Holiday Learning Strategies, part 2

Hello.

Last week I introduced using games in the learning process as a way to review and practice key concepts.  This week, I am introducing another game that can be used to review and practice key concepts.  This game is a connect four or connect five game.  (I usually let my students decide if we’re connecting four or five.)  I am again focusing on math and my questions are prepared ahead of time.  I can use cards for students to draw, or just give problems that I want students to practice.  The thumbnail picture for this blog shows a connect five game using magnets on the board and the problems were prepared on a Smart Board Notebook program.  

What I like about this game is how engaged students are in the learning process.  Students will actively work together and support each other to solve math problems correctly and use strategy to place their pieces on the board.  It provides an opportunity for students to extend their thinking and apply what they know in discussions with their peers while also building their collaboration skills.

I also like this game because I can collect data on how independent or fluent students are with a particular math concept.  I usually do this by keeping a list of problems and the students’ names on a piece of paper off to the side.  As students answer the different questions, I will mark their answers as either independent, needed help, or unable according to a key I already noted on the paper.  I can use this data to determine who needs more help with a particular concept and who is proficient.  

Regardless of my intention for the game, students enjoy this game and the challenges and camaraderie that can come with it.  Contact me for a free consultation on how I can help your child.

In this video I use a game of connect four to review and practice specific math concepts. As a tutor and a teacher, this is a good way for me to collect data on my students’ learning progress.