While searching for an extra game for my grade six students, I came across a book called Fantastic Book of Math Puzzles by Margaret C. Edmiston. This coupled with the idea of using math to build a vocabulary (in games), I thought perhaps the world problems presented in this book could be used to help students figure out the complicated language of math in an interesting way.
“The fully grown dragon, Alaranthus, has a weight equal to one-fifth of his own weight plus the weight of another dragon Montal, who weighs 800 pounds less than Alaranthus. How much does Alaranthus weigh?”
Empowering students with the ability to translate words into formulas can be complicated. This book uses language that is helpful, such as equal to (=), plus, (+) and less than (-). Students could be given a vocabulary translation sheet to work with. It would have only a few “translations” so that students could quickly memorize it. At the beginning of each class, each student would complete a quick puzzle such as the one above.
As time went on, the puzzles could become more varied with new vocabulary For example, The fully grown dragon, Alarantus, has a weight of one-fifth…. Here the word of means = . Students could then move on to more difficult problems where interpretation is often required.
In this case, students could begin by writing down the known information and then think of formulas that would help to find the unknown. From there, a connection is usually made.
There is also the opportunity for students to discuss math with each other. Students could be put in small groups to discuss how they went about finding the answer (strategy sharing). This allows students to peer teach, learn about different ways of solving problems, as well as vocalizing math in a low risk situation.
This is also a good way to get students mentally ready for their math class. It is a warm-up, where vocabulary is recycled and activated.
No comments:
Post a Comment