Differentiating

Teachers are constantly differentiating in the classroom for every skill, strategy, or subject area taught. Math is no exception to that rule. With the help of our math interventionist, Kathy Schaw, I have introduced a number of math games that work on number sense and span many levels.
The first game we learned was "Farkle" which is played with 6, six sided dice and depending upon the combinations players are awarded various points each round. The points are cumulus which demands much higher level addition skills than the children have ever been exposed to. With the help of an iPad app called "Number Rack" (this is a relatively new app and great for so many different skills) the children are able to do the necessary calculations. The best part about Farkle is that I am able to change the point value depending upon the skill level of each individual child.
The next game I taught the children was "Spit" or "Speed". Using a deck of playing cards the children organize their cards in front of them similarly to Solitaire with a few remaining cards in their hands. The object of the game is to get rid of your cards by placing them on two shared center piles. When getting rid of a card it has to be either the one before or the one after the existing card and there is an element of speed involved. I am able to differentiate the game for individuals by eliminating face cards. This is a very fast paced game and is enhanced by quick thinking and reactions.
Another game the children are playing is called "10 Frame Frenzy". For this game the children must match up addition facts that equal 10, locating answers on a Bingo type board, and think strategically in order to beat their partner. I am able to differentiate this game by changing the frames to 20 frames and addition facts that equal 20.
As we continue through our geometry unit and discover 3-D shapes in our world we will continue to build number sense through these games during our Work Place stations.