What's My Rule?

I used the 'What's My Question?' format to have the sixth graders practice writing rules (or as Everyday Math calls them, 'general cases') for various patterns.

I first demonstrated how to write a rule: (the constant difference/ or change) times the variable plus (or minus) the constant/ what doesn't change. Example: the perimeter of a triangle is 3. When 2 triangles are placed side by side so that one side touches, the perimeter is now 4. Three triangles side by side have a perimeter of 5. etc. So the change is +1. So 1T +2 (that doesn't change)=the total perimeter.

The "What's My Question?' format worked great! I left the previous examples up and reviewed the basics in between each pattern. The students had partners to help them out. They were very engaged, motivated, and excited. Writing one rule after another like this was very powerful for many of them. I could see the light in their eyes, and they're growing confidence.

Try it!

--Lauren

Cooperation vs. Competition

When choosing a game format to practice math skills, we often have to choose between cooperation and competition.

Cooperation encourages risk-taking, promotes self esteem, and positive interactions among students.

Competition increases motivation, promotes self esteem (with the students' abilities are similar and neither one always wins or loses), and encourages positive interactions among the students.

I have found the perfect game format: it's called 'What's My Question?' and it involves both cooperation and competition. Students work with partners competing against another team. It can be used for any and all math skills/ concepts. The only requirement is that the students be capable enough to not need the teacher's support and input. It works best when you have homogeneously mixed teams so that the stronger students can teach their peers.

To begin, draw 12 to 20 squares on a black or white board, and number them. The teams take turns throwing something at the board to determine which question is theirs. If the team that threw gets it correct, the square is theirs and they may mark it accordingly. If they miss it, the other team gets to try for it. Should they have the correct answer, the square is theirs.

The first team to get 3 in a row (with 12 squares), or 4 in a row (with 20 squares) wins the game.

I have created questions based upon the skills they are currently working on, written on index cards, or used worksheets with problems. They sometimes like the worksheet format because they get to see the question before they throw and can try to pick the questions that they feel most comfortable answering. The card format works well if you want to pick the level or difficulty or type of question based upon the team members.

Try it out and let me know what you think.

--Lauren