We have all been there. I was there last week. My students took a mid-year math assessment on the computer. It was only practice, but as I walked around, I realized that there were a LOT of questions that involved balancing equations and solving for a variable. It wasn’t that we hadn’t learned the skill, because we did. It was more like we had plowed through those math lessons without a lot of independent practice.
Sometimes that happens. There is a lesson or two on a certain topic, and then off you go to the next thing. My students had a little practice with the simple equations, but not a lot of independent practice with the more challenging problems.
So, I decided to create some more practice for them to do during our small group time so that they felt more prepared. Then I remembered that balancing equations is often seen as LAME to third graders…hahaha. Insert a 3D craft to [hopefully] help make the task more desirable. With Valentine’s Day on the way, I decided to seize the opportunity. I would essentially trick the class into doing some math by creating a fun craft… I would also end up with a bulletin board ready to go for the beginning of February!
So here it is, Solving Equations Valentine 3D Craft. I tried to create 4 different versions so that kids could work their way through the different degrees of difficulty, but so that I could assign certain ones to certain students for differentiation. The final one is pretty challenging and will be great for my kids that need to be challenged. They will really have to use their noggins!
Have a great long weekend! Do something relaxing! It is going to be cold here, so I will be trying to stay warm
~Heather Johnson 33
[…] math skills AND practice the math skills they need more practice with. Last week I shared some 3D Valentine Solving Equation crafts and this week I am sharing a winter version. This will work in my class because it will allow […]