As I’ve mentioned before, I decided to try my hand at rewriting the Standards for Mathematical Practice into student-friendly language.
Here’s my version of SMP5…
Math Tip #5: Master Your Tools.
- Collect problem-solving tools.
- Practice until you can use them with confidence.
- Classic math tools: pencil and paper, ruler, protractor, compass.
- Modern tools: calculator, spreadsheet, computer software, online resources.
- Physical items: dice, counters, special math manipulatives.
- Tools for organizing data: graphs, charts, lists, diagrams.
- Your most important weapon is your own mind. Be eager to explore ideas that deepen your understanding of math concepts.
Download the poster, if you like:
What do you think? Would this resonate with your students?
What changes do you suggest?
You can find the whole SMP series (eventually) under the tag: Posters.
Be a Problem-Solving Champion
I had so much fun making these posters that I decided to put them into a printable activity guide. It includes the full-color poster shown above and a text-only version, with both also in black-and-white if you need to conserve printer ink.
And I added one of my favorite suitable-for-all-ages math activities to kickstart your students’ mathematical thinking.
Here’s the product description…
Join the Math Rebellion: Creative Problem-Solving Tips for Adventurous Students
Take your stand against boring, routine homework.
Fight for truth, justice, and the unexpected answer.
Join the Math Rebellion will show you how to turn any math worksheet into a celebration of intellectual freedom and creative problem-solving.
Help your students practice thinking for themselves as they follow the Two Rules of the Math Rebellion: “A pupil is allowed to write anything that is true, and not allowed to write anything untrue! These are the only rules of mathematics.”
This 42-page printable activity guide features a series of Math Tips Posters (in color or ink-saving black-and-white) that transform the Standards for Mathematical Practice to resonate with upper-elementary and older students.
Available with 8 1/2 x 11 (letter size) or A4 pages.
Denise Gaskins' Let's Play Math 