Early in the year the students were reviewing how to compare and order numbers. We first reiterated the importance of understanding place value in a number. Then, students were able to use the understanding of place value to help them evaluate where numbers might fall on a number line. As a fun practice the students were given the opportunity to get up and move around. Each student was given a few number cards that they then had to order on a clothesline across the room.
What I particularly enjoyed about this activity was that not only were they practicing a valuable math skill, but they were working collaboratively to do so. It is important for me as a teacher to see kids develop the problem solving skills necessary to working in groups. In business school we learned the four stages of group work-- forming, norming, storming and performing. I believe it is key to begin building the skills necessary for resolving conflict independently in third grade so that they can successfully work together in groups. Since it was the beginning of the year it was helpful to build a strong classroom community with expectations for the students to work together cooperatively and compassionately. The extra challenge to their task? No talking! The students were able to effectively communicate non-verbally with their classmates.
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