Math task cards are simple yet powerful tools that can transform the way math is practiced and learned. They’re not just pieces of paper with math problems; they’re gateways to active, collaborative, and creative learning experiences that can benefit students of all abilities.
As educators, we understand the importance of teaching math concepts to our students. However, equally important is ensuring that these concepts are not just learned but also retained over time. Math skills are like muscles; they need regular exercise to stay strong. That’s where the power of review and practice comes into play.
So often in math, students find themselves ‘hung up’ on a skill. They are at a standstill and have no idea to do next. When this happens not only is the student not engaged in learning, but there is a very good chance they will find a friend or two and together they will become engaged in chaos.
Third, I make a promise to each of my students that if they work hard in math…even when it is so difficult that all they want to do is run away and cry, I guarantee them they will improve and be able to complete math tasks they never thought possible.
In the upper elementary grades I have found that doing a class sociogram the first week of school provides a great deal of valuable information. Sociograms are not anything new. As a matter of fact, it was teacher, who has long since retired, that first introduced the concept to me.
My kids love to play this fun game! The game of SKUNK, that is!