iHeart Math Holiday Hop

A Holiday Math Tip - Let Your Students Tell You What Engages and Motivates Them

A Math Tip - Turn Common Errors into Teachable Moments
My second stocking stuffer allows you the gift of time.  To save you time, I have created a little template (in powerpoint and pdf) that you can use at any time for Error Analysis.  You may wish to use it in conjunction with number talks, as a math station, an entrance or exit slip, or as a quick teachable moment (like I do).  I like to pull this up a few times a week when I see a common error being made in my students' work.  It's a great way to squeeze in a little reinforcement when you need it.  You can read a little more about it in my blog post HERE.  You can grab a copy for yourself by clicking on the picture below.

A Special Gift
Lastly, my gift to you this season is a Christmas and Winter Themed word problem package.  Now, it may be too late to use the Christmas-themed problems if you finished up on Friday, but the Winter-themed ones will last you through next month at least (or MANY more months where I live).  These problems are full sheet, full colour.  If you do not wish to print them, you could project them onto the whiteboard and let students complete.  I like to print a set and laminate them, then use them for small group problem-solving activities where students solve the problem on chart paper, then display and explain how they solved the problem to their classmates.  Each group becomes an expert at the problem they solved, which increases their confidence and motivation ... a gift to you and them.  :)  Just click on the image below to get a set for your classroom.

I hope you enjoyed your gifts, and I truly hope you have the happiest of holidays.  Tomorrow's post is brought to you by Danielle from Live.Love.Math.  Be sure to pop over and see what she has in store for you.

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Error Analysis Template

Last week I shared a time-saving tip about how to use pre-made templates for some of your regular lessons and activities in the classroom - (view the post here).  I received quite a few requests about sharing these templates, but I couldn't share the ones I showed because they were made on school time with school technology.

So ... I've found a little time to recreate the templates so I could share with you.

Today I'm sharing my Error Analysis Template.  This is a blank template I use often in my classroom.  This resource includes both the powerpoint version (so you can add textboxes over top of where you wish to add your information), or the PDF – which is what I use.  I simply project the PDF onto the whiteboard and we use our whiteboard markers to write in the boxes.  You can also print and use the blank PDF and use a center or a guided math activity.  Click on the link above or the picture below to grab a copy for yourself.

I use this activity as reinforcement/review when I see an error commonly happening in the classroom.  I can quickly pull up the template (which I have as a shortcut on my computer desktop) and write in the question and incorrect solution.  I ask students to look at the incorrect solution, find and circle the error on the board, and then model the correct solution on the right hand side.  You can have all students do this on individual whiteboards, or in their notebooks, or have one student volunteer to come to the whiteboard and model for all.  You could also have your students turn and talk to a partner to collaboratively determine where the error is and how to solve the problem correctly, before someone solves it on the board.

I also use this template when completing “My Favorite No” activities.  I've posted the video before, but it's definitely worth posting again.

I also included a copy of the template with and without the traffic light comprehension.  We use the traffic light to discuss our level of comprehension of a certain concept – green means “got it”, yellow means “still practicing”, and red means “I need some help.”  For a quick template activity, I would just ask students orally to raise their hands to show their comprehension level as I pointed to each color.  My students were always comfortable sharing this information in class (encouraging growth mindset), but if you feel your students would be uncomfortable with this, you can use the template without the traffic light.

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