Thinking About the Operation and Algebraic Thinking
If you are using the Common Core State Standards, you are already familiar with the Operations and Algebraic Thinking strand listed in the Math CCSS. As I was thinking about things I would use in the class for this strand, I remembered a wonderful website I have used with students in the past and wanted to make sure I passed it along to you all!
If you have never used the Thinking Blocks website, I highly suggest checking it out! It correlates with CCSS standards for grades 1-6 and is completely free!
I originally found this site after learning about Singapore Math and modeling word problems. This site seemed to exactly match the big ideas I learned from that training.
Personally, I had to really re-train my own thought processes to understand how to model the problems myself, but the students understood it right away and showed me how to do them!
That just shows that the students “got it” immediately and it clicked. They were so excited about this site and wanted to do all the problems right then and there. (That should be a victory flag moment all on its own!)
I encourage you to stop by and see Thinking Blocks for yourself – especially if you are looking for new ways to make the OA, NF, and/or RP standards stick.
I also have some additional ideas for sponge activity time fillers for your math time for my 4th grade friends!
Common Core Skill Sharpeners: Grade 4 Operations and Algebraic Thinking!
62 pages in all, this packed activity set can be used for centers, intervention resources, or as a filler activity for those early finishers. Make sure to have them on hand to use in the case of emergency sub plans. You will never have to hear “I don’t know what to do” again!
Just grab the simple materials listed (hard goods such as the books are not included – only digital files), pop them into an accordion file folder along with the directions and blackline masters included in the set, and place them in a spot on a shelf in your classroom that is easily accessible to students.
If they have two minutes or 20, they can work on the skills in the set to reinforce those so important Common Core State Standards all day long.
This set includes six-different literature-based learning, hands-on, math journaling, and open-ended problem solving activities! Perfect for your early finishers – or as a reward for those who need an extra incentive!
Find all available Common Core Skill Sharpeners located HERE.
Thanks for stooping by and let me know in the comments below how you like the Thinking Blocks website or other fun ideas you use to teach the OA Math strand for your grade level!
Talk to you soon!
~Charity
