirement that students use language to explain the thought processes behind the solutions. THIS IS HARD! But as in any other skill, the more you do it the easier it becomes.
Practice making verbal explanations of multi-step problems. Easier problems would be adding 3 or more numbers, carrying and borrowing (renaming) in addition and subtraction. Then to make it tougher, analyze multiplication of larger numbers that includes an addition step. Or, long division that requires multiplication and subtractions.
During your discussions, always keep in mind that this exercise can be very frustrating for some people. No pushing! Small steps still cover a lot of distance.
I ate 2 pieces of broccoli, one carrot and 6 peas. How many vegetables did I eat?
Read another issue of Table Topics
Human beings love patterns
I was four or five years old and the carnival was in town. We only had enough money for each of us children to ride just one ride. My brothers and sisters made their choices and enjoyed their rides.
Dad asked me which ride I wanted to ride several times while the others were experiencing their chills and thrills. My sister had picked the merry-go-round. I was thinking that I would choose the merry-go-round, too.
But when my dad asked me again which ride I wanted, I again said, "I don't know. I can't decide."
My dad said, "If you can't decide in one more minute, we are all leaving."
Guess what? He meant what he said. We left the carnival and I did not ride on any of the rides. Now I am one of the most decisive people on the planet. I can make up my mind in a matter of seconds!
What is the important lesson you learned?
