Our Big Math Notebook

Several people have asked me about my Big Class Problem-Solving Notebook. It is simply a chart tablet (I use the  24x16 " one) that we record our thinking and strategies in together as a class.

We go through several a year (and I don't always decorate them, but for you, I fancied it up!)

We often use it as a way to record our warm-up activities (see below for examples). More importantly, we use it during mathematician's chair for the kids to record and explain the different strategies they use to solve problems. I do not have any pictures of that, but as soon as I get some, I'll post them. It's a very important part of kindergarten problem-solving and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

In the meantime, here are some ways I use the notebook for "warm-ups." My warm-ups take many different forms, but these are little mini-lessons that address the math concepts we're currently covering, as well as review concepts we've already covered. I usually do one to begin math, but I also sneak them in during calendar time or any other time I have a few minutes.

We do this one during mathematician's chair after the How many eyes do you have? problem. I invite the children up to show me different ways to represent the number 2--->2 dots, 2 tally marks, 2 flowers, 2 triangles, etc. Later in the year, we will add in equations- 1+1; 4-2; etc. 

 

Same problem, different number:

We brainstorm different reasons people count and how counting helps us...

We brainstorm good counting strategies--line objects up, touch them, push them away, etc. 

 

We do this for mathematician's chair after this problem. Don't worry, I add 8, 9, 10 if we need them. (And 2! Once I had a Vu!)

We do this when we start talking about attributes. Here, we're comparing pictures. But we compare objects in the room and even kids! We do this a lot, all year long!  Here it is if you want it:

Download Same_Different 

Here's another one we do all year long. Of course, the numbers get bigger... 

Another same/different problem.

A great place to get ideas for these warm-ups is from The K-Crew's Buzz Book. They are a wonderful resource!

Comments

[Robin]

Thank you for posting...I was hoping you'd put up a visual of this BIG MATH NOTEBOOK. You're website is fantastic!! I plan to visit often for your great ideas!! THANK YOU!!!

[Lisa]

What can I say - but YOU rock!! Thank you for taking the time to make this website with all of these awesome ideas and pictures. YOU are very much appreciated!!

[Margaret Dumville]

I absolutely love your blog.... just found it today and will definitely re-visit. Thank you!!

[L Lack]

Is this BIG math notebook a "teacher version" of the students' math journals? Or are those 2 separate items you include in your math lessons?