MY APPROACH

I would ask pupils to show their understanding and solve a problem using the think board. I would provide them with one of the listed options then ask them to complete their board with a specific selection of other options from the list below.

1. Estimate

2. Mental Calculation (without recordings)

3. Concrete/Picture

4. Splitting Method

5. Jump / Number line

6. Formal Written Algorithm

7. Compensating / Adjusting

8. Word Problems

9. Bar Model

10. Number Sentence

1. Estimate

I believe that it is important for pupils to be able to estimate the answer they expect before solving it. This will alert them to any unlikely answers they may come up with e.g. answers with extra digits. It is important for pupils who tend to rely on following a process, to learn to do this.

2. Mental Calculation (without recordings)

I also believe that it is beneficial for the pupil to attempt solving the problem mentally before they show their understanding. At some point I would ask them to talk about the strategy they used when completing the sum mentally.

3 – 10.

I have left the titles empty on the Think Boards. Firstly, for your flexibility e.g. you could be focused on the jump strategy and asking pupils to show 4 different ways to jump along the number line. Secondly, it is good for the learner to state what they are doing as part of the learning.

I am looking forward to using these with my new class after the summer holidays.

I hope you find them useful like I do.

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THINK BOARDS

Think Boards provide learners with an opportunity to share their understanding in a variety of ways. I have used them to improve conceptual understanding in maths and to encourage pupils to be more flexible when selecting their mental calculations.

The benefits I have experienced when using Think Boards are:

• Making connections between learned strategies can help bring meaning and understanding to calculations.

• Pupils will experience opportunities for self-reflection when using Think Boards.

• Think Boards provide opportunities for pupils to give and receive feedback during learning.

• Pupils will be able to identify their strengths and preferred methods for solving a variety of sums.

• Think Boards can facilitate maths talk.

• Think Boards challenge pupils to articulate their understanding of the problem and its solution.

• Think Boards can help to build confidence and reduce anxiety about maths.

• Think Boards are a flexible resource that are easy to differentiate.

• Think Boards are a flexible resource that can be used in a variety of ways to maintain pupil engagement.

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TERMS OF USE

Mr C – The Wee Maths Guy Terms of Use:

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Think Boards for Addition © 2018 by Mr C – The Wee Maths Guy