For the last couple of weeks I have found myself in survival mode. Lots of direct instruction and guided practice. The kids are learning, but they are bored and so am I. Yesterday, I just had to do something different.
After a brief lesson on using the distibutive property to solve equations containing parentheses, I had the students scoot their desk next to their partners desk and then gave everyone some low odor dry erase markers (this is part of their school supply requirements). I then put up problems like this:
I gave them two minutes to work the problems out on their desks. I told them I wouldn't help anyone and that they would have to rely on their partner if they weren't sure what to do.
After about two minutes I began to uncover the steps using the "shade" feature of my smartboard. You could hear the moans and groans from the students as they realized their mistakes.
My day was made when one of my students in the last period of the day said "Can we do this more often? I really learn good like this." All the other kids chimed in, "yeah, let's do this again." I said we would definitely do it again sometime and I complimented them on everyone being on task and engaged.
4 comments:
The markers just clean right off the desk? I like this idea!
Cool idea! I empathize with your class loads. I have two freshman Algebra classes with 32 students...hard to do a lot of neat stuff when you are managing behavior. Good for you for staying calm.
this is the coolest idea - I have been schlepping around my individual white board set which weights a TON. I hope the markers can wipe off our desks. Going to check it out first thing tomorrow!
I like the idea! It's simple for the teacher to prepare, and it's unique enough that the students are engaged. Thanks!
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