Reading and Writing about Math in our Lives Part II

Last week, I wrote a post about some of the great resources you can find on Big Universe that apply math concepts to real life.  The series I wrote of  shows how math relates to the everyday things we do.  It is called “Math in Our World” from Weekly Reader.   There are at least 8 books in the series and each one tells a story about kids using math as they do things such as have a party or look at the world around them.

I also wrote about how I assigned a challenge to some of my students to read through these books and then start to create their own version of it.  I am happy to say that the students are very involved with and motivated by their projects.  In fact, each day, the students are at my desk first thing in the morning asking me when they can go to the computer lab to work on their collaborative, math infused books.  This project has really only begun, but it has brought many things to light.

Motivation – I knew the kids would enjoy this project, but I didn’t think they would be SO overwhelmingly excited and self-motivated.  They have truly taken the bull by the horns on this one.  I’m just coaching them along.

Organization -My students have thought through and organized everything from deciding which student’s Big Universe account to use to create the book to finding the time to work in the library or Computer Clubhouse.  One group has even been creating a storyboard, writing out plans of what pictures they need, where they can take them, and checking them off a list as they go.

Collaboration -Each group was created by the kids.  In other words, I didn’t choose their partners for this project and it has been working out great.  So far, they are communicating really well as they share ideas and work through the decision making process.   They have been sharing the load and assigning each other jobs such as photographer and typist, as well as sharing the fun parts like creating backgrounds on pages and uploading photos.

Use of Technology -It’s been fun watching the kids use the writing features on Big Universe.  For some, it took a little extra time to get used to the tools and for others it was like second nature.  One group has discovered that you can upload photos into a book and that has led to the use of the digital camera.  One challenge we have had is that our student computer is not very good, fast or reliable.  The students have learned patience and have been seeking out the other resources we have in the building.

Taking the Initiative – As I said, every morning, the kids are waiting to discuss times they can go around the school and take pictures or times they can spend on school computers.  My job has simply been to say yes and guide them to the right place at the right time.  The rest has been ALL them!  It’s a teacher’s dream come true: students taking ownership of their own learning!

Grading Criteria – The students and I spent some time this week discussing the criteria we should be using to create such an ebook.  We decided on three FCAs (Focus Correction Areas):

• B (introduces the story), E (concludes the story)
• M (includes 3+ math equations with illustrations)
• Glossary with 3+ math terms that are included in the story

I highly recommend this type of project for your students.  It has been a wonderful use of time for some of my advanced students who always do good work quickly.  They have been excited about their learning and they have worked with each other very well.  Other students have seen what they’ve been doing and are excited when I tell them that they will have the chance next month.  My hope is that this group can instruct the next group on the challenge.

It has been fun to use Big Universe to integrate reading, writing, math and technology, not to mention the numerous 21st century skills that have driven the assignment.

I hope to write a part three soon and share the students’ ebooks.

~EMP

One Comment

• MamaPat says:

  January 17, 2012 at 12:09 pm

  OHHHHHHHHHHHHH, This is so exciting. What would it cost for my grandson to use this site for homeschooling next year for KD? As MamaPat and retired reading teacher & writing coach, it’s my job to scout out things for his daddy to use for homeschooling. Any suggestions? MamaPat