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In our second grade
classroom, we use math stations (called math tubs) to explore different math
concepts in a concrete and hands-on way. Math tubs are used to practice and
reinforce math skills that we are learning. We have math tubs each week which
include activities for graphing, measurement, problem-solving, computation,
and estimation. The students work in groups to explore these different
stations. Each group works on one station per day. All activities are placed
in white tubs as shown below in the picture. Math station time usually lasts
about 30 minutes. The teacher works with one group, usually guiding the
measurement activity, while all other groups work together to complete the
assigned task. After the students complete the assigned task, there are other
math activities inside the tub for them to work on such as tangrams/cards,
pattern blocks/cards, versatiles, flashcards, file folder games, math sharks,
etc. Here is a picture of the
math tubs in my
classroom:
Here is a picture of
our math tubs rotation chart. When the red dot gets back to the top, new math
stations are introduced.
Here are some examples
of the Valentine's Day tubs that we just completed:
MEASUREMENT TUB:
In the measurement tub,
students work together with the teacher to measure the weight of candy hearts
using a balance scale and grams. First, students measured the specific amounts
of candy hearts using several measurement cups (1 cup, 1/2 cup, 1/3 cup, and
1/4 cup). Then, students measured the weight of the candy hearts using the
balance scale and grams. After measuring the weight, students put 10 candy
hearts in a straight line and measure the length in inches and centimeters
using a ruler.
PROBLEM SOLVING TUB:
In the problem solving
tub, students cut apart the heart puzzle in order to make the two shapes in
black. This was a VERY challenging activity. Afterwards, students chose one
puzzle to glue onto construction paper.
GRAPHING TUB:
In the graphing math
tub, each student received a small bag of candy conversation hearts. After
sorting and counting the hearts, students colored a bar graph. In addition to
making a bar graph, students had to answer questions about their bar graph
such as "What was the sum of your green and yellow candy hearts?" and "What
was the difference between your most and least amount?"
COMPUTATION TUB:
In this math tub,
students used the 100 chart to answer questions such as "Find the number that
is ten greater than 56". Students then used their red crayon to color the
mystery numbers on the chart. Afterwards, a hidden picture was revealed (it
was a heart of course!). When students were finished with this task, they
played a game of Valentine's Day Battleship with candy hearts!
I must give credit to a
fellow teacher that I worked with for the wonderful idea of implementing math
tubs in my classroom. Thank you to
Melinda Graham for
sharing so much of your knowledge and wonderful teaching ideas with me during
my first few years of teaching. I will always cherish the time that I worked
with you at Walker Elementary School!
CHECK BACK FOR MORE
PICTURES OF MATH TUBS LATER...
All Graphics created by ThistleGirl Designs
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